What does the term 'pigeonhole' mean?
Pigeonhole refers to the act of "assign(ing) to a particular category, typically an overly restrictive one." - Google definition.
Within the design industry this often means to have a particular niche within your artistic style, whether it's through design or illustration, and although it is rather a restrictive aspect as a creative it by no means strips away the potential of success. Everything has a market.
EXAMPLES -
Tallulah Fontaine
"Illustrator and zine maker currently based in Toronto, Canada."
Often depicts a female character with a familiar, white block face and neutral or somber expression. Her use of colour is always soft and pastel related - however her colour schemes do differ. As a whole the vibe, mood and style of each of her illustrations remain consistent and tend to always reflect the general female character which is evidently part of her niche.
A UK based senior concept artist at Atomhawk Design.
Has a distinct, realistic painterly design despite using digital media to create her pieces. Always detailed and resemble surreal photographs. Subject matter is often fantasy based and more often than not the main focus is a female figure. Her niche evidently lies behind her realism and the focus on human (female) figures.
"I am never without a scrunchie but often without a clue"
Is well known for her comics regarding mental health and all sorts of emotions. "I draw sad things in a funny way and vice versa." Has a distinct, almost scrawly style that appears very fluid and care free, may potentially even be considered childlike. Depicts the same character within each comic along with the same general themes. This is her particular niche.
Whilst considering the creatives within a certain niche there are also those who have a distinctive style yet choose to work across a varied range of themes and subjects, maintaining a middle ground within the industry and proving themselves to be flexible. There are even those who work in styles that aren't even their own but instead a mimic of another artist. This is referred to as ghost illustration and often leaves the creative with good experience but no credit.
"Do you want to be pigeonholed as a specific illustrator/designer?"
For me, personally, I firmly believe that I would be best suited to maintaining a middle ground approach. As both a designer and illustrator I find that I often experiment with styles and branch out but still manage to maintain somewhat of a niche in which my work always looks like my own - even when trying new methods or experimenting in general. I also like to apply myself to many different themes and genres to keep me on my toes and to allow me to try new and enjoyable things which may take my fancy. Although I truly admire those who pigeonhole themselves into specific categories I'm strongly under the impression that the restrictions would be too overwhelming and stump my creativity all together.
