Discover Your Signature Style as a Surface Designer
As I prepare to take another trip around the sun, marking another year of creativity and exploration, I find myself reflecting on the evolution of my personal and professional identity as a designer. Over the past few years – as what I can only describe as a midlife crisis of sorts – I’ve had a series of pivotal moments in my career. It really prompted me to do a deep dive into what truly defines me as a creative. That time of self-discovery really showed me the power of a signature style – and not just in artistic expression, but as it represents who I am, where I've been, and where I aim to go in the vast realm of design.
Inspired by a panel discussion with several talented designers as part of my Pattern Chatter series on Clubhouse, I’ve decided to lay it all out here for you to help you determine whether or not developing one signature style is the right path for you. As you read on, keep in mind what a delicate balance it can be between personal preferences and market demands.
The evolution of personal style
The journey of a designer often starts with a spark of passion simply for the act of creating. As many will tell you, honing in on one creative field at the start of your career can help decrease overwhelm and help make progress faster. However, careers do have a tendency to evolve over time, although, I know plenty of designers who pick a niche early on that makes them happy long term, and all the more power to them!
For others though, the path is not usually linear and can take a creative from the structured world of graphic design for example, into the multidimensional realm of surface design. This sort of evolution – channeling lived experiences into a new medium – can influence one’s creative output, especially with the fluid nature of personal style. After all, we all grow and change as people, and especially as designers who are always challenging themselves and exploring new mediums and concepts. This development of a signature style is not just about adapting but thriving in the multitude of directions one can take in their career. My specialty, for instance, has been built on being a style chameleon, adaptable to the myriad of projects I’ve undertaken, from my time in-house to my ventures into freelancing.
I recently had a human design reading that affirmed many strengths I’ve been inherently recognizing in myself. Among these strengths is my capacity to absorb and then experiment with new knowledge. I tend to dive into literature and watch video tutorials on a subject and then couple that with hands-on experimentation. When I immerse myself in learning and then executing, I don’t just stop at trying a few techniques, I love to explore every avenue and each experiment sparks new ideas and directions. This versatility has been key in tailoring my style to what my clients need, proving invaluable in my freelance career. Yet, as I ventured into personal projects with an eye toward licensing, I faced doubts about succeeding without a singular, identifiable style. Over time though, I’ve realized the importance of not just having one style but several. It’s really about consistency across these styles and the ability to replicate results through established techniques, and it’s what I encourage in the designers I mentor – to push boundaries and experiment with their own different techniques and concepts. My journey into various media and creating collections for clients has underscored the importance of consistency in my work, a testament to the idea that personal growth and new experiences are integral to discovering and refining one's artistic voice.
Remember, the process of defining a signature style is rarely straightforward or quick.
Balancing personal preferences with market demands
One of the greatest challenges for designers is being able to find a happy medium (no pun intended!) between personal expression and the marketability of their work. Working with a variety of clients requires a flexible approach, where adapting one's style to fit different briefs becomes a valuable skill. However, this adaptability does not have to mean sacrificing personal aesthetics but rather expanding them to meet diverse needs while maintaining a core artistic integrity.
How do successful designers do it? They navigate this balance by understanding their client's vision and merging it with their unique creative perspective, creating work that is both true to their style and appealing to the market. I teach this strategy in detail with my coaching clients!
Bottom line? Designers adept at balancing their personal preferences with market demands often find themselves experimenting within certain aesthetic boundaries, pushing their creativity in directions they may not have explored otherwise. This process will help you reach a broader audience without losing your distinctive voice.
Signature style vs. branding
What’s really the difference, you ask? A signature style is deeply personal and a reflection of an artist's individuality, experiences, and creative philosophy. It evolves over time. Developing a brand, on the other hand, involves strategic considerations beyond personal style, focusing on building a cohesive and recognizable aesthetic that resonates with a specific audience.
Now, a signature style is still relative to branding when you’re a designer building a business. How so? Well, branding requires a consistent application of your signature style across various mediums and products, creating a visual identity that is immediately identifiable and associated with your particular aesthetic. While a personal style is the foundation upon which your brand might be built, branding extends into the realms of marketing and business strategy. The ideal goal here is to be able to position yourself within the market where you can leverage your unique style to create a strong, memorable brand that stands out in a competitive landscape.
The journey to discovering and refining your signature style is a deeply individual process, not without challenges but also full of amazing opportunities for personal and professional growth. Whether you’re navigating a balance between personal expression and market demands or distinguishing between personal style and branding, always remember that your journey is unique. I encourage you to embrace experimentation, stay true to your aesthetic, and educate yourself on the strategic aspects of the business of design.
Want to explore how to craft a fulfilling creative career further? Then join me at my upcoming workshop series, Break the Box! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this 5-day journey into the world of surface design is about challenging and expanding your creative boundaries, learning practical skills and techniques in pattern creation and design layout, and obtaining helpful insights into the surface design industry.
Don't miss this opportunity to inspire your journey and redefine your creative path!