Embracing Individuality in Art: My Personal Creative Journey

Art is a deeply personal expression, and discovering a unique style can feel like uncovering a part of yourself you never knew existed. My journey to finding my personal art style has been filled with experimentation, reflection, and growth. This post shares the steps I took, the challenges I faced, and the insights I gained along the way. Whether you are an artist searching for your own voice or simply curious about the creative process, I hope my story offers useful ideas and inspiration.

My evolving personal art style in a creative space

Starting with Exploration

When I first began creating art, I didn’t have a clear idea of what my style would look like. I thought, like many of you that my art was supposed to be representational and highly realistic. I soon learnt that didn't satisfy me and neither did it do much for anyone else.

• Experiment with different materials: I used charcoal, watercolors, digital tools, and collage. Each medium brought out different qualities in my work. I haven't really settled on one medium but I love watercolour and combining it with many other things. I guess that's why I call myself a mixed media artist.

• Study other artists: I looked at a wide range of artists, from classical painters to contemporary illustrators. I didn’t copy their work but paid attention to what moved me. I found a number of artists, particularly women, whose work and story resonated with me.

• Keep a journal: This might include your own sketches and ideas for artworks, but also anything and everything that appeals to you - maybe photos you took on holiday, snippets about exhibitions and artists you enjoy, snippets from magazines and images that appeal to you for whatever reason. You are not going to use absolutely everything you keep in your journal but they will offer you ideas about what you like when you feel like you have run out of them!

  
  

As I explored, I realised that my personal style didn't have to be like everyone else's and indeed it shouldn't be. I love colour, texture and am what could be called a maximalist.

Identifying Core Elements

After much exploration and working with an artistic mentor, I realised the following:

• Color palette: I favour bright, intense colours, expecially in watercolour. My favourite colour is purple and I often work with pinks, purples, and reds, but often with a contrasting colour.

• Brushwork and texture: I love watercolour and the way that it often gives you "surprises" and "accidents" that are the most interesting part of the painting. I also love intense texture, whether that is achieved with the brush, additional line work or gluing extra bits onto a 3D piece.

• Subject matter: I often focused on natural elements such as plants, landscapes, and animals, but try to bring out the "magic" I perceive is inhabited by nature, and often will pair it with a feminine essence to reflect my felt relationship with nature.

  
  
  
  

By focusing on these core elements, I could create pieces that felt consistent and authentic, even when the subject or medium changed.

Overcoming Challenges

Finding a personal art style is not without obstacles. I faced moments of doubt and frustration, especially when my work didn’t look like what I imagined. That's ongoing and something I think all artists need to learn to live with.

• Fear of failure: I learned to accept that not every piece would be perfect. Mistakes became opportunities to learn.

• Comparing to others: It was tempting to measure my progress against other artists. Instead, I reminded myself that my style is unique and evolves at its own pace.

• Balancing influence and originality: While inspired by others, I have never wanted to imitate their art.

  
  

These challenges taught me patience and resilience, essential qualities for any creative journey.

Refining Through Feedback and Reflection

Sharing my work with others provided valuable perspectives. I joined local art groups and online communities where I could exchange ideas and receive constructive criticism.

• Listening to feedback: I focused on comments that helped me improve technique or clarify my vision. Having said that, I don't believe that there is good and bad art. I have learnt to take on board helpful comments and ignore criticism which is not designed to be helpful!

• Reflecting on my own work: Regularly reviewing my portfolio helped me see patterns and areas for growth.

• Setting goals: I set specific goals, such as mastering a new technique or completing a series of related works.

  
  

This process of reflection and feedback helped me sharpen my style and build confidence. Confidence in yourself and your own style is key.

Embracing Evolution

One important lesson is that a personal art style is not fixed. It grows and changes as you do.

• Trying new things: I continue to experiment with different subjects and tools to keep my work fresh.

• Allowing flexibility: Sometimes my style leans more abstract, other times more detailed, depending on my mood and inspiration.

• Documenting progress: Keeping records of my work over time shows how my style has evolved.

  
  

This openness to change keeps my art exciting and meaningful.

Practical Tips for Finding Your Own Style

If you want to discover your personal art style, here are some practical steps based on my experience:

• Create regularly: Practice builds skill and reveals preferences.

• Keep a visual journal: Collect images, colors, and ideas that inspire you.

• Limit your palette: Working with fewer colors can help develop a cohesive look.

• Focus on what excites you: Choose subjects and techniques that feel joyful.

• Be patient: Style develops over time, not overnight.

• Seek feedback: But be careful who you choose for this - find someone who is what Julia Cameron calls a "believing mirror"

• Stay true to yourself: Your style should reflect your unique perspective.

  
  

Final Thoughts on the Art Style Journey

Discovering a personal art style is a rewarding process that deepens your connection to your work. It requires curiosity, courage, and commitment. My journey has taught me that style is not about fitting into a category but about expressing what matters most to you. I encourage you to embrace your creative path with openness and confidence. Keep exploring, learning, and creating—your unique style will emerge naturally.