NOVEMBER 2025
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THE CASE FOR MAKING BAD ART
By Anna Rose Menako
If you’re experiencing an artist's block, making purposefully bad art might lead to unexpected creative breakthroughs. “Bad art” is certainly subjective. It might look like breaking all of the cardinal rules you learned in art class (like not using black paint for shadows, or not using white paint directly from the container). It might look like disregarding craftsmanship or color theory in favor of messier, less calculated methods of self-expression. It might look like using less “sophisticated” materials, like crayons or paper rescued from your recycling bin, to make your masterpieces.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, sometimes life gets in the way and art is deprioritized. Returning to it after a hiatus, or starting as a beginner, can feel daunting. There may be fears of being too out of practice or too behind to start making art. Creating with the goal of making intentionally “bad” art eliminates these fears by allowing artists to express themselves, without the pressure to live up to impossible standards of perfection.
Making bad art can feel like a kind of silent rebellion. With each brushstroke you attempt to make “bad” or “ugly”, you might find how perceived “ugliness” can balance and heighten the beauty of other elements. I think this mirrors the complexities of real life.
If you take on the challenge of creating bad art, you might find that it results in a less guarded, more honest expression of your artistic voice. Setting out to make bad art can result in work that is more cathartic and resonant than if you had created just another pretty painting. It might reveal more about your unique sensibilities and what you feel authentically drawn to create, rather than what you feel you’re expected to create.
In the age of social media, and the comparison that can come with it, it’s easy for artists to put undue pressure on themselves to constantly out-do their last project. Those expectations can inhibit creative artistic expression. It doesn't have to be like this. Sometimes the most satisfying art doesn’t come from trying hard to create something new and spectacular, but instead from honest self expression.
That is my case for making art that is imperfect on purpose. The process of making bad art is just the beginning. It’s a launchpad that can help you find your way back to your truth.
PUMPKIN PIE ALBUM REVIEW
By Nicole Baillargeon
As a student at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, there is one fall event that I and many others look forward to every year. UWM’s prowl radio station hosts a battle of the bands, where our campuses’ small artists have a chance to build a fan base. This year one band in particular caught my attention. “Bowvee” was the first to perform and set the bar high for the following bands. Each one of the 5 songs they had played was instantly a hit for me. The energy and life put into the performance drew me in. Their indie sound clicked instantly for a 20 something who’s living their college days to the fullest Songs like “Color,” “Sweetheart” and “Into Place” were a hit at the event, so much so that Bowvee ended up winning the battle of the bands.
Bowvee’s sophomore album entitled “Pumpkin pie” debuted on October 3rd 2025. The band also had an album release party at the iconic Cactus Club just 2 days later, which I had the privilege to attend The show started with the first track, “Jumpy,” an upbeat energetic start to the album. This song reminds me of the iconic tunnel scene in “Perks of being a wallflower", where Emma Watsons character is standing through the sunroof of a car while driving through a tunnel. It captures the feeling of freedom and carelessness that we all chase, and this whole album rushes that feeling right into me.
Later on, the band played a definite fan favorite “SIDE EYE”. The crowd of about 70 people sang along, and when lead singer Nick Bove instructed them to open the pit, they were way ahead of him. There’s no doubt there’s magic in seeing and hearing music live, but there’s truly no other word to describe the energy in the room. It was nearly impossible to not be drawn into the spirit of the show and the fans.
I highly recommend this album, and I cannot sing the praises of Bowvee loud enough. The thought and passion put into every song is beyond evident, and the structure of the album was on point. If you have the chance to see these guys live, do so. “Pumkin Pie” has been on repeat for me, and hopefully for you as well. Congratulations to Bowvee on a great album and a wonderful show.
Pumpkin Pie by Bowvee is available on Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube
Nicole Baillargeon
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