Finding your Creative Voice as an Artist - part two.

Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or returning to art after a long break, one of the most meaningful (and sometimes confusing) aspects of being an artist is finding your creative voice. It’s that unique visual language that feels unmistakably yours—the way you see, interpret, and express the world on canvas.

Journaling - a great way to find your voice!

For many emerging or hobbyist painters, the idea of having a “voice” might seem a bit intimidating or even unnecessary. You may wonder, Isn’t it enough just to enjoy painting? And yes—enjoying the process is a wonderful thing in itself. But discovering your creative voice can deepen that experience. It brings a stronger sense of purpose, direction, and personal connection to your work.

Why Does Finding Your Creative Voice Matter?

Finding your voice doesn’t mean you have to be wildly original or instantly recognisable. It’s about creating in a way that feels genuine to you. When you discover your voice:

• Your art becomes more meaningful. You’re not just recreating techniques—you’re expressing something heartfelt.

• You gain confidence. You start to trust your instincts rather than questioning every decision.

• Your work becomes more cohesive. Even if your style or subject matter shifts, a thread of you runs through it all.

  
  

What Gets in the Way?

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison—scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest and feeling overwhelmed by the work of others. Or we focus so much on getting the technique “right” that we lose sight of what feels right.

But your creative voice doesn’t come from perfection or imitation. It emerges through exploration, play, and permission to follow your curiosity.

How to Start Finding Your Creative Voice

1. Create Often (and Let It Be Imperfect) The more you paint, the more patterns begin to show—colours you gravitate towards, subjects you revisit, ways of working that feel natural. Quantity leads to clarity.

2. Notice What Inspires You What kinds of images or ideas give you that little spark? What subjects make you lose track of time? Don’t overthink it—just take note. These are breadcrumbs.

3. Let Go of “Should” You don’t have to paint florals if abstracts excite you. You don’t need to follow trends to be relevant. Follow your instincts—they’re your best guide.

4. Try New Things—Then Reflect Experimentation is key, but so is reflection. After trying a new approach, ask yourself: Did I enjoy that? Would I do it again?

5. Keep a Sketchbook or Visual Journal Use it as a private playground—no pressure, no audience. Doodle, explore ideas, play with colour. It’s a safe space to discover what feels like you.

6. Take Feedback Lightly While feedback can be useful, your voice should never be shaped entirely by outside opinions. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t.

7. Accept That Your Voice Will Evolve Your creative voice isn’t fixed. It will shift and grow as you do. The key is staying connected to what feels honest and joyful at every stage.

   
   

You Already Have a Voice—You’re Just Uncovering It

Your creative voice isn’t something you have to invent—it’s already there. Every decision you make, every colour you choose, reflects something about you. Your role is to listen, trust, and keep showing up.

So to every emerging artist or weekend painter out there: keep creating. Don’t wait until you feel “good enough” to develop your voice. It doesn’t come from mastery—it comes from the making.

Because the world doesn’t need another copy—it needs you.