Are you a young designer or new to the field of design? Compared to learning design basics, finding a unique style and point of view can be one of the most challenging hurdles creatives will ever encounter.
When looking for inspiration and building your design portfolio, there are so many unique styles and techniques to admire when it comes to design. Of course, your creative voice may evolve over time, but getting started is often the most challenging part of the process.
Developing your own unique style and “voice” can be a game-changer for new designers, though. It provides identifiable aspects akin to a personal brand, which can help potential clients to recognize your work.
Here are some of the best ways to discover your unique creative voice as a designer. Let them serve as guideposts for you to follow.
1. Focus on creating more than you consume
When establishing your own voice, it can be easy and tempting to consume a lot of media as part of your creative research. Make sure you focus more on creating than consuming.
By trying new things and iterating on your own designs, you’ll discover what you like to do, what you’re good at, and you’ll develop your own style using a combination of your skills. Research different styles and look for inspiration online. Then, spend even more time putting some of these concepts into practice to try for yourself.
2. Don’t let the hard parts get you down
Remember that nothing good comes easy. When you begin a creative project, things might seem straightforward, but the path to greatness is rarely a straight shot. You might not know where you’re going or how to get there, but it’s all part of the working and personal/professional development experience.
Just when you start absolutely hating your designs, when they look unworkable and awkward, things will start picking up again. In fact, this is the path to creating good work, developing your own design workflows, and discovering your unique voice as a designer.
So remember this and don’t quit when things get messy in the middle; you’ll miss all the good stuff at the end!
3. Consistency is key
When it comes to learning new things and finding your creative voice, consistency is crucial, no matter what stage you’re at. If you’re just starting out and creating your first portfolio, or if you’re changing your style and need more work samples, consistency is essential.
Finding your rhythm as a creative requires momentum, and the only way to create momentum is by being consistent. Create consistency through daily design challenges, online design courses to boost your skills, or deadlines you set for yourself. As a bonus, you might even make some money or create some stunning new pieces for your portfolio.
Remember, absolute success comes through luck. Relative success comes through your choices and habits.
4. Learn where your inspiration comes from
Various reasons motivate creatives to take on projects and work. Learn what inspires you and your work so you can use that to guide your voice and style as a designer.
“Having something to say is everything. It makes the work yours, ownable, and impactful to others.” — Hand-Lettering Artist, Abraham Lule.
If you’re feeling stuck or just getting started, you may need to seek out inspiration. It’s something we all experience at one point or another. When this happens, it’s helpful to pinpoint what inspires your creativity in the first place so that you can reach your goals.
Your creativity may be enhanced after a hiking trip in the wilderness, or perhaps after walking around a big city early in the morning before everyone is awake. You can be inspired by anything, from architecture and landscapes to old movies and music. When you find an idea that inspires you, let it work its way through your creative process.
Be sure to keep track of what inspires you. You can do this in many ways, such as by keeping a journal, sketchbook, visual diary, or even by creating a bookmark or folder on your computer, if you go online in search of inspiration.
5. Remember that imitation is NOT the most sincere form of flattery
In the process of finding your voice as a creative, there’s a big difference between learning a skill through a tutorial and copying another artist’s style. Even if the latter is not malicious in nature, it is damaging to your brand and your colleagues’.
As a designer, you’ll naturally follow design blogs online, and as a writer, you’ll probably read other writers’ blogs. However, until you figure out your own voice and style as a creative, it is best to limit your exposure to others in the same field. Its easy to be influenced (even unintentionally) by people you follow online so until you determine your unique voice, it’s best to abstain.
Of course, always give credit where it’s due. Even if your work bears no resemblance to an artist’s, if you were inspired by them, don’t be afraid to acknowledge them! This is a community of raise-the-bar people.
Have you found your unique creative voice?
Those are five A+ tips for uncovering your unique creative voice as a designer. Of course, there’s no doubt that the central theme is to get out there and produce more work you love. Rather than creating based on what others might like, create to satisfy your own sense of creativity. By doing this, you’ll be on the right path to discovering what truly sets you apart as a designer or creative! ■
About the Author: Olivia Hoskin is a freelance writer with a background in tech and marketing. A true design fan at heart, you’ll find her writing about the latest industry trends, technologies, and the inspiring endeavors of fellow creators. She’s a champion of remote work, a lover of responsible technology, and a fitness geek and enjoyer of the outdoors in her spare time. Find her at oliviahoskin.com.
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