Table of Contents

How to Find Your Own Art Style

Introduction

Finding your own art style is one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of being an artist. It’s a process of self-discovery, experimentation, and persistence. When I first started drawing, I felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of styles out there. Should I go for realism, pointillism, cubism, impressionism, or something abstract? I kept jumping from one approach to another, trying to imitate artists I admired but never quite feeling like I had a style of my own.

Over time, I realized that an art style isn’t something you choose overnight. You have to develop it naturally as you practice, explore different techniques, and learn what resonates with you the most. It’s not about mimicking a specific look but about finding a way to express yourself that feels both comfortable and authentic. The good news? You already have the building blocks of your own unique style; you just need to uncover them.

In this guide, I’ll share some of the best strategies I’ve learned for discovering and refining your art style. We’ll explore different techniques, influences, and challenges to help you unlock a style that feels uniquely yours. Whether you’re just starting or have been creating art for years, these tips will help you navigate the journey with confidence and creativity.

Experiment with Different Mediums

When I first started drawing, I stuck to pencils and paper. But when I ventured into watercolours, acrylics, and digital art, I found new ways to bring my ideas to life. Each medium has a different energy, and exploring them can unlock aspects of your creativity you never expected.

Try this:

Sketch in pencil one day, then try ink the next.
Switch between digital and traditional mediums.
Mix media—combine watercolour with pen, or digital art with scanned textures. Collages are another great mix media art form.

The more you explore, the more you understand what feels right for you.

Study the Masters (But Don’t Copy!)

One of the best things I ever did was study artists I admired. I didn’t just look at their work—I analyzed their brushstrokes, their colour choices, and the emotions in their pieces.

Some great ways to study art styles:

Recreate a masterpiece with your own twist.
Watch time-lapse videos of artists at work.
Read about their techniques and thought processes.

This isn’t about copying—it’s about absorbing elements that inspire you and blending them into something new.

Keep a Sketchbook (Or Several!)

A sketchbook is a safe place to experiment. It’s where I allow myself to draw without pressure, explore new ideas, and make mistakes without judgment. Keeping multiple sketchbooks can help you focus on different styles or subjects.

Here are a few sketchbook ideas:

One for doodles and rough sketches.
One for studying anatomy and perspective.
One for experimenting with colours and compositions.

Sketchbooks document your growth. Looking back, you’ll see patterns emerge—hints of your developing style.

Check out this video – Painting Your first Watercolour Landscape.

How to Find Your Own Art Style Continued…

Play with Colour Palettes

Colours can define an artist’s style as much as linework does. I used to struggle with colour until I started making my own palettes and limiting my choices. It forced me to be intentional and recognize the colours that resonated most with me.

Try this:

Pick five colours and create a full piece using only those.
Experiment with different moods—warm, cool, monochrome.
Look at nature, movies, or fashion for inspiration.

Your colour preferences will evolve, but patterns will emerge over time.

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Click here to get yourself some seriously cool art prints!

Mix and Match Influences

Finding your style isn’t about sticking to one inspiration. It’s about taking bits and pieces from various influences and weaving them together.

Here’s how I do it:

I love the randomness of abstract, the textures of impressionist paintings, and the dynamic poses of comic book art.
I study them separately, then merge aspects I love.
I experiment until something feels natural and uniquely mine.

Draw What You Love

For a long time, I forced myself to draw what I thought I should draw instead of what I actually enjoyed. It wasn’t until I focused on subjects I was passionate about that my style started to emerge naturally.

If you love drawing fantasy creatures, lean into that. If portraits excite you, focus on that. Your enthusiasm will shine through, and your style will develop in a way that feels authentic.

Challenge Yourself

While drawing what you love is important, stepping out of your comfort zone helps you grow. I used to avoid drawing hands, but when I finally tackled them head-on, my overall confidence improved.

Some challenges to try:

Draw daily for a month.
Use only one brush or tool for an entire piece.
Limit yourself to five-minute sketches.

Pushing through challenges leads to breakthroughs in style and technique.

Be Patient and Keep Creating

Your style won’t appear overnight. It took me years of drawing, refining, and sometimes feeling lost before I found what felt like me. The key is to keep going.

Some tips to stay motivated:

Don’t compare yourself to others—compare yourself to your past work.
Celebrate small progress.
Remember, your style will always evolve, and that’s a good thing!

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Conclusion

Finding your own art style is a journey of self-discovery, experimentation, and growth. It’s not about waking up one day with a fully formed aesthetic—it’s about piecing together the elements that resonate with you over time.

By trying new mediums, studying different artists, and challenging yourself, you gradually develop a visual language that feels natural and personal. The key is to stay curious, keep experimenting, and embrace the process. Mistakes will happen, frustrations will arise, but every stroke and sketch is a step closer to the style that is uniquely yours.

Art is not just about creating—it’s about expressing yourself in a way that feels right. Keep pushing forward, trust the journey, and most importantly, have fun with it. Your style is waiting to be discovered, and the only way to find it is to keep creating.

So grab your sketchbook, pick up your favourite tools, and start exploring. The world is waiting to see your art—your way!