For me, art has never been about making something that simply “looks good.” It’s always been about expression. Words are not my strongest quality so it’s more about putting pieces of myself onto the page in a way that words can’t always capture.
Every line I draw, every color I choose, and every pattern I repeat is a reflection of how I’m feeling, what I’m inspired by, and where I am creatively at that moment in time. Art is how I process ideas, emotions, and experiences…that’s why it will always be my strongest form of self-expression!
There are seasons where I don’t want to explain myself and art lets me do exactly that.
Some days, my work leans bold, playful, and high-energy. Other days, it’s still bright but it’s softer, quieter, and more intentional while remaining true to my core color palette. Those shifts aren’t random; they’re just me being honest.
Color plays a huge role in that communication. I’ve learned that the palettes I reach for naturally often reflect what I need or want to express in that moment, which is something I talk about more deeply in Why Color Matters in Everyday Life.
My Style Is a Record of My Creative Growth
I don’t believe artists “find” their style, I believe they build it through time, trial and error.
When I look back at my older work, I can see the evolution clearly. Certain motifs repeat. Certain color combinations keep showing up. Certain shapes and themes refuse to leave. That consistency didn’t come from rules, it came from repetition and trust.
This is exactly why I don’t force my work into a box, and why I share openly about finding your art style without forcing it.
My style is a timeline. Each piece is a snapshot of where I was creatively at that point in my journey.
Creating Art Is an Act of Self-Trust
Every time I sit down to draw, often in the quiet pockets between before the kids wake up and after bedtime routines, I’m making a choice to trust my instincts. I ask:
- What feels exciting right now?
- What do I want to explore?
- What’s trending and how can I incorporate that in to my art style?
- What colors or patterns am I craving for this particular piece?
That freedom is what keeps my work honest. And over time, those instinctive choices naturally create cohesion, not just within individual pieces, but across collections, which is something I lean into when I’m building pattern collections that feel cohesive.
Art Lets Me Express Identity Without Limits
As an artist, I don’t want to be locked into one mood, one look, or one version of myself.
Art gives me permission to:
- Be playful one day and introspective the next
- Explore color without over-explaining it
- Let my interests evolve without “rebranding” myself constantly
That flexibility is essential for longevity. When art is treated as self-expression instead of a performance, creativity stays sustainable.
Turning Expression Into Purposeful Work
Because I work digitally in Procreate, my art fits into my life, not the other way around.
When I create each digital art piece from a place of authenticity, those designs naturally translate into digital products, patterns, and collections. Expression becomes something that can live beyond me on walls, fabrics, or in everyday spaces.
That’s why I’m passionate about turning original artwork into digital products without losing the heart behind it.
Why Art as Self-Expression Matters for Artists
When art is rooted in self-expression:
- Creating feels lighter
- Style feels natural
- Consistency comes easier
- Burnout happens less often
You don’t have to perform. You don’t have to chase validation. You just have to keep showing up honestly.
That honesty is what people connect to, NOT perfection.
Final Thoughts
For me, art will always be personal!
It’s how I process the world, document my growth, and express who I am in each season of my life. When I create from that place, the work feels grounded, recognizable, and true — not because I forced a style, but because I trusted myself.
As Always…THANKS FOR READING!!
Alicia
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