How to Develop a Signature Style

By: Bonnie Christine

Story Adapted From Pattern Magazine – Volume 3

Pattern Magazine is Bonnie Christine's quarterly print and digital publication for surface pattern designers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs who believe that how you live shapes what you make. This story first appeared in Volume 3, Begin Again, the winter 2026 issue.

A signature style distinguishes you from the crowd.

You walk into an art museum, and one of the first paintings you see depicts a calming garden scene. Water lilies float beneath an arched bridge, their blooms reflecting in the water. The palette is gentle, with soft greens and pinks. The painting as a whole feels blurred, a signature of impressionism. Without even a glance at the plaque beside this painting, you know who the artist is...

Claude Monet.

Like the pieces of a puzzle, you gathered his handprints across the details of this work. Without conversation or cue, you recognized the artist behind the art.

This is the magic of a signature style.

Finding your signature style is like uncovering a part of yourself that’s been waiting to be expressed. It’s that unique touch in your art that makes it distinctively yours, even when your name is not attached to it.

A signature style distinguishes you from the crowd in a competitive market, providing brand recognition. It paves the path for you to leave your unique impression on the world, to create and share what only you can.

How do you develop a signature style?

In short: over time. Developing a signature style is a lifelong journey, one that continues to grow as your seasons change and your perspectives shift. A signature style is personal; it is an outpouring of you as an artist, as a creative being. It is closely knit to your workflow, inspiration, and heart. And this is what makes it so compelling, memorable.

I recently asked my team to describe my art. The list they gave was truly encouraging: colorful, cottage, warm, home, wistful, engaging, comforting, natural, woodland, garden-inspired, grounded, sunlight, forage, memories, handmade, earthen, botanical, charming, serene, calm, feminine, heirloom, story-filled, sun-drenched, established, elevated, restful, inviting, nostalgia, cozy, english countryside, rooted in nature, storied, immersive, tactile, aspirational, earthy, organic, enveloping, genuine, timeless, heartfelt, nurturing, floral, enchanting.

You have a signature style. You’re developing it each time you create, one brushstroke, one pencil smudge at a time. It is an outpouring of your story this season and is entirely unique to you.

There are several ways to uncover your signature style and develop it intentionally, and you’ll find a few suggestions below.

As you read these, cherish this process of development. It holds incredible value for your artistic journey and should not be rushed.

1. Create consistently.

The foundation of a great signature style is consistent practice. Commit to creating daily or weekly, and focus on volume over perfection.

The more you produce, the more you will recognize what truly resonates with your artistic identity. You will see your style emerge as you explore and find what resonates with you most. This process took about a year and over a hundred patterns before I began to see even a bit of consistency in my own work.

2. Make artwork for yourself.

There is something fulfilling about creating the art you want to see in the world, what you yourself would like to purchase. Learn foundational techniques, but do not hesitate to experiment with new mediums, skills, colors.

When you create from your heart, your work becomes a direct reflection of your soul. It becomes authentic to you, distinguishing your style.

3. Create before you consume.

Create your own work before consuming the work of other artists, even if it’s just a few moments every day before you go online. This practice fosters genuine creativity that is solely yours, and keeps you from being swept away from your own inspiration.

4. Chase your inspiration.

Rather than waiting for a fleeting moment of inspiration to strike, chase it. Get in front of your subject, photograph it, sketch it and surround yourself with it. Seek your inspiration with intentionality.

My favorite sources of inspiration?

• nature walks
• museum visits
• vintage botanical books!

5. Cherish where you are now.

Notice your strengths and the projects you enjoy most. Press into these, put in the hours, and track your progress. There’s purpose in the here and now. There’s growth to be had in this journey that’s unique to you.

No matter how far along your journey you get, there will always be people ahead of you, so focus on your work at hand and grow a deep love for yourself and where you are right now.

6. Notice the overlap.

Notice the colors you gravitate toward. Print out your recent motifs on paper and pin them to a board. Consider what commonalities you see between them. Are there similar line weights or a feel that overlaps between designs? What subject matter often appears?

7. Put it into words.

Write down the style you notice emerging, phrases and words that come to mind when you think of your art. Consider asking a few individuals you trust to describe your style in words, too.

Wanting More?

This story comes from Volume 3 of Pattern Magazine, Begin Again. The whole winter issue, with every story and photograph, is at bonniechristine.com/patternmagazine.