The Benefits of Working in Series: How Repetition Fosters Growth
Ever feel like your ideas are all over the place, jumping from one project to the next without really settling on a clear direction? I
t’s an easy trap to fall into, especially when creativity is flowing.
There’s something to be said for focusing on a single idea and working through it in different ways.
That’s where working in a series comes in—and it's something I’ve found incredibly helpful in my own practice.
Why I Batch My Work
I almost always work in series, regardless of the medium. I like to call it "batching my work." I start several pieces in a series at the same time, working a little on one, then moving to the next. Each piece is unique, but they’re all connected, allowing me to explore different facets of the same idea. What I love most about this approach is the freedom it gives me. I’m not overly attached to any one piece—if I don’t like how one is turning out, I can leave it out of the group. I might use it for something else down the line, or I’ll simply trash it.
This method not only speeds up my process but also helps when I have a show coming up. Instead of creating each piece in isolation, I’m building an entire collection, and I can produce work more efficiently while still giving each piece its own character. It’s a win-win.
The Power of Repetition
When you work in a series, you're revisiting the same idea or theme across multiple pieces. This repetition might seem tedious, but it’s actually where a lot of artistic growth happens. By approaching a subject or concept repeatedly, you refine your techniques, discover new possibilities, and build confidence.
In a way, it’s like learning to play an instrument. The more you practice a certain scale or melody, the more fluent you become. The same goes for your art. The more you work within the same parameters, the deeper your understanding of your style, medium, and subject matter grows. And as you move from one piece to the next, you’ll start to notice how subtle changes impact the overall mood and expression of your work.
Freedom to Experiment
One of the biggest advantages of working in a series is that it allows you to experiment without fear. Since you’re creating multiple pieces around the same concept, you’re not putting all your hopes into one artwork. If one piece doesn’t work, you can try something different in the next one. There’s less pressure because you know you have a whole collection to rely on.
This flexibility is what keeps the process exciting. For example, I might try a new color palette or a different technique in one piece. If it doesn’t quite hit the mark, I can tweak it in the next painting or drawing. By the end, I’ll have learned something new—whether it’s about composition, texture, or a combination of techniques. Each piece informs the next, and that’s where the magic happens.
Building Confidence Through Consistency
Another great benefit of working in a series is that it helps build consistency in your work. When you create several pieces based on the same theme or technique, patterns start to emerge. You begin to recognize your strengths, preferences, and unique artistic voice. That’s something you don’t get when you jump from project to project without any clear connection.
As you work through a series, you develop a greater sense of control over your materials and process. This builds confidence—not only in the current series but also in future projects. You start to understand how to push your boundaries while staying true to your style. It’s a gradual and organic process of self-discovery, and it’s incredibly rewarding.
A Continuous Cycle of Growth
By the time you finish a series, you’ll often find that you’ve grown more than you expected. You’ve deepened your understanding of your subject matter, sharpened your skills, and gained new insights into your creative process. And the best part? The end of one series often sparks the beginning of the next.
Even if the series didn’t turn out exactly as you envisioned, there’s something valuable in the act of completing it. You’ve explored, refined, and learned, and you’re ready to apply those lessons to whatever comes next.
Ready to Give It a Try?
If you’ve been feeling a little scattered in your creative practice, I recommend trying to work in a series. Pick a theme or technique, and create ten pieces exploring it from different angles. Don’t worry if the first few feel awkward or off—that’s part of the process. The beauty of working in a series is that each piece is a stepping stone, and by the end, you’ll see how far you’ve come.
As the writer Gustave Flaubert said, “Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work.” Let the structure of a series bring clarity to your creativity, and watch as your ideas flourish.
See you in the studio!
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