How I’m Mindfully Creating My Own Style (And You Can Too)
Have you ever felt stuck trying to find “your style” while scrolling endlessly, comparing yourself to artists who seem to have it all figured out?
I’ve been there. It’s easy to feel like you need to force a style, copy trends, or create something “Instagram-worthy” instead of something true to you. I would end up doom scrolling on Pinterest to try to find the perfect thing to make. But this year, I decided to approach it differently: with mindfulness, slowness, and curiosity.
Here’s how I’m mindfully creating my own style, and how you can too.
1. I Stopped Chasing Aesthetic Trends
It’s tempting to jump on the latest color palettes, motifs, or trends you see online, thinking that’s what you should create to be successful. But when I tried that, I felt disconnected and my work didn’t feel like mine and I burned out quickly.
Instead, I started noticing what I naturally gravitate towards retro shapes, warm palettes, imperfect textures, and allowed myself to explore those without worrying if it’s what’s currently trending.I found what I enjoy making instead of what’s popular or trendy.
Try this: Save images, colors, and art you love (without overthinking), then look for patterns in what you are consistently drawn to. This reveals clues about what your true style might be. Also look up artists work that you like and ask yourself why you like them is it the line work, the colors etc.
2. I Gave Myself Permission to Experiment
Mindfully creating your style means accepting that it will evolve and shift over time. I began allowing myself to make “bad art,” try new tools, and explore subjects I was curious about, even if they didn’t fit a clean portfolio grid.
Through experimentation, I discovered the small quirks that make my work feel like me like the way I draw lines, I like the hand drawn look not smooth lines, or the colors I love using in my retro lettering (muted colors like you see in 70s nostlagia).
Try this: Set aside a “play session” each week where you experiment without the pressure of posting or selling the work. Let this be your creative sandbox.
3. I Started Paying Attention to What Feels Good
When I’m working on something that aligns with my style, I feel energized, excited, and lose track of time. When I’m trying to force a style that isn’t me, I feel frustrated or bored.
Mindfulness is about noticing these feelings while you create. When I feel connected to what I’m making, I know I’m on the right track.
Try this: After a project, take a moment to reflect: “Did this feel aligned with me? What parts did I enjoy most?” Let that guide your next piece.
4. I Focus on Why I’m Creating
Mindfully developing your style isn’t just about how your art looks but why you’re making it. For me, I create to connect people with nostalgia, warmth, and timeless design that makes them feel seen.
When you know your “why,” it becomes easier to filter what belongs in your style and what doesn’t.
Try this: Ask yourself, “What feeling or message do I want my art to give others?” Let that intention guide your style exploration.
5. I’m Letting My Style Be Fluid
Your style isn’t a box you need to lock yourself into forever. It’s a living, evolving reflection of you. Mindfully embracing this has allowed me to grow as an artist without fear. Its like you are creating your own imaginary world which you are populating.
You don’t need to “find your style” once and for all. You need to live it and allow it to shift as you do.
You Can Do This Too
If you’re trying to mindfully create your own style:
-Notice what you love
-Allow yourself to experiment
-Pay attention to how creating feels
-Stay connected to your “why”
-Let your style evolve with you
Remember, you don’t need to force your style to be like someone else’s to be “valid.” The style that feels most like you will resonate with the people meant to find your work.
Ready to Mindfully Explore Your Style?
If you’re on this journey too, I’d love to hear what you’re discovering about your own style. What themes or colors are you drawn to? What feels most like you right now?
Leave a comment below, or tag me on Instagram @retrobananadesigns with your work in progress so we can cheer each other on in this mindful creative journey.
You’ve got this.