Embrace Your Artistic Identity

“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.”

– Epictetus

Art is more than just technique or style—it’s a reflection of who we are and the journey we’ve taken. Our personal experiences, values, and curiosities shape the way we create. Whether you’re drawn to the meticulous detail of hyperrealism or the wild freedom of expressive brushwork, the essence of your art lies in how you infuse your individuality into every piece.

My own path began with the awe of movie posters and the imaginative worlds shaped by illustrators like Ralph McQuarrie, the visionary behind Star Wars. Over time, that influence was joined by the quiet power of the Masters—Rembrandt, Dürer, and Sargent—who taught me how light, form, and emotion can coexist in a single stroke. But no matter how deeply I admired them, the real magic only started when I stopped trying to recreate their work and started trusting my own voice.

It’s not just about mastering a medium—it’s about making it an extension of who you are.

In a recent reflection, I found myself thinking about how every tool we use—paintbrush, camera, pen—is part of a modern-day artist’s kit. And the key isn’t letting those tools define us. It’s using them to reveal something deeper. Whether you prefer the tactile drag of oil paint or the sleek control of digital tools, what matters most is how you bring your inner world to life through them.

And art—regardless of form—is storytelling.

• A painter captures a moment, freezing emotion in light and color.

• A photographer stops time with a shutter.

• A writer spins words into worlds.

• A cinematographer takes thousands of still frames and strings them together so that the illusion of motion tells a living story.

• A dancer tells stories with their body.

• A musician tells stories with sound.

That’s the common thread—storytelling. It’s what binds us across disciplines. And that’s why I believe so many artists aren’t just good at one thing. They move between forms because the idea is what drives them—not the medium.

Take da Vinci—painter, engineer, inventor, anatomist. Or someone like David Lynch—filmmaker, musician, painter. These artists aren’t scattered. They’re complete. Their ideas spill into whatever vessel will carry them.

It’s no secret that I draw and paint. That’s my foundation. But I also make photographs. I write. I make films. I play music. And I may or may not have an unhealthy obsession with cinematography. But none of that pulls me away from painting—it feeds it. Every creative outlet strengthens the others.

So to all the artists out there:

Embrace your individuality.

Don’t be afraid of being multifaceted.

Your chosen style, your preferred techniques, your creative habits—they’re all part of a larger fingerprint. Dive deep into what inspires you, and let that shape your process.

Ready to commit to your journey?

Start by listening closely to what moves you. Follow it. Not blindly—but with purpose.

What stories are you here to tell?

Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to create work that’s not only skilled—but soulful.