Style and Voice

I used to believe that I would never succeed as an illustrator because I didn’t think I had any style. I saw others post their art on social media and I was always in awe , and envious of the success they seemed to have. I tried to emulate others style in order to have that same success, and I did manage to successfully copy other artists as a means of experimentation, but i could only copy a particular piece of art. That’s until my brain realised that style and voice are two separate things that are equally important for an illustrator.

I could emulate the style of an artist, but I couldn’t be them, because they had their own voice, and I have my own. If I took a similar prompt as them, and produced my interpretation of the prompt using their style and my voice, I would not be making the same piece of art. Instagram challenges are a great example of this. Thousands of artists draw very different things, when given the same prompts. It’s what makes it fascinating and intimidating.

Discovering your illustrative style is like discovering your voice. It is a personal and artistic journey that involves exploration, experimentation, and self-reflection. It’s not for the faint of heart.

1. Research and gather inspiration: Begin by immersing yourself in various forms of illustration. Explore different genres, styles, and artists across various mediums such as books, websites, social media platforms, galleries, and art exhibitions. Take note of the illustrations that catch your attention and resonate with you. Analyse their techniques, use of colors, shapes, lines, and overall aesthetics.

2. Experiment with different techniques: Start experimenting with different illustration techniques and mediums. Try out various tools such as pencils, pens, markers, watercolors, digital software, or any other medium that interests you. By experimenting with different techniques, you can gain a better understanding of what you enjoy working with and what feels natural to you.

3. Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to developing your illustrative style. Set aside dedicated time for drawing and create a habit of practicing regularly. Challenge yourself to create a variety of illustrations, experimenting with different subjects, styles, and compositions. Through practice, you will gradually refine your skills and develop your unique approach.

4. Analyze your preferences: Reflect on the illustrations that you have created and identify patterns or recurring elements that you enjoy incorporating. Consider aspects like the subjects you gravitate towards, the colour palettes you prefer, the level of detail you find satisfying, or the overall mood and atmosphere you tend to create. Understanding your preferences will help you uncover your voice.

5. Be true to yourself: Ultimately, finding your illustrative style is about expressing your unique voice and vision as an artist. Embrace your individuality, embrace your personal experiences and interests, and let them influence your artwork. Your style should be a reflection of who you are and what you want to convey through your illustrations.

Finding your illustrative style is a continuous journey. It may take time, exploration, and experimentation. There’s not secret sauce. Don’t go paying for a course or a guide to finding your style, because unless you put in the work, you will not come out succesful.

Enjoy the process and trust that your style and voice will evolve and develop naturally as you continue to create and grow as an artist.