Stared at paint swatches so long" - is it really that deep? You look at colors until your brain gets tired, it's not a medical crisis. @zara_jones with the carpet samples, same basic thing. Just walk away for twenty minutes. Look at a blank wall or some trees out a window. Your eyes don't need a "reset," they just need a break from you overthinking beige versus taupe. Come back and the colors will look normal again.

Basic paper can be great, but it doesn't work with all inks. I've had designs get muddy when the paper soaked up too much. Higher quality stock prevents that for detailed work.

Haha, I feel this so much. I mean, I'm always giving backhanded compliments without meaning to. Like just yesterday I told my friend their new haircut was 'brave', and I meant it as a good thing but it totally came out wrong. Idk, maybe it's just me but I always manage to put my foot in my mouth. It's a special skill, honestly.