This past week, I created this Queen Anne's Lace design and have already posted it in my shop today. I am pleased to see how well it's been received. People seem taken with this particular piece. I like it, too. I'm hoping to make a pillow one of these days.
Which makes me wonder.
As a professional textile designer, I've had about 15 years to learn to produce almost an infinite array of prints as well as plaids. I have all but mastered the art of delivering whatever style the buyers want (some more successfully than others). But what this all adds up to is that I often morph from one idea or look to the next- not all of them to my express liking.
Enter Cicada Studio and my own personal creative perspective. I am very clear on what I like- and what I want my image to be, but I do find that I have many-a-personal-styles. I find myself slipping into two styles quite readily and often times I don't seem to be able to control which one:
- The first is my art nouveau inspired work- it's bit more literal and fancy, with just a touch of stylized artist license. I often use a more color, and generally is accentuated by a ground color - the tones are somewhat earthy and subdued which evoke the palettes from that period.
- The other style is a little more retro/Mid-Century mod inspired (see What's Buzzin, Cuzzin?) This is my more playful and quirky look. I tend to put them on white grounds, have more clear cut color positions and let the sharp pops of color add to the fun-ness.
When I design a collection of prints one of my challenges is keeping the styles consistent. This print was intended to go with my Earthly Delights group... a more art nouveau-inspired collection. That's not where it wound up going, though. It just came to be from sketch to working it in Illustrator to coloring it up, a more retro vibe pattern. I have no plans (as of yet) for a new retro line, though, so this lil fella is going to be housed in the "independent print" category until I can find him some mates. The testing ground for these prints are in my linen line. I can generally get a good pulse on what's working and what's not just by views, hearts and sales of these patterns. Actually, he plays well with Summer Sandollars... hmmm.
I guess what I'm getting at with this long stream of consciousness is I'm asking myself "is it OK for me to have two rather distinct styles"? I think about some of my role models, they seem to have honed in on an identifiable look. I fear from my years of professional training, I may have lost a bit of this ability. Or as a result, the skill has taken a more obtuse view vs. acute. I'm really not sure. I want to be recognizable- it's important to be so. I think if I have a task before me next year, it is to hone in on this. Or not. Maybe I'm just over-thinking things... welcome to my world!
Thanks for reading this introspective moment!
30 lovely notes:
I like that you have two different looks. Nothing wrong with that.
Is is possible you may not be stepping back far enough to see your lovely work as a whole? I can see the 2 different styles, yes, but what I really see is Michelle's style - how you've taken shapes, colors and texture and molded them to your liking each & every time. The essence of your style comes through loud and clear when I look at the body of your work. It's clean, simple, organic, fresh, organized and selective, regardless of period style. Your dayjob has provided you with mad skillz, but your brain-hand-eye connection is relaying just what it needs to for "Michelle" to come through...at least that's what I see from here! Watch those demons!
Michelle, I adore this design, and have bought the last swatch in your shop (restock, quick!).
I have a similar worry about not keeping a style super-consistent, but I think that the fact is it all starts to gel after a while. And gee, there have to be some side-effects of being so multitalented, right?
Can't wait to get my swatch!
I was just admiring the Queen Anne's Lace along the side of the road this morning. It's no wonder your beautiful design is popular! Very nice.
I think you shouldn't prevent yourself from creating something only because you think it can confuse people or the image they keep of your work. I guess you can't control what people see of you that much. And anyway people remember your stuff if you put your heart in it.
-Now I'll need to remember this as well! ;)
I think you are not alone on this one. As designers we tend to question ourselves over and over! I think our generation has many different interests and inspirations (due to the expansive info. out there from internet/blogs), which leads us into various styles and inspirations. As opposed to our mentors...who do have the great ability to hone into a style! I have a feeling things are going in the direction you are heading - customers expect more from you...they want a diverse selection to suit different needs. And I agree with daisy janie - the styles are somewhat different but they still have your essence. Keep up the good work and go with your gut!
many artists ask themselves this same question- but this is the beauty of being and artist and being able to explore your creations- they are YOUR creations. many designers split their collections into sub categories because they create for themselves and not for everyone else. it's important not to ignore ideas and designs that you truly love just because it doesn't "fit in" (how many of us "fit in" in high school when we were playing with paints and canvas?) the beauty of being an independent designer and not designing for a company or other artist is just that- you design for you. your work is amazing and definitely has your own touch to it, so i say keep exploring! keep following the ideas that you have and seeing where they end up.
More than one style is totally acceptable! I think styles evolve constantly. It's the nature of being an artist. But I do understand about pumping out designs for someone else, then having to clear your head for your own work.
I think this might be my fave print so far!:)
I agree with you, it is hard to hone a style to call you own, yet I agree with the others, I think you are on your way.
I suffer from the same post corporate dilemmas. Sometimes it's hard to create when you can finally create whatever you want!
very lovely. i love how it looks vintage.
