Artists are an intriguing species. They have the privilege of doing what they do both as a job AND as a hobby. Can you think of a doctor who does accounting on the side for fun? Me neither. But the thing is, that is a HUGE double-edged sword.
While the process of creating art can be extremely rewarding in itself, it more often than not becomes an instrument of self-torture. I have my own personal dungeon full of those. Usually, these instruments are called “personal style”, “unique style”, “uniquity”, or even “voice”. Just like you, I am tired of searching article after article on how to stop torturing myself trying to find my art style!
First of all, let´s reframe this process as a pleasurable experience. An artist’s life is already hard, so you need all the encouragement you can get from your routine. Finding your style is a journey that involves exploration, experimentation, and self-discovery. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to finding your style, there are practical exercises and insights that I compiled to guide you. In this article, I will delve into the concept of art style, differentiate it from a theme, and provide you with actionable steps to uncover your artistic voice.
Style and Theme - What's the Difference Anyway?
These two terms are usually mistaken for one another. The art style is the embodiment of an artist’s individuality. It encompasses various elements such as techniques, color choices, compositions, subject matter, and media, all harmoniously woven together to form a cohesive body of work. Your art style is what sets you apart from other artists and allows your audience to recognize your creations instantly.
For example: Van Gogh painted in oils, had his favorite color palettes, and his famous brushwork. You can easily detect his artwork without looking at his signature. His art style is well-developed.
It’s important to note that style is not the same as theme. While style refers to the visual language and aesthetic choices you make, the theme relates to the underlying concepts and ideas you explore in your art. Style is the “how” of your art, while theme is the “what.” By understanding this distinction, you can focus on honing your style while still exploring different themes and subjects.
A theme can be both abstract and concrete. Depression is an example of an abstract theme, while farm animals are a concrete theme.
Remember! A theme is what you express and a style is how.
Practical Steps to Finding Your Art Style
This is the fun part!
Discovering your unique art style is a personal and evolving process. It requires patience, self-reflection, and a willingness to explore new artistic territories.
In other words, now is when you try everything you ever wanted to do and let your weirdest ideas come to life! Here are some practical steps to kickstart your journey towards finding your art style:
Define What You Want
As an artist, you are likely drawn to certain art forms and mediums. Why did you decide to make art in the first place? Is it a particular technique or a message?
If it’s a technique, allow yourself to explore the ones you feel attracted to the most. To avoid scattering too much, choose up to 3 techniques at a time. You can make your own combo, like oil pastels + collage + gouache. Once you have defined your chosen media, embrace them and delve deeper into them. Experiment with different tools and techniques to discover what resonates with you.
If it’s a message, try several ways in which it can be expressed. Find out if what you want to say comes out better in a sculpture, a poem, a watercolor painting…
Seek Inspiration
Take the time to explore the works of other artists who inspire you.
Make a Pinterest board of the artworks that resonate with you the most.
Ask yourself why they have such an appeal to you. It could be anything, from a simple choice of colors to a feeling of angst they provoke in you.
Take whatever you like and copy it into your work. While it’s important to avoid copying their work directly, you can draw inspiration from their artistic choices and incorporate them into your practice.
Remember that every artist creates from previous references. There is NO creating from absolute zero!
Accept Failure
Because you will fail! Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.
Experiment with different styles, subjects, and mediums. Try that new ink you’ve been eyeing. Grab those old colored pencils and test new surfaces. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them. Sometimes, what we think is an obvious mistake could be a special feature.
Art is not a test with correct answers, it is a playground! Through this process of exploration, you will begin to uncover elements that you are naturally drawn to and that reflect your unique artistic voice.
Search the Feelings Behind It All
Art is a powerful medium for self-expression, and your emotional connection to your creations is a key aspect of developing your style. People can argue all they want whether art is only “art” if it has emotional meaning. Art is subjective and can be born out of any feeling.
Take the time to reflect on your emotions and ideas. What is begging to come out? What themes or subjects resonate with you on a deeper level? By tapping into your emotional connection, you can infuse your art with authenticity and create work that truly speaks to you.
Do You See a Pattern?
As you create more art, pay attention to the patterns and consistencies that emerge in your work.
Do you find yourself gravitating towards certain colors, compositions, or subjects? It could be something small, like the way you draw a nose. These recurring elements can provide valuable insights into your developing style. Embrace these patterns and allow them to guide you as you refine your artistic voice.
Stand on the Shoulders of Giants
Familiarize yourself with different art movements and styles throughout history. By studying the works of artists from various periods, you can gain a deeper understanding of the different possibilities within the realm of art.
This exposure can help you expand your artistic vocabulary and inspire you to incorporate elements from different styles into your own unique blend.
Thou Shalt Seek Feedback
I know, I know. Creating art is mainly a solo endeavor, but artistic growth is a mandatory collaboration. You will only grow as long as you share your experiences with other artists and learn with them.
Participate in art communities, whether online or in-person, where you can connect with fellow artists, exchange ideas, and receive constructive criticism. Engaging with others in the art world can provide fresh perspectives and insights that can contribute to the development of your style.
Let it Grow and Evolve
People are not set in stone, and neither is their art! It will evolve and transform as you grow as an artist.
The art you make today won’t be the same you’ll be doing in 5 years. Embrace this evolution and allow yourself the freedom to explore new avenues. Don’t be afraid to let go of preconceived notions and embrace the unexpected. Your artistic journey is a lifelong process of self-discovery and growth.
Perspiration Beats Inspiration
There is no substitute for practice when it comes to honing your art style.
Dedicate regular time in your calendar to create art. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with your chosen techniques and the more your unique style will emerge. Don’t rely on inspiration or your willpower to pick up your tools and create.
Make it a goal to set aside a few hours a week solely for your artistic practice.
Listen to Your Gut!
Finally, trust your intuition. As you navigate the journey of finding your art style, listen to your inner voice and follow your instincts. Your intuition will guide you toward artistic choices that resonate with your personal vision and voice.
Embrace your individuality and have confidence in your creative instincts. Don’t worry too much about what others are doing or what they will think about your art.
Remember, art is the perfect outlet for all the weirdness buried inside you.
Embrace What Makes You, You
Finding your art style is an ongoing process of self-discovery and creative exploration.
And of course, time, sweat, and tears! (Maybe blood, but I hope not). It requires embracing your individuality, experimenting with different techniques, and reflecting on your emotional connection to your art.
Above all, silence your inner critic! There is no right or wrong way to develop your style. It’s a personal and evolving journey that will continually shape and refine your artistic voice.
Summary (TL;DR)
- Define what techniques and themes you´d like to explore
- Gather references from your favorite artists and incorporate what makes you tick
- Fail, fail, and fail again
- Turn your ideas and feelings into artistic expression
- Your style comes from what you repeat in your work
- Learn from previous artistic movements and add it to your practice
- Share your work with other artists and ask for help
- Remember your style should always mature and evolve
- Make time for your art - perspiration over inspiration! ALWAYS!
- Embrace your individuality and intuition
- Turn up your weirdness to the maximum when creating art
