Discovering my Creative Voice through the Practice of Daily Sketching

Every artist has a voice—a unique way of expressing oneself through the work we create. For some, this voice comes naturally, emerging with strength and clarity in their art. For others, like myself, this voice must be discovered, brought to life, and shaped through trials, errors, and experience. Over these recent years, I found my voice wearing down and withering. My own human expression became lost in the noise of social media, the demanding obligation to appease algorithms, and the paralyzing weight of comparison and perfectionism. 

So what exactly is a creative voice? 

A creative (or artistic) voice is a unique way of expressing oneself, distinct and independent from others. It reflects one’s perspectives, experiences, and values, carrying a special essence that is truly and exclusively yours. This concept can feel overwhelming, as it is both complex and elusive. The journey varies from artist to artist, but for me, it began with a simple commitment to sketch every day—setting aside perfectionism and allowing myself the freedom to explore and create.

Why I started this ritual of daily sketching

I’ll be honest; as an artist, I never really saw the point of sketching at random. I felt I had already mastered the basics—drawing shapes, shading, etc. But recently, I've come across many articles emphasizing the value of daily sketching. One in particular compared artists to athletes, highlighting the ways they both rely on muscle memory, technique, and discipline. This comparison really stuck with me, making me rethink the importance of practice, even in its simplest forms.

Every evening, I open my sketchbook to a blank page and sit quietly with any feelings of overwhelm. There’s something both daunting and liberating about this ritual. Some days, I sketch with ease, the lines and shapes flowing naturally, feeling authentic. Other days, I indulge in master studies, gesture drawings, or simply review the basics. But not every day is easy. Sometimes, my mind feels cluttered, and I’m paralyzed by perfection, afraid to make that first mark because I worry it won’t be 'good enough.'

This is the beauty of daily practice: showing up regardless of inspiration. It’s helping me find my artistic voice and teaching me the importance of daily creativity, something I’ve been seeking all year. I’m also learning to let go of the pressure to create a ‘finished’ piece every time I sit down.

Lessons Learned along the Way

As I continued this practice daily, patterns began to emerge—not only in the subjects I drew, which still focus primarily on wildlife and botanicals, but in the themes and ideas that resonate most deeply with me. I found myself favoring certain shapes and a softness in linework, rekindling my appreciation for the intricate details of fur and feathers. These subtle pulls are glimpses of my creative voice peeking through, reclaiming its space.

One of the more surprising realizations was that my voice doesn’t need to be loud or front-and-center to be powerful. It can be a gentle, quiet essence woven throughout my work. I have embraced the beauty of simplicity, the strength of discipline, and the value of creating authentically—not for what my work 'should be' but for what it simply is.

Finding Joy in the Process

One of my favorite take-aways from daily sketching has been the rediscovery of joy that comes with creating just for the sake of creating. In those moments of exploration, I am not looking to impress anyone, I am not looking for outside validation or trying to achieve some ideal version of “success”. I am simply drawing to feel more alive and connected to myself— Especially the parts of me that have become overshadowed.

Encouragement for fellow Artists

If you’ve ever felt lost in your art or weighed down by the noise of social media, I encourage you to try daily sketching. Start small, without any expectation of what the result should be. Give yourself the space to create without the pressure of perfection. Your voice may take time to emerge, but with patience and kindness, it will come through.

Things to consider when developing your creative voice: 

• Experiment with different styles and mediums
• Focus on consistency rather than perfection
• Reflect on your own unique perspectives and experiences
• Focus on creating without seeking validation
• Notice patterns or ideas that resonate with you within your work

Each day is a new chance to listen, to experiment, and to create something that feels real. Your creative voice is already there, waiting for you to discover it, one sketch at a time.