From Ordinary to Outstanding in 7 Steps: How to Craft a Style That’s 100% YOU
Finding your signature style isn't just about standing out in a crowded creative landscape!
Your creative style isn’t just what makes your work visually striking—it’s what makes you unmistakable. Whether you’re a crafter, photographer, designer, or writer, your signature style is your unique way of doing things.
Finding it might feel overwhelming, but it’s an exciting process of self-discovery and refinement.
Imagine being instantly recognized not just for your work, but for your unmistakable creative essence. That's the power of a signature style. In this article, we'll look into strategies that will help you uncover, develop, and confidently showcase your distinctive professional identity.
You’ve got a creative spirit and the drive to succeed.
Now, you’re ready to elevate your work, get noticed, and truly stand out.
But where do you begin?
How can you capture attention and propel yourself to the next level?
Perfecting your signature style is a good way to start.
Find your secret ingredient—a unique essence that’s all YOU, something no one can replicate. Whether it’s what you make or what you write, the magic will come from the personal energy you pour into it.
Create a style as distinct as your fingerprint in polymer clay—something that not only catches the eye but makes people say, “I want more!”
Your individuality is your greatest strength, so let it shine and watch your creative business soar.
Here are some ideas to develop your signature creative style
1. Audit Your Creative Inspirations and Influences
Ever notice yourself drawn to certain aesthetics or creators?
That’s not by accident—it’s your taste shaping up. Start by taking notes of what resonate most with you.
Build a mood board to spot recurring themes: maybe bold colours, geometric patterns, or a mix of nostalgia and modernity.
Use these influences as a springboard.
Take time to truly know yourself—and keep learning.
Truly notice all the things that light you up, both tangible and intangible. Think about what you’re naturally great at, the colours that give you goosebumps, your favourite quotes, fashion styles, or even the small details in life that make you smile.
Look for clues in your surroundings:
Your home décor
The books and magazines you love
Your music playlists
The clothes in your wardrobe
These choices reflect who you are and what resonates with you creatively.
Now, try crafting a one-line mission statement that captures your essence—what you’re all about. Then, translate that into a tagline for your designs, something that embodies the heart of what you want to share with the world. Don’t stress about getting it perfect; you can always refine it as you grow and evolve. Creativity is a journey, not a fixed destination.
Tip: Create a physical or digital mood board using Pinterest, Canva, or even a corkboard. Pin images, colors, patterns, and ideas that resonate with you. Review your board regularly to identify recurring themes and gaps. This will help refine what truly inspires your work without copying others.
2. Experiment Fearlessly with Different Mediums and Techniques
Exploration is key. One time, I swapped my usual digital tools for a sketchbook and pastels, and wow—it unlocked ideas I hadn’t considered before. The result? A unique blend of hand-drawn shapes in my crochet designs.
Try mixing mediums: pair watercolours with digital design, or infuse traditional embroidery into modern illustration. Keep a creative journal to document your successes (and misfires—because they happen). It’s in the trying that your style begins to take shape.
Tip: Dedicate one day a week or month to experiment with a completely different medium. For example, if you’re a painter, try digital tools, if you’re a crafter, explore clay or resin. Or if you are a crocheter like me try experimenting with different type of yarns and pattern. Use this as a no-pressure play session, and note what you enjoyed or learned in your creative journal.
My sketchbook and pastels experiment which turned into a crochet project using organic shapes.
3. Develop a Consistent Visual and Professional Language
Once you find the threads of your style, weave them into everything you create. This means crafting a color palette, refining your fonts, and even settling on a tone for your emails or captions. Consistency across platforms makes you recognizable and if your are ready consider designing a personal logo.
Remember you can always change this at later stage as your style developers. Mine has changes three times so far!
Tip: Use free tools like Coolors to build your color palette or Canva to experiment with fonts and layouts. Once you’ve settled on a visual theme, create a brand guide—something as simple as a one-page reference—to ensure consistency in all your creative projects.
4. Learn from Your Unique Life Experiences
Your life experiences are a goldmine for creativity. For instance, growing up in a bustling city or a quiet rural town shapes how you see the world—and that should reflect in your work. When I was at art school I’ve turned personal struggles into visual narratives, giving my projects depth and authenticity. Now, what’s important to me is reflected in my yarn and pattern choices.
Think about how your cultural background, family traditions, or even childhood hobbies could inform your style. These nuances make your work truly one-of-a-kind.
Tip: Reflect on your past by journaling about experiences, places, or moments that have shaped you. Then, find ways to incorporate those stories into your craft, whether through themes, colours, or techniques that resonate with your personal journey. I love using Moleskine’s sketchbook for jotting down ideas—it’s perfect for brainstorming and experimenting!
5. Build a Supportive Creative Community and Seek Feedback
No one develops their style in a vacuum. Seek out fellow creatives, both in person and online. Sharing your work with peers isn’t just motivating—it’s also a great way to gain fresh perspectives.
One piece of advice from a mentor completely shifted my approach to typography, and it’s now a cornerstone of my style. Never underestimate the power of a constructive critique. Read more about the power of a community here.
Tip: Join online creative forums, attend local workshops, or participate in art challenges. Share your work regularly and invite feedback by asking specific questions like, “What stands out to you in this piece?” or “How can I improve this element?”
6. Invest in Continuous Learning and Skill Development
The creative world evolves constantly, and so should your skills. Take courses outside your comfort zone—like motion graphics if you’re a photographer or storytelling workshops if you’re a designer.
A while ago I took a pottery class with my friends to “stretch” my creativity. While I will never became a potter, the experience taught me about form, texture all of which I now apply to my design projects. Learning keeps your style dynamic and fresh.
Tip: Set aside a small budget or time each year for learning. Platforms like Skillshare, Craftsy, and YouTube offer affordable classes. Pick something unrelated to your main craft to expand your perspective and spark new ideas.
7. Authentically Share Your Unique Style
Tap into your memories and life experiences to shape your ideas and creative process.
This not only adds depth to your work but also gives you a story to share when someone asks about a specific piece or collection. It could be as simple as explaining why certain colour combinations are your favourite or sharing how your grandmother used to make that craft and inspired you to continue her legacy.
Perhaps you started creating because you couldn’t find anything you liked on store shelves, so you decided to make your own. Whatever it is, weaving in these personal touches makes your work uniquely yours and deeply meaningful.
Use social media strategically by sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses or stories about your creative process.
And most importantly, learn to articulate your style. Whether it’s in a bio, an interview, or a client pitch, explain what makes your approach unique. When you can confidently own your style, opportunities start to flow.
Tip: Share the “why” behind your creations on social media. Post progress shots, talk about your inspiration, or share a short story about the process. Authenticity resonates, and people are drawn to creators who let them see the human side of their work.
Finding your signature style like so many other things in life is a journey, not a sprint.
It’s a process of trial, error, and reflection.
By exploring your inspirations, embracing experimentation, and staying true to your experiences, you’ll uncover a style that’s not only uniquely yours but also magnetic to the right opportunities.
Action Step: This week, try one of these tips—whether it’s creating a mood board, experimenting with a new medium, or refining your brand voice.
Your creative identity is waiting to shine.
Let me know how you get on in the comments below!
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