This isn’t going to be a post about how I can help you find your signature style, because, I can’t even help myself discover my own signature style/brand.
Here’s a little rant I shared on Instagram a few days ago regarding some of my frustration. Maybe you can relate.
Not gonna lie, I’m a little envious of those artists who have clearly found their creative calling. Discovered and developed their identity and can stick to it.
And here I am, unable, or perhaps unwilling, to find and stick to that one thing. Not because I think I’m so full of talent or ideas and can’t be confined to one thing. Nope. I lack focus. I lack discipline. I need help.
I’m well aware that you have to show cohesive ideas, consistency, and mastery in your area of study before anyone will take you seriously as an artist. And this must be reflected in a well-curated Instagram feed. A feed that shows focus. So I’ve been told.
So, what’s off the table? Painting, line drawing, paper cutting, assemblage, surface design? I can’t decide! I love it all. I need it all in my life. I’m struggling with how to incorporate them all into one medium. Do I have to? Can I at least pick two to stick with?
Not to mention my favorite color is black, or gray. Or is it yellow or pink? I adore bats and spiders, but kittens are also adorable. Sticks and twigs and cloudy skies bring me joy and inspiration. As does a garden overflowing with glorious color and butterflies. Oh my heart, florals! But also; Be still my heart! A graveyard! How can you create a cohesive design aesthetic from all of this madness??
Have I overshared?
I’d really love to figure this out. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
Marie Friddle 
I feel this post! Well said, Marie! I paint and draw lots of different subjects, do digital art and photography, sculpt a little. I’ve tried lots of different things in arts and crafts and cannot settle on one particular thing that I could call my brand. I’m aware this limits my marketing potential and could really use a regular income from my work. But I can’t just go and do the same thing all the time. I wouldn’t be being true to who I am.
I don’t think you lack focus or discipline. I’ve talked to you enough to know you create whenever you can. Your focus is on what you’re doing at the time you’re doing it. Then you switch and do something else. It’s not wrong to change what you’re doing for a little while. You’re very disciplined if you’re making an effort to create every day. We all have our lives to live with family and other obligations. There will be those days when we cannot get in there and do what we’d like to do, creatively.
I say go ahead and continue what you’re doing. Many well-known artists were masters of creating more than one kind of art. Maybe in the future you’ll find yourself concentrating on one particular area of creative expression. It’s just wonderful enough that you’re able to devote some time for creating the terrific pieces you do create. I love that you share your work and your thoughts. You’re doing that regularly, lately. I love it!
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Wow – Mel, thank you so much for your encouraging words. And for reading too! i really appreciate you. Yes, I shall keep plugging along as you and everyone else will. Right?
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