One of the best ways to develop your own style as a designer is to tap into the things that inspire you most. I’m not just talking about the obvious “design inspiration” you see on social media; I mean the stuff that’s been with you for years, often without you realizing it. The shows you loved as a kid. The art styles you couldn’t stop sketching in your notebooks. The images, colors, and shapes that still make you stop and stare.

For me, those influences came from places like the playful simplicity of old cartoons and the bold clarity of traditional tattoo flash. They were different worlds, but both taught me the same lesson: you can say a lot with just a few strong shapes and intentional color choices. That realization became a foundation for my own bold, simplified style.

You have your own version of that, maybe it’s vintage movie posters, comic books, street art, or the design of your favorite sports team’s logo. Whatever it is, study it. Ask yourself why you love it. Is it the texture? The color? The way it tells a story without saying a word? The more you understand what draws you in, the more you can channel that into your own work.

And here’s the added bonus: tapping into your roots doesn’t just make your work more authentic; it helps you stand out. It’s the foundation for building a style no one else can replicate, which naturally becomes your unique brand. Over time, people will recognize your work before they even see your name.

Style doesn’t come from copying other designers; it comes from building on the influences that feel personal to you. When you work from that place, your design voice becomes authentic, recognizable, and unforgettable. That’s the kind of work that lasts.

— Joshua Bovéy