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2. What's Unique About Your Art?

How embracing uniqueness can affect your sales and application results, and mental health.

Let’s face it, the art market is flooded with art available for people to choose from. So, how can we stand out from the crowd?

Do something different!

I can't encourage this enough. This is an opportunity for you to dig deep and find something that lights you UP! Seriously, it's sooo worth spending the time to find your passion. Look for what makes you so happy you can't believe you get paid to do it.

Ask yourself, What or who do you think about, believe in, love, hate, joke about, eat, drink, socialize with, or wonder? How can you express, challenge norms, and/or inspire others? What message do you want to send to the universe? What story do you have to tell?

Why being unique matters

Unique art has the power to capture attention, evoke emotions, and establish a connection between you and your audience, purchasers, or juries for opportunities. For artists, the journey of developing a distinctive style and producing original work can be both rewarding and transformative.

Here’s what crafting unique visual art will do for you and your audience who want to follow you and how you can cultivate your originality:

Personal expression. Art reflects the artist's thoughts, experiences, and feelings. Unique art helps creators express ideas that might otherwise go unacknowledged, giving them their own voice.
Cultural impact. Original art challenges societal norms and inspires change. Unique works mark cultural moments, influence trends, shape views, and inspire future generations.
Recognition and legacy. Artists who create unique pieces are more likely to be remembered. A distinct style can define an artist and help them leave a lasting mark.
Connection with audience. Viewers appreciate authenticity. Unique art resonates more deeply, offering something new that sparks curiosity and emotional responses.
Professional growth. Originality in art opens doors to exhibitions, commissions, and collaborations. It sets artists apart in a competitive field, showcasing their dedication to their craft.

Some Ideas to Start You Off:

Embrace your influences—then evolve. Study other artists and movements to gain inspiration but avoid imitation. Instead, analyze what resonates with you and adapt it into something new. Let your influences inform your work, not define it.
Experiment with mediums and techniques. Try new tools, materials, and processes. Experimentation often leads to unexpected results, fostering creativity and pushing boundaries.
Draw from personal experience. Use your life as a foundation for your art. Personal stories, cultural heritage, and individual struggles can provide a rich and unique source of inspiration.
Cultivate curiosity. Explore diverse subjects, attend exhibitions, read extensively, and engage with different cultures. A broad perspective can fuel your imagination and help you think outside the box.
Develop a signature style. Pay attention to recurring themes, color palettes, and techniques in your work. Over time, these elements can coalesce into a distinctive artistic identity.
Break the rules. Challenge conventional norms. Whether it’s blending mediums, experimenting with scale, or using unconventional materials, breaking the rules can lead to innovation.
Seek feedback and collaborate. Engage with other artists and audiences to gain fresh insights. Collaborations can introduce you to new perspectives and techniques, helping refine your originality.
Stay true to your vision. While trends can influence the art world, staying true to your vision ensures authenticity. Avoid chasing fads; instead, focus on creating work that aligns with your passion and values.

Best Reason to Do This: Your Mental Health.

Having said all that above, I want to end with what I actually believe is the most important reason to pay attention to what lights you up. Mental health. If I can inspire someone else to find their passion, I will celebrate so much!!

I believe I'll touch on this again in the future. It's good we talk about it, IMO.

Did you enjoy that?

Would you like to try out some free training next? We ask for your email in exchange for an 11-video series that introduces what I'm doing here, who I am, and some tips to get you started, as well as my Magic Method for colour-correcting art. Interested? Click below for more info.