Sometimes, it's okay to phone it in.

If you're a millionaire actor starring in a blockbuster film, like, let's say, Johnny Depp in the 5th Pirates of the Caribbean movie, it's NOT okay to phone in a performance. That move stunk all around. Bad script, bad effects, bad everything. And Johnny Depp didn't help.

But if you're not getting paid millions of dollars to do something, sometimes it's okay to just phone it in. You know, like writing a fanfic or drawing or whatever it is you do for fun. It's better to create than to not create, even if you're not in the best headspace for it. I've been doing an October drawing challenge wherein I try to create a complete ink drawing every day. For the last three days, I've not really given it my all. I've cut corners. I've rushed through it. The reason: I'm sick with a cold. It's weird; you don't think of drawing as a mental exercise, but when your brain power seems to be leaking out of your nose in the form of mucus, it becomes apparent that art takes a lot of thinking.

I also have written a couple of fanfics recently that were just okay. I published them online anyway, because, hey, it's free content! And just because I'm not as proud of it as other stuff I've written, that doesn't mean that someone else won't connect with it or be inspired by it.

It's good to keep creating even when you don't feel like it and even when it doesn't turn out very well. It helps keep you loose and in the right mindset for making art. Taking breaks is important, too, of course, but it can be crippling if you start thinking everything you make has to be a masterpiece! Make art that no one else will see, write stories just for yourself, and don't be afraid to share the duds. It may resonate with someone in a way that you never expected!