What Happened to Personal Expression?

A reflection on individuality in a copy-and-paste world

Jun 12, 2025

I still remember the feeling of trying on clothes in my mom’s closet.

I know… weird way to start a post, but the potential felt limitless. So many beautiful garments to choose from—bags, scarves, jewelry, blouses in every color. And her blazer collection? My favorite. Maybe that’s where my own blazer obsession started.

ALLIE - “Under the Influence” | Fine Art Series | Self Portrait | New York, 2019

I think many women have experienced this feeling—opening up mom’s closet (or sneaking in while she’s at work) to play dress-up.

Not giving a second thought to the mismatched pairings or caring what anyone might think of your creation. Standing on a high surface near a mirror, in a power stance, full of admiration. That’s a feeling I crave every time I get dressed. Only now, it’s often met with another feeling we all know too well…

Is this too much?
What will people think?
Does this color go?
Is it flattering?

But in reality—none of that matters.

Read that again: none of that matters.

Personal expression is so much more than what we wear, though fashion is such a fun way to show personal style.

The same goes for design—or anything that asks us to put ourselves out there, if we’re being honest. Sharing your work is vulnerable. It can be anxiety-inducing. I find myself constantly chasing that worry-free, childlike confidence I once had. Creating just to create, without perfectionism. Just pure creative expression.

The confidence we had at that age is unmatched.

By mindfulnista: Digital Collage Artist from The Netherlands

I wish we could all find our way back to that.
Creating for the sake of creating.
Speaking our minds without overthinking.
Wearing clothes that technically “don’t go” together, but still loving the look because you love it.

I saw a TikTok the other day about how everyone is starting to look the same and not really making their own decisions anymore. It was about videos asking what the “shoe of the summer” is, but I think it goes deeper than that.

A lot of us are getting caught up in trend cycles (especially online), and we’re being influenced whether we realize it or not. I’ve been trying to be more mindful of that in my own media consumption, but it honestly makes me sad to think about how personal expression can get lost. How we can all start to morph into carbon copies.

And listen, I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been influenced in the past—hello, Sambas—but I’ve been making a personal shift this year. Shopping secondhand more often. Using accessories to elevate outfits I’ve worn to death. Giving old pieces a fresh spin.

Same goes for design.

Sometimes when I’m looking for inspiration, I’ll see a piece and think, “Damn, why didn’t I think of that?”
Then I’ll spiral a bit, wondering if I’m even a good designer.
Dramatic, I know. But it’s the truth.

I know I’m not alone in this.
Imposter syndrome sneaks up when you least expect it and clings on tight.

When I get caught in those thought loops, I have to be intentional about climbing out. I let the feeling sit for a bit, then I look back at projects I’m proud of, kind words from clients, wins I’ve had. And eventually, I find my way back to myself.

If you’re a designer (or any kind of creative) just starting out, please remember this:
Your skillset is yours.
Your perspective is unique.
No one thinks the way you do.

Clients and peers come to you because of what you bring to the table—and that’s something to be proud of.

All this to say:
Be yourself.
Wear what you want.
Design what brings you joy.
Buy the trinkets that make you smile.
Create just because you want to.

Don’t let your personal expression be sacrificed for the sake of fitting in.

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