My Signature Style: Finding My Formula with Freedom
A Follow-Up to "Art Style - Freedom or Formula?"..
About a year and a half ago, I was deep in thought, questioning whether a signature art style truly mattered. As a beginner, I felt pressure to limit my subjects, something I resisted. How could I confine my creativity when my process was so fluid, often changing with my mood, colors, or emotions? What I started painting wasn't always what I finished.
However, through much experimentation, I began to understand the profound importance of developing a unique, original style. Customers connect with art that evokes emotion, a feeling so strong it makes them envision a piece on their wall. This connection is what truly makes them value an artist's work.
Early in my journey, I enjoyed painting technically complex, realistic subjects that resonated with me. While the results were satisfying to me, I wasn't sure if they were striking a chord with others, especially before I even had a brand. So, I began to experiment, seeking a style that would differentiate my work. This was a truly intuitive process.
I created an extremely experimental piece, unsure if it even resonated with me. I layered, corrected, and played with textures—a process I thoroughly enjoyed. There was a lingering "is this what I want my art to look like?" feeling. Yet, at one of my earliest art fairs, this experimental piece was the first to sell, surprisingly leaving behind my more "perfect" realistic works. Life is full of surprises!
That sale sparked a long conversation with the buyer. Their insights were invaluable:
They loved the unique style, feeling it stood out from other art.
The specific piece spoke to them in a way others didn't (and it wasn't even about the subject!).
They enjoyed conversing with me, understanding my perspective on the piece. It truly matters to customers how and why a piece came to be, whether they relate to the thought or story behind it.
My Experimental Journey Began!
This revelation launched my experimental phase. Before tackling large canvases, I created many miniatures, diving deeper into my "texture world" with various subjects that caught my eye. I wasn't initially sure if these would resonate with others; I just focused on creating variety. Art fairs became my testing ground, allowing me to interact with visitors, understanding their preferences, and pinpointing areas for improvement. This was a true journey of self-exploration.
Eventually, as people began not only buying my work but explicitly expressing their love for my style, I felt confident enough to go big. I started creating large paintings that highlight my signature approach:
Textured: Adding depth that makes the work almost "peep its head out" for a conversation.
Vibrant: Bringing joy and happiness with bold colors, a contrast to the often sober palettes preferred for perceived "classiness."
Travel and Nature-Inspired: I've realized the best memories are often made in places we travel, whether with family, friends, or solo. My art celebrates these moments and the deeper meanings found in nature's existence.
These elements truly worked for me, aligning with my working style and personality. My journey emphasizes that what works for one artist might not work for another. So, if you're seeking your own style, look deeper into what you truly enjoy doing. Don't be risk-averse; go ahead and experiment! You'll likely make mistakes, but every mistake leads to something better – trust me on that.
Now, I have a distinct style that I continually develop and improve upon daily. My focus is solely on progress, not getting stuck or comparing myself to others. I put my head down and concentrate on making my work better, every single day.
My conclusion from all of this is clear: Yes, having your own style keeps you authentic and helps establish your brand recognition. People connect more deeply with you and associate specific qualities with your brand. Customers who've met me are consistently impressed by the vibrancy and my "2D wanting to 3D" style – they feel it's truly unique. People are always seeking something different!
So, for me, cultivating a signature style without compromising/limiting on subject matter was the way to go. So far, it has worked! Whether it continues to work long-term remains to be seen, as I believe artists must constantly update themselves and their style. Perhaps we can revisit this blog in a year or two!
This is my concluding thought, a continuation of my earlier blog "Art Style - Freedom or Formula?" My answer now? It's a formula with freedom.
