Style arrives on its own after enough reps. Who can skip one, and who can't.
Welcome to the first-ever edition of The Division Dispatch! 🎉 Ben and I are beyond excited to launch this newsletter and bring you insights, inspiration, and the latest happenings inside Maker Division. I want to kick this thing off in style- with a memo on style.
This topic sparked a lively discussion inside Maker Division Accelerator recently, and it got me thinking. Does every creative need a defined style?
My short answer: No. You can move forward without intentionally defining a style, choosing instead to offer whatever aesthetic best fits each client. You have permission to build your studio on your terms. If you want to be the be-all of styles, you've got this! Sure, there are market segments that are looking for their creatives to have a style developed, but those segments just might not be for you. There are other fish in the sea.
Now my illustration and design studio does have a certain style. And from my experience having a particular style has not only sets our clients' minds at ease, the whole process is just flat out easier. They come to us knowing that they want us to “do our thing,” and sometimes our “thing” (aka style) isn't something that others they're talking to have shown in their portfolio, making sales super smooth. And then we “do our thing” and voila- minimal revisions because the client kinda knew what they were going to get the whole time and they trusted our process.
But here’s the kicker—even if you aren’t actively trying to develop a style, you’re doing it anyway. Sorry to burst your bubble, style rebels.
Every time you pick up a pen (or a pen tool), you make choices: the tools you favor, your instinctual use of color and composition, the way you approach typography, the subjects you’re drawn to, your influences, and your personal design preferences. Over time, these patterns become your style. Not because you forced it, but because you put in the reps.
And there's the key- you gotta put in the reps. If you've only ever designed one or two logo, you haven't given yourself the time and experience to flex those design decision muscles. You'll get there!
But there's another dimension to this— because there is one group of creatives who should be intentional about developing a signature style: those looking to build income streams beyond client work. If you want to sell merch, teach, or license your art, then honing your style isn’t optional—it’s essential. Customers buy products that align with their aesthetic and sensibilities and your brand should tap into their identity— becoming an extension of their style. Students don’t just want to learn the craft—they want to learn your approach, your way of doing things (which, again, is your style). And when it comes to licensing, companies look for cohesive, recognizable collections. In these spaces, a strong, distinct style isn’t just an asset—it’s the foundation of your success.
Ready to dig into how you can continue to explore your style and get inspiration from others who are doing the same? Because that's exactly what I'm dishing out in the rest of this edition of the Dispatch. Read on!
Lisa Congdon
On the Bookshelf
If you've put in the reps and are still struggling with defining your style, Lisa Congdon’s Find Your Artistic Voice is a must-read. This book breaks down the process of developing a unique creative identity by blending personal experience, practical exercises, and insights from working artists. Congdon emphasizes that style isn’t something you choose —it’s something that emerges through consistent practice, curiosity, and self-exploration. *Affiliate link
Shea O'Connor
Artist We Love
And speaking of style, illustrator and friend Shea O'Connor recently posted about this very topic on her Instagram, showcasing all of her various styles and how they are all very much her. It's been fun watching her style evolve over the years and seeing how, no matter which side of herself she leans into, her vintage, fashionable, vibrant sensibilities always shine through.
Ultraviolence
Now Playing
I can't talk about style without talking about music. Enter Lana Del Rey. Across her discography, she shape-shifts between genres— Born to Die leans hip-hop and cinematic, Ultraviolence embraces gritty rock noir (my fave), and her upcoming album is said to flirt with southern gothic — sign me up. Yet, every era is unmistakably her. The breathy vocals, moody storytelling, lush harmonies, and provocative lyricism create a continuity that transcends genre. This proves that your style isn’t just about visual or sonic choices—it’s the DNA that runs through everything you create.
If there’s one thing we love at Maker Division, it’s watching creatives put in the work—and Austin Dingess is the definition of all in. A standout member of our Accelerator program, Austin topped the discussion leaderboard in January and has been an integral voice inside our Graphic Design interest space, sparking this whole conversation about the evolution of style and whether it's important to have one as an identity designer. And he’s not just talking about it—he’s living it. Austin just wrapped up his 700th poster design, charging full speed ahead toward 800, and it’s been incredible to see his unique aesthetic sharpen and evolve inside Maker Division Accelerator.
But Austin’s drive doesn’t stop at design. He’s been laser-focused on building his business, diving into email outreach like a champ, refining his strategy with feedback inside the Lead Gen Lounge, and strengthening his inbound marketing through Instagram and YouTube. Even more impressive? He’s actively collaborating with other members, proving that creative success isn’t just about individual growth—it’s about lifting others up along the way. Members like Austin make the Division what it is, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.
Austin Dingess
Accelerator Win
Someone I had previously introduced myself and my services contacted me to be the person to create the artwork for their band's upcoming album. He said as soon as he saw my work, he knew he wanted to work with me when the time came! Accelerator helped me create an outreach plan that enabled me to connect with people I want to work with... The community has been extremely helpful as well as fun to be a part of. As someone who works by myself, it's nice to have a community of great people that I can rely on for support or if I just need some good people to talk to!
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I didn't have a portfolio
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Build a creative business you love
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