10 Practical Tips to Establish Your Artistic Voice and Stand Out from the Crowd

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 19 June 2023 10 min read

2. Experiment with Different Mediums

3. Study the Artists You Admire

5. Master the Techniques of Your Choice

6. Collaborate with Other Artists

7. Attend Art Events and Network

Establishing your artistic voice and standing out from the crowd can be a challenging and exciting journey. In this blog, we'll explore 10 practical tips on how to distinguish yourself in the art world and thrive as an artist. So let's dive in and find out how to establish your artistic voice and stand out from the crowd!

1. Discover Your Passions

Before you can develop a unique artistic voice, it's essential to know what truly excites and inspires you. Here are some steps to help you discover your passions:

Explore various art forms: Try different types of art such as painting, photography, sculpture, or digital art. Experimenting with various forms can help you identify what resonates with you the most.
Identify your interests: Think about the subjects, themes, or issues that you are passionate about. Do you love nature, cityscapes, or social commentary? Let your interests guide your artistic endeavors.
Find your inspiration: Look for influences in your everyday life, such as books, movies, music, or personal experiences. These sources can help you develop a distinctive artistic voice.

Remember, discovering your passions is an ongoing process. As you grow and evolve as an artist, your interests and inspirations will also change. Stay open to new experiences and let your passions guide you in establishing your artistic voice and standing out from the crowd.

2. Experiment with Different Mediums

One way to establish your artistic voice and stand out from the crowd is by experimenting with various mediums. This will not only help you discover your preferred mediums but also enable you to express your ideas in unique ways. Here are a few tips to help you experiment with different mediums:

Try new materials: Don't be afraid to explore various materials, such as acrylics, watercolors, charcoal, or digital tools. Each medium has its unique characteristics that can shape your artistic voice.
Mix and match: Combine different mediums in a single piece of art. For example, you may create a painting with acrylics and then add details using charcoal. This can lead to innovative and distinctive results.
Experiment with techniques: Learn various techniques associated with each medium. This knowledge will help you develop a versatile skillset and enable you to express your artistic vision more effectively.

Remember that experimentation is key to growth. Embrace new mediums and techniques, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. As you continue to explore, you'll be well on your way to establishing your artistic voice and standing out from the crowd.

3. Study the Artists You Admire

Studying the work of artists you admire can help you establish your artistic voice and stand out from the crowd. By learning from their techniques, styles, and creative processes, you can develop your unique approach to art. Here are some practical ways to study your favorite artists:

Research their backgrounds: Learn about the artists' lives, their influences, and the context in which they created their art. This understanding can give you a deeper appreciation of their work and help you relate to their creative journeys.
Analyze their techniques: Take a close look at the artists' works and identify the specific techniques they used. Experiment with these techniques in your own art, but remember to adapt them to your unique style.
Read their writings: If the artists you admire have written about their art, read their writings to gain insight into their creative processes and thoughts. This can help you reflect on your approach to art and find ways to develop your artistic voice.
Visit their exhibitions: Seeing art in person can provide a different perspective than viewing it online or in books. If possible, attend exhibitions featuring your favorite artists' works to experience their art firsthand.

While studying the artists you admire can be inspiring and informative, it's essential to avoid imitating them too closely. Instead, use their work as a starting point to develop your unique artistic voice and stand out from the crowd.

4. Develop Your Unique Style

Developing your unique style is a critical part of establishing your artistic voice and standing out from the crowd. Your style is like your artistic fingerprint—it sets you apart and makes your work instantly recognizable. Here are some tips to help you develop your unique style:

Be true to yourself: Your style should reflect your personality, interests, and emotions. Creating art that is genuine and authentic will make it easier for you to develop a style that is uniquely yours.
Combine different influences: Don't be afraid to mix and match elements from various artists, styles, and movements. This fusion can result in a style that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Experiment with techniques: Try different techniques, tools, and materials to see what feels right for you. This experimentation can help you discover your preferred ways of creating art and refine your unique style.
Keep a sketchbook: A sketchbook is a great place to explore ideas, practice techniques, and develop your style. Over time, you will see patterns and themes emerge that can help you define your artistic voice.
Stay open to change: Your style will likely evolve as you grow as an artist, so don't be afraid to embrace change. Continually experimenting and refining your style is a natural part of the artistic journey.

