how to FIND YOUR STYLE // why you don't need ONE art style

Finding your art style can feel like the most important thing in the world, but it really doesn't have to be something you stress about. I hope you enjoy this little chat about what I've learned about art styles from my personal experience! This can be useful for beginners or anyone who struggles with this sometimes.
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Materials & Equipment
◉ Paper - magnani Italia 100% cotton watercolour 4x6 pad

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Music
◉ "Kawai Kitsune"
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
◉ Music from YouTube's audio library

[JelArts]

I hope you enjoyed this! These two paintings will be in my next shop update. Should I make prints of them as well?

[Katiors]

I agree. And I realized that after years and years of "developing" one art style. Then I admitted that I would easily get bored drawing only in a certain way. Style doesn't really matter. What matters is learning more, practicing more and just enjoying the process 😊

[ZachShurtz]

100% agree. It's so easy to get distracted by art style, but art is like a journal or diary. Depends how you feel or what's inspiring you that day that influences how you make art. Letting go of control really is the answer. Art is constant imporvement and experimentation.

[HappyPinecone]

Personally, I think one effective way to find one's "art style" is to not try to look for it in the first place especially when your techniques and interests could change overtime. Instead, it's probably better to just keep drawing and let your experience, interests, and influences guide you. My "art style" is currently a culmination for my love of cute things and inexperience in drawing. That's why observing other artists' techniques is very useful because I can experiment to see if it works for me.

[fateatwork]

I agree, I remember that when I was chasing an art style I got stuck drawing one specific thing without trying new mediums or new subject matters; I got competent drawing that one thing but realized my growth was stagnant and would remain that way for as long as I continued being in that little comfortable box I made for myself.
For a while it feels nice to be competent drawing something but after a while you realize you're probably missing out on a whole world of adventure and self discovery.
It can be scary getting out of the comfort zone but it definitely pays off.

[lorth]

I never really understood wanting one style. I have a default style that evolved naturally from finding the most comfortable & efficient workflow for me. But I still like trying very different stuff from time to time! It keeps the process from feeling stale or repetitive imo.

[Lunareon]

It can feel very frustrating when there is a huge difference between the kind of art you like to consume and the kind of art you naturally produce yourself. For example, a sharp sketchy style vs. a round clean style. It can be hard to accept that, the way you enjoy making art will never result in the style you like to consume. But the thing is, you do not have to love your own style or works. You can just love the process of creating art! There will always be others who like your style and works. :)

[hannahdoesart]

This was great timing for me. I've been trying to change my style lately and have a consistent style and its been taking the fun out of art. This has inspired me to just have fun with my art and experiment.

[ArtWorkOfDR]

Love watching paintings come together ☺️

[aliyaharguello]

For some reason you saying "you dont have to prove anything to anybody; you can draw however you want", it really resonated with me. I've been struggling with how to go about identifying my art and my style and trying to make it more "professional" because I felt more people would respect it. But honestly why should it mattet if people respect it. As long as I enjoy what I make a put out. Also when you said you have differing styles depending on the medium, it really made me realise i had been unhappy with my art because when I switch mediums it looks different. And it didnt occur to me until you said that, that was even having issues with this idea. But Im really thankful for you bringing that up because I feel like I shouldnt be dissapointed or hold back from different mediums because its not identical. Every medium has its own techniques, giving each art form a different vibe when creating something. And that should be appreciated and something to showcase, rather than to hide and feel disapointment in.

[lucasmarques]

yes! I think voice is a lot more important than visual style and then voice is more about your likes and dislikes, gut reaction to other media, satisfaction while drawing, preferred process, etc etc

[yez_i_am]

This was actually very helpful. I'm feeling the need to crack open my sketchbook again

[avaduzstuff]

Your water color paintings are so satisfying to watch!!! I love your channel so much and your advice is always so good. Keep up the good work 😎👍

[designed_by_nina]

I am so grateful for your videos. I feel you're very candid about art in a way I find many creators are not

[coffin__goblin]

Thank you for this advice I have been practicing this one style and get frustrated that if doesn’t look the way I want it too . I really should practice other skills and let it develop naturally

[barryjack]

From my own 35 years of art, mostly animation, you need to be able to suit the show’s style you are working on… 20 plus different shows gave me a huge variety to work from. My style is a mix of Manga and Don blush style. I still try to do watercolour painting, but always find it easier to just paint on Photoshop… have fun, and I hope you have a great career.

[mpmnvyl]

I just trying different elements I saw from another artists and combine it in unique way (or so I believe). For example, I like color lineart, detailed eyes, soft colors ets. Just trying to make my art the most enjoyable for my eyes

[prettyinpinks_art]

Love this so much 🥺🥺 the pandemic really killed my artist heart 😂 and getting back into art has really been a struggle, hearing this has cheered me up so much! You’ve put together so many thoughts I’ve had over the last few years, I agree sooo much!!

[gavanelle]

I would’ve loved to have a professor at my art school who actually encouraged “cute” art. If you chose to make something “cute” at my school you would have to defend your decision a lot more than other styles of art before it could be considered “real art” and it was very deflating. Maybe it’s changed in the five years since I graduated, but it seemed like anything that could be considered “feminine” was looked down upon.

[littlebluewraith]

Man, I've been in such a funk regarding my art lately. I really needed to hear this. Thanks so much.