What is a Dominant Motif?

And Why It Matters in Writing and Life…

In visual art, a dominant motif is that one recurring element that gives everything else shape and meaning. It might be a color, a symbol, a pattern—something that shows up again and again, quietly anchoring the piece. It’s not loud, but it’s unmistakable. Once you notice it, you realize it’s been guiding your eye all along.

Writing has motifs, too. And they matter just as much.

In literature, a dominant motif can be a repeated image, phrase, or idea that weaves itself through the story. It gives the narrative weight and emotional resonance. Think of the green light across the water in The Great Gatsby, or all the bird imagery in The Awakening. These aren’t just stylistic flourishes. They’re clues—breadcrumbs pointing toward something deeper.

If you’re a creative or biographical writer, spotting the motif is sometimes how you find the story. A writer friend once said, “I keep coming back to water. I dream about it, write about it, fear it, love it.” That was the key to unlocking her memoir. The motif revealed the emotional current she couldn’t quite name until she saw it show up—again and again.

I see this in business too. Whether you’re writing a brand manifesto or a values-driven website, recurring motifs can do a lot of heavy lifting. If your business is rooted in trust, maybe your language keeps circling back to light, or bridges, or pathways. If innovation is your story, the motifs might be sparks, doors, or transformation. Used well, these patterns don’t just decorate—they reinforce.

And what about real life?

Look closely and you’ll see your own motifs: the lessons life keeps circling you back to. The tensions you return to. The things you’ve chased, escaped, and returned to again. Some of mine? Reinvention. Faith. The need to feel seen. Noticing these isn’t just self-indulgent; it helps me write—and live—with more intention.

So, here’s the question I always ask writers: What keeps showing up? What can’t you seem to stop writing about, no matter the form or format? That’s not a fluke. That’s your motif. Follow it.

Motifs remind us that repetition isn’t always redundancy. Sometimes, it’s the soul trying to speak.

This is a blog about creativity and writing. Whether you’re just beginning or returning to the page after a frustrating pause, I’m here to help you find your voice—or perfect it.