A Wild Ride to My Own Style
Navigating the art world can feel like being in a maze, especially when you’re trying to find your own voice. You see so many incredible artists and get so excited that it's easy to get lost in the noise. I’ve definitely been there. This post is for anyone who's ever felt like their style was a messy, confused mix. Here are some of my messy answers to this big question.
The Overwhelm of Options
The biggest struggle for me wasn't feeling like my art wasn't "unique enough," but rather feeling completely overwhelmed by all the different styles I loved. I was like a kid in a candy shop, wanting to try every single flavour at once, and it just left me feeling scattered and a little lost. This feeling wasn’t just in my art—it also applied to my wardrobe! Everyone tells you to define your aesthetic and stick to a category, but I’ve learned that it's totally okay to have different styles for different moods. Playing with your appearance and experimenting with your art is a joy in itself.
An Old Piece, a New Perspective
I have this one fauvist portrait from when I was just 17. Looking at it now, I'm almost jealous of my younger self. The brushwork is so light and natural, completely free of the overthinking that came later. It’s a great reminder that sometimes, the more we learn how to do things "properly," the more we lose that sense of childlike play and intuition. Let’s find our way back to it!
If you need to force a style, think again
There was a time when I tried to force my work to be more minimal and serious. I thought that would make me a "real artist" and that people would take my work more seriously. In reality, it didn’t change anybody's mind and made me miserable. I got stuck in a cycle of overthinking and lost all the joy in creating. It’s okay to be messy, indulgent, and playful! Art isn't something we need to survive like food or water—it’s here to nourish our souls and connect us. So let’s play!
When You're Feeling Lost
My go-to ritual when I'm in a creative rut is to take the pressure off. I return to other people's art that I love, which reminds me why I wanted to create in the first place. After that, I break the process down into smaller, less intimidating tasks. It's also amazing how much a messy sketchbook can help clear my head!
Authentic vs. Popular
We’re often told to just follow what others are doing because they're successful. But if you're just a copycat, you'll never truly get to know yourself as an artist. My journey is about exploring what feels authentic to me, and if that means going against the grain, so be it. If I didn't feel that urge to explore, I would have chosen a different line of work. If you feel like you need permission to let go of those expectations, here you go!
The Secret to Borrowing
Learning from other artists is one of the most exciting parts of the journey, and the key is to take the elements you love and translate them into your own work. For example, I'm obsessed with a John Singer Sargent painting of girls in a garden at night. I love how he uses a contrast of blurry, sketchy brushwork with areas of sharp focus to create a sense of how we actually see things. I kept that principle in mind while creating one of my first big oil paintings, and it helped me build something new and personal.
Identity as a Creative Compass
My identity as a neurodivergent and queer person has profoundly shaped my art. I used to feel shy about claiming space in these communities, wondering if I had a right to be there. But over time, I've grown more comfortable with who I am. Now, I find so much joy and inspiration in our history and the incredible, diverse people within these communities. It’s less of a conscious choice and more of an organic expression of who I am.
The Compliment That Made Me Feel Seen
The most surprising and meaningful compliments I get are when people can instantly tell which pieces of art are mine, even without a signature. It means that my work is truly authentic to me, and that I'm showing up in a way that people actually see. It's a lot like receiving the perfect gift from a loved one—it makes you feel so known and appreciated.
A Note to My Past Self
If I could go back and talk to my younger self who was just starting out, I'd say: "Keep learning about the things you love, and keep making things even when you're confused. Time will tell." The answers will come, but only if you keep going.
The One Piece of Advice
The best advice I can give to someone still struggling to find their style is to relax, breathe, and try on all kinds of things. You’ll feel what’s authentic and what makes you feel like you’re faking it. There's no shortcut to finding your voice; we all have to start out not knowing what we’re doing. The journey itself is the reward.
