Pen art, mistakes and my creative journey

The journey to discovering an artistic style is rarely linear; it’s a process of experimentation, learning, and growth. My path led me to pen, a medium that began as a high school project and evolved into my signature artistic voice. What draws me to pen is its embrace of imperfection. There’s no erasing, no going back, just adaptation. This lesson, learning to work with mistakes rather than against them, has not only shaped my art but also my perspective on life.

Illustrated pen with a butterfly by Kirsten B Designs

Finding my medium: The appeal of pen art

During my high school visual arts class, I explored various artistic tools, but pen stood out. Unlike pencils, which allow for endless corrections, pen demands commitment. Every stroke matters, teaching the importance of decision-making and confidence. At first, it was intimidating, but over time, I realised that mistakes weren’t flaws they were opportunities. A misplaced line or an ink smudge became part of the design, turning accidents into unexpected beauty.

Lessons from mistakes: Growth through adaptation

Working with pen taught me that perfection isn’t the goal, authenticity is. Early on, I found mistakes frustrating, but I soon recognised their value. Each “error” added uniqueness to my work, shaping it into something more compelling than my original vision. This realisation extended beyond art: in life, mistakes can’t always be erased, but they can be transformed into something meaningful.

Over time, I embraced unpredictability, allowing each sketch to take on a life of its own. The imperfections gave my work depth, a raw energy that a flawless drawing could never capture. This shift in mindset made me more open to creative risks, turning my art into a reflection of resilience and adaptability.

From the classroom to a personal Style

As I refined my technique, my sketches took on a distinct identity, intricate black-and-white compositions full of texture and depth. What began as a classroom exercise grew into an artistic language through which I could communicate more intimately with the world. The simplicity of black ink on white paper strips away distractions, leaving only the honesty of each mark.

Mistakes became an integral part of my style, adding authenticity that a meticulously planned drawing could lack. The imperfections weren’t flaws but the essence of the work itself, evidence of the creative process, of trial and discovery.

Sharing My Work: Connecting Through Imperfection

When I started sharing my artwork, I was nervous about how they’d be received. Social media became a platform not just to display my art but to connect with others. What resonated most wasn’t technical perfection, but the visible journey within each piece: the evolving lines, the unplanned details, the story within the strokes.

People weren’t just seeing finished drawings; they were witnessing a process, one that mirrored their own experiences with growth, mistakes, and transformation. This connection reinforced what I had already learned: imperfections make art more relatable, just as they make life more genuine.

The Ongoing Journey: Art as a Reflection of Life

My artistic evolution continues, guided by the same principle: mistakes are not failures but stepping stones to something greater. Every line, whether deliberate or accidental, contributes to a larger story. This philosophy applies beyond art, reminding me to embrace the unexpected and find value in the imperfect moments.

To anyone still searching for their artistic voice, I encourage exploration without fear of mistakes. Let them shape your style, your perspective, and your confidence. Every mark you make, intentional or not, adds to your story. The imperfections are what make it uniquely yours.

Keep drawing, keep learning, and keep growing.