Storytelling for Artists

What makes someone stop scrolling, feel something, or connect with your artwork on a deeper level? The answer might surprise you—it’s not perfect technique or flawless design. It’s story.

In this video, I share why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools artists have—and how you can start using it in your own work today.

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Why Storytelling Matters in Art

Storytelling isn’t just for books and movies. It’s a quiet force that can make your art unforgettable. Whether you’re painting, printing, designing patterns, or making products, your art is already saying something. The question is—are you being intentional about it?

When you lean into story—whether it’s an emotion, a memory, or a place—you create a deeper connection with the people who experience your work. It turns something decorative into something meaningful.

We are surrounded by visual art every day, but the pieces that stay with us? They’re the ones that make us feel.

A Story Makes Your Work Stick

A good story doesn’t have to be dramatic or detailed. It can be a simple memory. A connection to nature. A sense of peace.

Take my Love Letter to the Mountains blanket, for example. It’s soft and beautiful, sure—but every motif is rooted in something real. I studied the local flora and fauna of the San Gabriel Mountains, places I’ve hiked and fallen in love with. The shapes, colors, and textures all tell the story of quiet mornings, winding trails, and the joy of being surrounded by nature.

When people hear that story, their faces light up. Even if they’ve never been to the San Gabriels, they feel it. That’s what story does—it builds empathy. It transforms your work from a product into a personal experience.

Share the Why Behind What You Create

Whether you’re a surface pattern designer, a painter, or a printmaker, your story is already baked into your work. The magic happens when you share it.

You don’t need to write an essay or get poetic—just be honest.
Why did you make this piece?
What inspired it?
What do you hope someone will feel when they experience it?

Those answers are the story—and that’s what helps your art stand out.

Let Your Work Speak for Something

If you’ve ever doubted whether your art is “enough,” or wondered how to make it resonate with your audience, start with a story. Your audience wants to connect—not just with what you made, but with why you made it.

And that connection? That’s what builds loyal collectors, customers, and fans.

Want to watch more of my YouTube videos? Check out my channel and subscribe.

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