How do I find my creative voice?
Dear creative mind,
Feeling like your voice isn’t clear or unique is more common than you might think… We often get caught in the idea that finding our voice means reaching some fixed, clear, and perfect version of ourselves. But in reality, your creative voice is always evolving. Because you are always evolving.
Instead of aiming for an idea of a “unique” voice, let’s reframe what it means. Your voice, your identity, is already inherently unique. But sometimes, we get stuck on an image of what “unique” should look like (often something polished, static, or even extravagant). The truth is, the only way to find your voice is to stop searching for something “new,” grandiose, or extraordinary. Your voice doesn’t have to be a groundbreaking invention. It’s already inside you, and waiting to be expressed. The key is to allow yourself to express it.
Your uniqueness comes from your lived experiences, the story that only you can tell. The moments that have shaped you (your upbringing, your challenges, relationships, and even losses) are what make your voice distinctive. Your lessons, values, and experiences are what make up your perspective, and they’re more than enough to fuel your creative expression.
So instead of focusing on creating something “new,” let’s start with a different approach: How do you start expressing the energy and essence of who you are?
Here’s how you can get started to express your creative voice:
1. Explore the energy of your voice
Before exploring the words or messages you want to express, I encourage you to be curious about the energy of your voice: the feeling or vibe you want to express through your creative work. The underlying tone and essence. The atmosphere you create when you enter a room, or the mood you convey through your art, words, or actions. Is it bold? Gentle? Warm? Intense? Playful? Think about the way you want people to feel when they experience your art. Do you want them to feel empowered, calm, inspired, provoked?
2. Find meaning, truth and uniqueness in your story
Again, the idea of having a “unique” voice can often feel confusing. Instead of searching for something new, dive into the story that defines you. What experiences have made you who you are today? How did those moments change the way you view life? What do you know because of them? What were the lessons that stayed with you?
3. Don’t shy away from uncomfortable emotions
Sometimes, the parts of ourselves we want to avoid are the ones that hold the most valuable clues. Jealousy or anger, for example, can respectively point us to hidden desires or values we might not even be aware of. What do these emotions teach you about what matters most to you?
4. Connect the threads
As an artist, you have an inherent ability to connect dots easily. Now, connect the dots of your life. Look at recurring patterns or themes that show up in your personal and creative life. Are there places where your lessons, values, or experiences intersect?
5. Look into external tools to reflect your inner truth
I personally find astrology or human design to be a great tools for affirmation and insight into my identity. Sometimes these external systems can serve as mirrors for our inner truths, and help us clarify what’s already within. They can either affirm what we already know or offer something to respond to—whether it’s confirming a feeling or pointing out something that doesn’t quite resonate.
Loving reminder: Your voice is already yours, and it’s already unique. Keep paying attention to the little clues along the way. The more you connect the dots of your story, the clearer your voice will become.
I truly hope this helps you get started on the path of defining your creative voice, dear creative mind.
With gratitude,
Pascale