It’s funny how we like what we like. I was flipping through a catalog this morning and was contemplating buying some new sneakers, like the slip on Converse low-tops. When I reviewed the color offering I realized that I already had all of them, in one form or another. Hunh. I looked in my closet. I certainly see a style trend. Do you?
Sneaks and Mary Janes. Of course I have other shoes, but these are the ones I wear most often.
Sometimes as an artist or a designer, we struggle to define the style of our work. It can be hard to put your finger on it. But if we keep creating and making and being true to own aesthetics, our personal style emerges. It’s probably always been there, waiting to be noticed. Which doesn’t mean we can’t push the envelope and step outside of our typical range. That can be the fun part, the exploration that hopefully leads to an “aha” moment. (Like, hey, I’ll wear boots today.)
What defines your personal style? Does it show in your work?
I just can’t seem to get away from tree branches. They always captivate me, I suppose I shouldn’t fight it…
I have those same Keens in black. I wish I had them in every color (have you seen the new t-straps?)! I think spending a lot of time at my grandma’s house as a child made me love vintage. I’ve been looking at my overstuffed closet lately thinking I need to clear out about 50% of it and stick to styles I love to wear. My work is definitely inspired by vintage–sewing, crochet, embroidery…
P.S. I love my Chucks, too–high tops in navy and red!
boy oh boy does this post resonate with me! very well articulated and and excellent jumping off point for me to step back, observe and start to define. thanks!
I actually like that I can’t define a personal style to my work. I’m not one to enjoy being put in a box. And just when you think you’ve got me pinned down I’ll probably do something entirely new.
The one constact in my wardrobe, home, and work is colour, lots of colour.
Interesting post. I don’t think I have a particular style. I try to not be too neat and pristine and I don’t very often follow patterns but I couldn’t give it a name. Teresa x
I think about this often, if artists “look” like their art. I certainly to gravitate towards round toed “cutesy” shoes. Hmmmm.
I love the boots in the upper right corner. Where are they from? 🙂
Briel79,
Thanks! Those are my orange leather “winter” high top sneakers from Rieker. Not sure if they still sell them!
Betz
When I was at art school I used to stress about having a look, I didn’t feel I had one, and felt like I should. Now that I don’t care, I do see my own look coming through my work, words, birds, trees, particular textures and colours that appeal to me.
Hi Betz, I just clicked on your blog for the first time after meandering around. I love the pic of all your shoes. I can’t wait to go home and see how same-y I am. Chucks are my favorites and I have about 8 pair. Love them. I also love the green (loden/sage?) on green Mary Janes in your photo. Can you tell me the brand? I need something respectable for work and these look comfy and work friendly. Thank you!
Hi Molly Dee,
The brand of the green criss-cross straps is J-41. I have to say that these rub the back of my heel so they are not great for all day walking…at least for me!
Thanks for stopping by!
Betz
I’m a Mary Janeite too. Does that translate into “cute”? Young? Silly? I’m not sure.
I think I realised I had a style when people came up to me said they recognised my work. I agree, I don’t think you realise it and for many young people you always strive for it, but when people can point out your art and know its you, then you’ve got your style 🙂
Love your shoe collection by the way! 😉
Hi Betz…I always love how you get right to the meat of the matter…and it’s so funny because I wrote a post on my blog today also about knowing what you love and editing out everything else (farmandfrufru.blgspot.com)…check it out…we’re on the same page…your page looks better, but we’re on the same one! oh, and love those shoes…
I love high heel shoes, especially when they come in interesting colors like red, orange or purple.
That’s funny you say that. Just last year I noticed that I have a lot of red shoes, and while I don’t wear a lot of them, it told me that I like red 🙂
Betz,
I have the polka dots in navy and green. LOVE THEM!
Personal style is something I might have. I’m more worried about being comfortable and functional. I recently paited my toenails a dark teal green and I love it. It makes me feel a little punk rock and I’m the only one who sees it. It’s inspiring me to be a little more aware of the “looks” I put together.
now that you got me thinking about it… i think you are totally right! i like to be fashionable and sporty and confortable and definately always make sure that i have a little twist, something that makes me diferent from the crowd, but not over the top!
so i guess that the pieces i make with my crochet are pieces that i like to use, just to make the outfit a little different, just enough to make that twist without everybody staring at you thinking “she must be crazy!” 😀
I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of figuring out my quilting “style”. It involved a lot of really paying attention to what I liked and didn’t both in my own work and the work of others. It is great to know who you really are; then, sometimes, you can be something different.
In my closet, you would find several pairs of Danskos, some Keens, and a pair or two of crocs (which are phasing their way out! I think they’ve wrecked my foot posture!) It’s amusing how we’ve all got style!
A very interesting post. I’ve never felt like I’ve had a particular style, especially not with drawing because in the context of the design industry, I can’t. I like to try lots of different things, I don’t often stick to the same craft even. Even though I have plenty of ideas, when it comes to what actually gets produced, I tend to be practical and so that means I am often making choices based on function, fit, finances. I think my wardrobe and shoes are boring and do not reflect me at all, they are pretty utilitarian. Or maybe they do reflect me. Hmmm. Am I bound to practicality by my own choice? And I prefer to blend in. So perhaps my long tee solid colored tee shirt and cords uniform is a form of camouflage or self-deprecation. Interesting things to think about, thanks Betz. I read your blog as much for your insights on the crossovers between art and life as for your sweet crafts.
I love all Keens, Simple, and Earth shoes too. As for style I’m still working mine out but for the last two years the color green esp lime green seems to appear everywhere – in my art, clothing,and home.
hmmmm that is tricky to answer!
i’d say my design style is clean and neat – but weirdly my personal style is a bit on the grubby and scruffy side!!!
nice selection of shoes! My personal style is rather basic, but in my work I always try to celebrate the fabric I am working with, whatever style or genre it is. I just love fabric!
Definitely! Some women can’t go out without makeup or a fresh manicure. I can’t go out without looking like a box of crayons! I just did this set on Polyvore, which is a perfect representation of my style, and of course everything in my shop is bright as can be! http://www.polyvore.com/primarily_fun/set?id=16548769
I have a closet full of keens too!