Finding Your Unique Artistic Voice
Hello, creative friends! March is the perfect time for fresh creative energy. The longer days and shift into spring make it an ideal season to reevaluate your artistic practice and lean into your unique voice. But what if you don’t feel like you have one yet?
Many surface pattern designers struggle with feeling like their work is too similar to others or lacking originality. Maybe you’ve dabbled in multiple styles, unsure of which truly represents you. Or maybe you worry that your work is too inspired by other artists. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone!
Here’s the truth: Your artistic voice isn’t something you “find”—it’s something you develop. And it takes time.
What is an Artistic Voice?
Your artistic voice is a combination of:
• Your style (line quality, shapes, textures, motifs)
• Your color choices (bright and bold? soft and muted?)
• Your subject matter (florals, abstracts, geometrics, hand-drawn elements?)
• Your influences (historical styles, personal experiences, cultural references)
It’s what makes your work recognizable—even without your name on it.
Many designers believe they must discover their artistic voice overnight, but in reality, it’s something that emerges through consistent practice and exploration.
Think about famous surface pattern designers like:
• William Morris – Instantly recognizable for his rich, intricate botanical prints.
• Marimekko – Known for bold, high-contrast, abstract florals.
• Orla Kiely – Famous for clean, repeating retro-inspired geometric patterns.
They didn’t start with a signature style—they built it over time. And so will you.
My Own Journey: Still Searching, and That’s Okay
I’ll be honest: I’m still not sure I have a distinctive personal style. I’m always experimenting—trying new layouts, new color palettes, and new motifs. Some days I lean toward soft florals, other days I’m drawn to structured geometrics. And that’s okay!
For a long time, I thought not having a signature style meant I wasn’t a “real” designer. But I’ve come to realize that your artistic voice isn’t a single, fixed thing—it’s always evolving. It’s a journey, not a destination.
Instead of feeling pressured to “arrive” at a style, I now embrace the process. Every pattern I create brings me one step closer to understanding what I love, what excites me, and what feels authentically me.
If you feel like you haven’t “figured out” your style yet, take a deep breath. You’re not behind. You’re exactly where you need to be.
5 Ways to Find Your Unique Artistic Voice
If you’re feeling stuck, here are some actionable ways to uncover and develop your artistic identity:
1. Create Without Judgment
• Not every piece has to be perfect. Give yourself permission to make ugly art—sometimes that’s where breakthroughs happen!
• Play with different tools, techniques, and compositions without pressure.
2. Look at What You Love
• What subjects do you naturally sketch? Florals? Animals? Abstract textures?
• What color palettes feel most “you”? Earthy tones? Neons? Pastels?
• What brands or designers inspire you? Analyze why you love their work—but don’t copy them!
3. Experiment with Constraints
• Sometimes having too many choices makes it harder to define your style. Try setting limitations:
• Only using three colors per design.
• Only drawing one type of motif for a month (florals, geometrics, food, etc.).
• Creating one pattern every day for 30 days with a set prompt.
4. Study, But Don’t Copy
• It’s great to be inspired by other artists, but your voice comes from remixing influences in your own way.
• Instead of copying a pattern you love, ask yourself what you like about it. The colors? The layout? The hand-drawn quality? Then try incorporating that element into your own work.
5. Make a LOT of Work
• Your artistic voice comes from repetition. The more patterns you create, the more patterns you refine, the clearer your style becomes.
• Try keeping a design journal where you track what works, what doesn’t, and what you want to explore next.
Common Struggles & How to Overcome Them
1. “I feel like I’m not original enough.”
Truth: Everyone starts by being inspired by others. What makes you unique is the way you interpret ideas. Keep designing, and your voice will emerge.
2. “I’m stuck in one style and afraid to change.”
Truth: It’s okay to evolve! Many designers have multiple styles or transition over time. Let yourself explore without guilt.
3. “I compare myself to others too much.”
Truth: The more time you spend looking at other people’s work, the less time you spend developing your own. Take intentional breaks from social media and focus on your creative growth.
Community Engagement – What’s Your Style?
I’d love to hear from you! What’s one recurring theme in your work? A color you always use? A subject you can’t stop drawing?
Post a comment over on my Instagram feed and tag me #annelafolletteart—let’s start a conversation about how we can embrace our evolving styles together.
Final Thoughts
Your artistic voice isn’t something you wake up with—it’s something you discover through making, reflecting, and growing.
Don’t rush the process. Keep experimenting, keep creating, and trust that your style will reveal itself over time.
Happy designing!
xo,
Anne
P.S. Let’s talk about artistic voice together! Join me for my weekly LIVESTREAM on Facebook or YouTube on Wednesday at noon PT which is 3pm ET. I’ll see you there.
Note: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
My favorite fine liners are a set from Molotow. I love them because you get 11 different nib sizes! Click HERE to check them out.
It’s Never Too Late to Create®
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MEET ANNE
Hi…I’m Anne!
My creative inspiration comes from a lifetime of observation. I grew up in Paris on the Place St. Sulpice and walked to school through the Luxembourg gardens. And that was only the beginning… Learn more by watching the video on my About page.
