Hello! I recently have been struggling a lot with finding my art 'style'. I've been drawing everyday but it's getting more and more frustrating, and I see so many wonderful artists like u which inspires me so much, but when I sit at my desk or whatever, I have no idea what to do. Do u think it would be a good idea to take a few photos and use it as a theme for drawing? Should I paint them? I don't even know what subject/concept I want to focus on. Sorry for such a long message, and thank u!!
Oh gosh, trust me, every artist knows exactly how you feel so don’t get too discouraged. Finding a style can be one of the most frustrating things to do for an artist, but I promise once you find it you’ll never want to stop. It took me a few years to find my style of drawing (sometimes I think I’m still in the middle of it to be honest.) But when it came down to it, I began to analyze numerous styles and I realized that for my purpose of art (which at the time was just to sort out a jumble of emotions) I should draw in whichever way makes that “sorting-out” process easiest. For you, however, you’re still in the experimental level. Since a few other people have asked similar questions lately, I’ll make a mini-master post. you said you aren’t sure of a subject or concept, my best advice for you is:
1. Fill up notebooks with no regard for what you think it “should” look like. Just draw and draw. People, still-life, screenshots from films, recreate others’ art ***(with permission and credit of course,)*** scribble nonsense, get inspired, take something apart and see how it works on the inside, get your hands dirty, research different kinds of art, tear pages and watch the way paint drips without meaning. Art is a place to forget every should and shouldn’t you’ve ever been taught. You can be anyone, anyplace, at any time and with any purpose. You can also be none of those at all. The possibilities may overwhelm you now, but as you continue drawing you’ll see that the very thoughts that frustrate you now will serve as creative ammunition while you develop as an artist.
2. Draw in as many styles and mediums as you can. Practice with others’ styles but be careful not to adopt them as your own. Mix mediums, try out new art tools, take something that shouldn’t be art and keep turning your neck until it pleases you. Don’t over-think. Don’t box yourself up. You said yourself that you aren’t sure whether to draw or paint, but you can always do both! While a lack of direction often feels time wasting, it’s the perfect opportunity to go in as many directions as you want. (After all, that’s the only way you’ll find the style you can fully exfoliate in.) But at the same time, don’t rush yourself.
3. Art blocks are okay. Say that with me. Art. blocks. are A-okay. Sometimes it’s best to let the pencil rest for a few days. Allow yourself time to take in your surroundings and think your thoughts without trying to reproduce them or make sense of it. Developing a style is a process, like growing new teeth. You can’t force it. You’ll only make a mess for yourself.
4. Remember that you can always have more than one committed style. If you love drawing mangas but also love making stop-motion films, do both! If you feel a certain way that can only be expressed through sculpture, then sculpt. (Remember: no shoulds and shouldn’ts)
5. Don’t compare your processes to other’s finalities. No one is born a master despite what they’d like you to think. Don’t compare your art to anyone else’s. You aren’t anyone else. You have your brain, your thoughts, your experiences and life opportunities. Never beat yourself up for not drawing sooner or developing faster. It’s not a race. It’s not a contest. Give yourself credit for picking up the pencil to begin with. Art is difficult, and it’s even more difficult at this stage. Therefore, it’s absolutely ridiculous to compare art as if differences of experience and skill effects its quality. Art is emotion-based, not necessarily skill-based. And honesty is a much more noble pursuit than skill.6. The Shouldn’ts. Okay, so I may have lied a bit. There are some things you simply shouldn’t do when trying to find a style. Like:
a. Style-stealing. It’s okay to be inspired by others, but don’t straight-up steal their style. Artists work very hard to build up their reputations. Stealing their style can greatly damage their image, and in an industry where images are everything, this is detrimental to both an artist’s income, and future career. It’s also a shitty thing to do. Just don’t do it.
b. Plagiarism. Similar to style-stealing, don’t plagiarize. It’s a shitty thing to do. Just don’t do it. If you want to recreate a piece of art that you feel a connection with, always always always ask the artist for permission beforehand and if they don’t respond, just walk away. Aaaand on a similar note …
c. DON’T TRACE! Just … Ugh. Don’t do it. You’ll never progress if you do. You may like the pictures at first, but when it comes to actually creating an original piece, you will have severely, seveeeerely cheated yourself. It’s a shitty thing to do. To the artist. To yourself. Ignore Shia. Just. Don’t. Do it.
7. Lastly, just have fun! (Sorry for the moodswings lol.) I don’t think I need to over-explain this one :)
(Aaannndddd in conclusion, I apologige profusely for the length of this massive, pulsating glob of a response. But! I hope it helps a bit. If anyone wants a bit more art advice, links can be found here.)
So, the best of luck and determination for you and anyone else who may be experiencing the same issue. Happy making! ^^