Finding Your Unique Design Style
As a designer, one of the most exciting (and frustrating) journeys is finding your unique design style. It’s easy to get caught up in trends or feel pressure to create something that looks like it belongs on Pinterest or Instagram, but true originality comes from within. If you’re on the path to discovering your own voice in design, here are some tips that helped me get there, and may help you, too:
01.
Explore Different Mediums & Techniques
When I first started designing, I pretty much stuck to the same, unsatisfying formula. It wasn’t until I thought outside the box and decided to branch out to different mediums that I started creating designs I really felt proud of. I love to draw, and for whatever reason, I had never thought to incorporate that skill into my brand designs. So, when it dawned on me to try it out, I wanted to find a way to do so without going out and buying a tablet, before I even knew if drawing would become a staple in my process. That’s when I found the Adobe Capture app. With this, you’re able to draw with whatever medium you prefer on paper, then you’re able to take a photo of your art and the app will turn your masterpiece into a vector, and you can perfect it in Illustrator from there. (This is how I drew the moth for my logo!) It’s seriously game-changing for those of us who prefer to draw our designs the old-fashioned way. So, moral of the story, don't be afraid to experiment with various mediums and techniques. Try hand-drawing elements, learning new software, or diving into different design styles. Exploring outside your comfort zone can open doors to inspiration you didn’t know you needed.
02.
Pin It
Okay, so I normally wouldn’t suggest creating a Pinterest board, because for me, this sent me into a long spiral of comparison and self-hatred. BUT, I don’t mean a board of other designers’ work (see why not below), I mean a board of quite literally anything that you’re super drawn to. Interior design, outfits, landscape images, etc. For me, book covers in particular helped me discover what style I’m most drawn to, therefore what I feel most satisfied by designing myself. From there, take note of similar themes that show up in these images— colors, textures, patterns, and so on. These are most likely elements you’d feel extremely authentic in incorporating into your style, rather than feeling like you’re playing dress up in someone else’s clothes.
03.
Avoid the Comparison Trap
One of the biggest challenges for any creative is comparison. It is quite literally my Achille’s heel that I have to consciously avoid falling victim to everyday (l’m a Virgo mars, after all). Scrolling the design side of Instagram and Pinterest will lead you into an endless void of feeling like you have to measure up to others’ work. The truth is, those designers you’re comparing yourself to most likely did the exact same thing when they first started, and felt the same level of shame in disappointment in their own work that you do, now. And the real gag of it all is— you are comparing your chapter 1 to their chapter 27. If their designs are showing up on your Pinterest home page, it’s safe to say they’ve probably been in the game for quite some time. Becoming a pro in anything takes time, practice, and ultimately compassion for yourself. Make mistakes, make mediocre work. I guarantee that someone out there will love the work you consider mediocre. Not only does comparison lead to a spiral of disappointment, it can seriously cloud your creative vision and make you doubt your own instincts. You will never stand out if you consistently work to look like someone else. Instead, find inspiration outside of the design world. Browse fashion Pinterest instead of design Pinterest. Look through photography books instead of your Instagram explore page. Your unique perspective is your biggest asset!
04.
Focus On What Excites You
Design, despite the love you may have for it, can feel like a chore when you’re not creating from a place of passion. Think back— what projects have you worked on that made you feel genuinely excited? What elements did you love working on? Maybe it was creating bold typography, or perhaps you love working with natural textures and organic materials. Lean into what energizes you— what sends you that zap of giddiness and pride— and your style will naturally start to reveal itself.
05.
Take a Break
If you’ve found yourself in one of those endless comparison voids, my best piece of advice to offer you is to shut off your computer. Sometimes, the best way to find your style is to step away from designing altogether. I discovered my design style after taking a three-month break from the creative world. Before the break, I was stuck in a loop of going to Pinterest to find inspiration for every single thing I designed. I genuinely had no personal design voice anymore. I felt extremely lost. It took some serious distance to stop focusing on what I thought I should be creating and instead, tap into what felt authentic to me. During that time, I stopped looking for inspiration at all, from anywhere, and instead let my own ideas and creativity flow from a place within. The space I created for myself allowed me to approach design with fresh eyes and a clear, authentic vision.
06.
Your Mindset Matters
At the end of the day, your mindset is the key to discovering and owning your design style. If you have little to no faith in your own skill, you have nothing. It’s imperative to trust yourself, embrace the learning process, and be kind to yourself along the way. Self compassion allows you to endlessly create without getting in your head about why your work may not yet necessarily reflect your taste, and the only way to get better and hone your style is to keep creating, without judgement. The best designs come from a place of authenticity and self-confidence, so focusing on cultivating a positive and open mindset will do more for your style than any trend or technique ever could. Your style is a reflection of who you are, so let it grow naturally, and it will shine.
In short…
Finding your unique design style is a journey, but it’s one that can transform both your work and your confidence. Embrace the process. Know that it’s okay if it takes time, and it’s okay if it’s not perfect. As you evolve as a person, your style will evolve with you, and that’s what makes it special. By focusing inward and giving yourself room to grow, you’ll uncover a style that’s not only unique, but truly your own.
Remember, your style isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s an expression of your perspective, experiences, and the way you see the world. It’s what sets you apart from everyone else in the industry. Don’t rush to fit into a mold or follow every trend. Let your work be a reflection of your authentic self. When you design from a place of trust for yourself and alignment, your work will resonate on a deeper level, attracting clients who value your unique vision and voice. The more you stay true to yourself, the more your design style will shine— the world needs your unique vision.
