How a Silly Lion Changed My Teaching Forever
My art studio has a special piece pinned to my wall. Among the carefully crafted projects and technically skilled artwork sits a silly little sketch—what can only be described as a hot dog lion, complete with a mustard mane and a ketchup crown.
It’s not there for its flawless technique or artistic precision. It’s there because it represents one of the most powerful teaching moments I’ve had in 15 years of art education—a moment that redefined how I teach creativity, confidence, and the beauty of embracing imperfection.
The Moment Perfectionism Met Play
It all started in a typical drawing class. My son (yes, I was both mom and teacher that day) was struggling with his lion sketch. His hands trembled as he tried to perfect every line, his eyes darting nervously at the more experienced students’ work around him. Frustration built. Tears welled.
As an art teacher, I could have stepped in with technical corrections. But as a mom, I saw something bigger at play—his creative confidence was on the line.
The Unexpected Teacher
That’s when Kynlee, one of my more advanced students, did something incredible. She had the skill to create a well-proportioned, realistic lion. But instead, she grabbed a fresh sheet of paper and announced with a mischievous grin, “Watch this!”
With bold, confident strokes, she sketched the now-legendary hot dog lion. It was ridiculous. It was playful. And it was exactly what my son needed. His tears turned to laughter, and suddenly, the entire class was creating their own wildly creative lion variations.
This was one of those moments I had to let go of order and structure and let the natural flow of conversation and learning take place. My own 'perfectionism' was tested and we all won in the lessons we learned.
The Lesson Beyond Drawing
That moment taught me three things that changed how I teach art forever:
1️⃣ Connection Trumps Perfection – The most meaningful moments in art don’t come from flawless technique; they come from shared experiences.
2️⃣ Play Unlocks Creativity – When we stop fearing mistakes, we open the door to true artistic expression.
3️⃣ Peer Support is Powerful – Sometimes, the best learning happens not from a teacher, but from a friend who understands the struggle.
Transforming Art Education
That day reshaped how I approach teaching. Yes, I still teach technical skills, but first, I create an environment where:
✅ Mistakes are celebrated as discoveries
✅ Experimentation is encouraged
✅ Creative confidence takes priority
✅ Connection comes before perfection
Your Child’s Creative Journey
If your child struggles with perfectionism in art, remember the hot dog lion. Sometimes, the best path to confidence doesn’t look like we expect. It might come through silly sketches, imperfect lines, or unexpected creative twists.
The goal isn’t to lower our standards—it’s to redefine success. Sometimes, success is a beautifully detailed drawing. Other times, it’s simply the courage to start, the joy of creating, or the freedom to make mistakes.
So next time your child says, “I can’t draw,” remind them: Every great artist started with a single mark. And sometimes, that mark might just look like a hot dog with a mustard mane. 🌭🦁
Keep encouraging, keep creating, and maybe even make a hot dog lion of your own. 😉
Happy creating!
Julie True
True Hues Art 🎨
PS. What if those “mistakes” could actually bring your family closer together?
As both a homeschool mom and an art teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how creativity can strengthen family bonds, encourage open communication, and create lasting memories. When kids feel safe to explore, make mistakes, and try again, they don’t just grow as artists—they grow in confidence and connection with those around them.
That’s why I created ‘Embracing the Imperfect: 5 Activities for Kids Who Fear Mistakes’—a free guide designed to help families nurture creativity, embrace imperfections, and grow closer through shared artistic experiences. DOWNLOAD IT HERE