Wow, thanks for the really supportive comments everyone! I am not being hard on myself, as much as I'm questioning my goals. You know what I think is funny? If you read this, then you read the post below about Louise Bourgeois and her 80+ year career and how varied her work is it's like I just continued the topic here. Why can't I just take a cue from her?? It's very easy for designers (maybe a bit more than artists) to question their own integrity. After all, most of us act as a "service" so we get used to giving people what they want. When you finally have the opportunity to do what YOU want, it's like, um... what DO I want?? Who am I?? Just more to think about... and it's all good. I'm glad I have these moments to do so.
very nice. I found a daisy print on superbuzzy that I really liked and this one, for some reason slightly reminds me of it. Probably some of the color tones.
I struggle with not having a defined look...I also like too many things so I have a hard time honing myself!
Being able to reach different people through your work is also great--a few different styles can do that very thing!
And I can identify you out of a crowd--maybe because I check your blog all of the time, but I think if you had your work mingled with a bunch of others your style would still be able to be recognized.
I can almost now look at fabric collections and tell you who the designer is. That's fine but I begin to get bored and look for other styles and colors. I like retro, vintage, Japanese, modern...I like change so I think it's wonderful not to know what to always expect from the designer!!! LOVE all of your stuff and the Queen Anne's Lace is gorgeous.
That pattern is stunning!
it's as if you read my mind! I was actually asking myself the same question-
In my eyes-I have 2 styles too. Though since it's all blockprinted it kind of harmonizes- (i guess...)
To me- your style is distinctive (long lines, little dots and details and intriquing color combos) it all looks very you.
It's probably best to just go with what inspires you and know that it's all you.
I could go on and on...
Maybe it would help if we swap adjectives describing each others work to see what the outside perspective is...
Two different styles are a good thing! Beautiful design!
I think you are entitled as many styles as you want as long as they continue to look this good....seriously!
That really is a beautiful pattern! I love the colors and shapes. These are some great thoughts, I struggle with this all the time when I'm coming up with new designs. I think it's true that even though you seem to have 2 styles, they are still both very much you. I also think it's fine to have a couple of different styles - it keeps things interesting, and those styles are simply a product of your creativity. It's realistic for creatives to change and to grow and to be multi-faceted, I think it would be boring if that weren't the case :) You really have great stuff that always inspires me - keep up the goo work!! :)
I think you have a definite style that is your own. I think your work is recognisable as "yours".
It's perfectly ok to expand your designs and offer more variety. I think without realising it you do have a unique style and it is shared across the board in your patterns.
Keep doing what feels right and what appeals to you. I think it helps us remain really open in the creative process.
I just discovered your blog and work and it is beautiful. Don't worry about the style question. You are doing a great job!
This is stunning. I adore this departure. Keep going with it!
I think you are over thinking. I know this is a business for you, but don't think like a marketing agent who wants one identifiable style. Think like an artist, which you are. You won't be happy if you don't follow your creative spirit.
Why pigeon hole yourself into one style. You are so very talented. I think you will always have a dominant style but I also think you should just let your creativity lead you down new paths. Some paths may wind up dead ends and others may open up a whole new world of ideas.
This one may be my favorite one yet!
As for the different styles... You may have different styles that inspire you and that you gravitate to, but I think all of your designs, (regardless of which category you place them in) reflect you, and communicate your unique vision. Each piece has an integrity to it. Each detail is weighed and considered and perfected. Everything flows. Your work stands beautifully alone as well as grouped.
Keep it coming baby, it's all good!
I think both your styles are very recognizeable as daisy janie says, they're your styles! I love it!
I have to agree, that queen anne's lace pattern is so excellent ... it totally evokes childhood for me (hanging around in fields!) I can also totally relate to the dilemma of being torn between multiple personal styles ... though I think in your case you have such a strong aesthetic that it definitely all holds together.
I love it this print
I love the actual design, but not the color - if it was in another colorway I think I would like the design better. I'm easily swayed by color in pattern. BUT that's just me - the flowers are just lovely as usual.
Every artist is really hard on themselves if you aren't, you get stagnant. I think it's just part of the creative process, to over analyze the work.
I'm seriously dying to know how you got this printed so fast as well.
i sometimes feel the same way.
i still see your hand or look on everything though, and all your designs look like you! and you do a super job and that's all that matters :)
Oooh...I love this! I'm totally with you on the different styles boat! I can't seem to make up my mind when it comes to my own tastes but I have no problem working on design for others.
I think all your designs are fabulous...whatever category they may fall into!
I too worry about having a number of styles- its only retrospectively and through feedback from others that I realize there is an overall 'me' style that is not so obvious when your so close to the work- but your fans can see it really clearly!
I feel a lot better when I pull out all my old pictures, designs, ideas etc lay them on the floor and look at them from a distance- suddenly the connections and threads of my own style become clearer :-) ps. thanks for sharing
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