Let’s talk about something every artist thinks of at one point or another in their artistic journey: finding your style.
Finding that unique flair that makes people say, “Oh, that’s definitely a [Your Name] piece!”
Having a personal style isn’t just about making your work recognizable; it’s about expressing who you are through your art. It’s your artistic fingerprint.
But how do you find your personal style? And why is it so important? Let’s dive in with some tips and examples
Why Is Personal Style Important?
Imagine walking through an art gallery. You see a piece that stops you in your tracks. You don’t need to read the plaque to know it’s a Van Gogh or a Picasso.
That’s the power of a personal style. It sets you apart, makes your work memorable, and helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Plus, having a distinct style can make your art more marketable. Collectors and galleries love artists with unique voices.
Branding and Growing a Fanbase
Having a personal style is crucial for branding. It creates consistency in your work, which helps build your identity as an artist.
You attract people who share an appreciation for that particular style, color palette, genre, or medium of art.
When people can recognize your work instantly, they are more likely to become loyal fans and collectors. Your unique style becomes your brand, making your art memorable and desirable.
One way to gauge what resonates with your audience is to look at your social media engagement. Which posts received the most likes, comments, and shares? Do these posts share any common elements?
While social media algorithms and posting times can influence engagement, consistently popular posts can provide insights.
What did your followers love? Was it the colors, the themes, or the emotions expressed in the pieces? Did the artworks that got the most attention share common characteristics with other pieces you’ve created?
Reflect on these questions:
- Emotions: Were your followers drawn to artworks that expressed certain emotions, like happiness, sadness, humor, or fear?
- Themes: Did they engage more with specific themes or subjects?
- Mediums and Styles: Was there a particular medium or style that stood out?
Steps to Find Your Personal Style
1. Experiment Like a Mad Scientist
Start by trying everything. Paint with coffee, sketch with charcoal, sculpt with clay. Who knows? Maybe you’ll discover you love painting with a toothbrush or Neon/Glow-in-the-dark colors (like I once tried)!
The more you experiment, the more you’ll learn about what you enjoy and what resonates with you.
*Storytime*:
I’ve dabbled in scrapped greeting cards, designing jewelry, making fabric diaper caddies, experimenting with watercolor markers, sewing up a storm, and then... I discovered coffee painting!
I fell head over heels and started painting like a wild artist possessed.
Fast forward to now, I’ve honed my style into a blend of surreal and modern humor-filled coffee art.
2. Reflect on Your Inspirations
Think about the artists, places, and experiences that inspire you.
What do you love about their work? How can you incorporate those elements into your own art? Don’t copy, but let these inspirations guide you.
Is there a particular piece you enjoyed creating? Do you like the colors or the way you used line work? These little clues can be developed into your future art style.
*Example*: I’m inspired by the surreal landscapes of Salvador Dalí and the earthy tones of nature. Combining these elements helped me create my own signature style.
3. Keep a Journal
Document your artistic journey.
Write about your experiments, what worked, what didn’t, and how certain styles made you feel. Over time, patterns will emerge, and you’ll start to see what truly defines your work.
Example: I loved the intricate details I could achieve with colored pencils, but after completing two tiny paintings, my wrist started hurting. I found myself reaching for a brush again. I wouldn't have known this without experimenting!
4. Embrace Your Quirks
Your personal quirks and unique perspectives are what make your art special. Don’t be afraid to let them shine.
Maybe you always paint your skies green or your people with extra-long arms. Embrace it!
*Funny Insight*: I have a habit of sneaking coffee cup circle prints and coffee drops into my paintings. It started as an experiment but is now a beloved signature element.
👉🏽 Take the Funny FREE Quiz to find your Art Style
5. Consistency is Key
Once you start finding elements that feel like “you", use them consistently. It’s this repetition that will solidify your style. Think of it like your favorite comfort food – you go back to it because it’s familiar and satisfying :)
A personal style develops through practice and repetition but not always intentionally. It’s something that evolves as you continue to create.
Why It’s Okay to Evolve
Remember, your personal style isn’t set in stone. It’s okay for it to evolve over time. As you grow as an artist, your style will naturally shift. Embrace the evolution.
*Example*: My early works were all about hyper-realistic portraits. Over time, I transitioned to surreal portraits mixed with animals and sometimes animal humor, Each phase is a part of my artistic journey.
I follow around ~20 other coffee artists on Instagram, and I can instantly recognize each one just by their unique style. Even though we all paint with coffee, our line work, themes, and topics are completely distinct and uniquely ours.
Download your FREE Workbook
This exclusive, free workbook is designed to guide you through discovering and refining your personal art style.
Why You Need This Workbook:
Find Your Unique Style: Learn how to identify and develop your unique artistic voice.
Gain Confidence: Build confidence in your work by understanding what makes it uniquely yours.
Practical Steps: Follow actionable steps and insightful questions to uncover your true art style in these 11 pages of step-by-step guidance.
Expert Guidance: Benefit from the same advice professional artists use to stand out and succeed.
👉🏽Download your FREE Workbook
👉🏽 Take the Funny FREE Quiz to find your Art Style
Let’s Hear From You!
Now, I’m curious – what are your thoughts on personal style? Have you found yours yet? What challenges have you faced in the process?
Share your journey with me in the comments below!
Remember, finding your personal style is a journey, not a destination. Have fun with it, embrace the process, and let your unique voice shine through your art.
Happy creating!
Meital
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