Polish is useful. It builds trust, removes friction, and tells people that somebody cared. But polish can also erase the evidence that a person made the thing.
A controlled rough edge
The most memorable identities often contain one element that refuses to behave: a crop that feels almost too tight, an unexpectedly plain sentence, a mark that changes shape, or a color that should not quite work.
That detail creates tension. More importantly, it gives the system somewhere to grow.
The goal is not imperfection. The goal is character.
When everything is equally resolved, nothing asks for a second look. A controlled rough edge creates a rhythm between confidence and curiosity.
Knowing when to stop
This is not an argument for careless work. The functional parts should be exceptionally clear. Navigation, accessibility, hierarchy, and production logic all benefit from rigor.
The unfinished feeling belongs in the expressive layer — the part that communicates attitude. Leave one door open and let the audience complete the thought.