Remember, developing your unique style takes time and patience. Keep practicing, experimenting, and learning, and eventually, your artistic voice will emerge and help you stand out from the crowd.

5. Master the Techniques of Your Choice

Once you've explored your passions and discovered your unique style, it's time to focus on mastering the techniques that best showcase your artistic voice. Becoming highly skilled in your chosen techniques will help you stand out from the crowd by giving your art a polished and professional look. Here are some suggestions to help you on your journey to mastery:

Practice, practice, practice: Just like any other skill, art techniques require consistent practice to improve. Dedicate time each day or week to work on your craft, and you'll see progress over time.
Take classes or workshops: Learning from experienced teachers can provide valuable insights and help you refine your techniques. Look for local or online classes and workshops that focus on your preferred medium or style.
Study the masters: Analyze the work of artists who excel in your chosen techniques. Pay attention to their methods, materials, and processes to glean insights that can help you improve your own work.
Experiment with new methods: Don't be afraid to try new techniques or approaches. You might discover a method that better suits your style or enhances your artistic voice.
Seek feedback: Share your work with others—friends, family, or fellow artists—and ask for their honest opinions. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your techniques.

Mastering your chosen techniques is an ongoing process, so be patient with yourself and stay committed to your artistic journey. As you continue to improve, your artistic voice will become even stronger, helping you stand out from the crowd.

6. Collaborate with Other Artists

Collaborating with other artists can be a fantastic way to explore new ideas, learn from others, and further establish your artistic voice. Working with someone else can push you out of your comfort zone, leading to growth and innovation in your art. Here are some tips to make the most of your collaborations:

Choose the right partner: Look for artists who share similar interests or have complementary styles. This will make it easier to find common ground and create a successful collaboration.
Set clear goals and expectations: Before starting a collaboration, discuss your goals and what each person hopes to achieve from the project. This way, you'll have a shared vision to work towards.
Be open to new ideas: Collaboration is all about combining different perspectives and approaches. Keep an open mind and be willing to try new things that your partner suggests.
Communicate effectively: Maintain open lines of communication throughout the project. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and listen to your partner's ideas to ensure a productive and enjoyable collaboration.
Learn from the experience: Reflect on your collaboration experience after the project is complete. What did you learn? What aspects worked well, and what could have been improved? Use these insights to guide your future collaborations and artistic growth.

By collaborating with other artists, you'll not only expand your artistic horizons but also build valuable relationships within the art community. These connections can help you grow as an artist, and ultimately, make your artistic voice even more distinct and memorable.

7. Attend Art Events and Network

Attending art events and networking with fellow artists and art enthusiasts is an excellent way to establish your artistic voice and stand out from the crowd. By engaging in the art community, you can share your work, learn from others, and discover new opportunities. Here are some practical tips for making the most of your art event experiences:

Find local events: Research art events in your area, such as gallery openings, art fairs, workshops, and artist talks. These events provide a great opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who can help you grow as an artist.
Be prepared: Bring business cards, a portfolio of your work, or even samples of your artwork to share with others. This will help you make a memorable impression and showcase your unique artistic voice.
Engage in conversation: Don't be shy! Strike up conversations with fellow attendees, ask questions, and share your thoughts on the artwork on display. This will help you learn from others and build connections within the art community.
Follow up: After the event, reach out to people you met and enjoyed speaking with. Connect with them on social media or send a friendly email. This will help you maintain and grow your network of contacts in the art world.
Stay active: Regularly attend art events to stay informed about new trends, techniques, and artists. This will help you stay inspired and motivated in your own artistic journey.

By actively participating in the art community, you'll broaden your horizons, learn from others, and continuously refine your artistic voice. Plus, the more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities you'll have to stand out from the crowd and make a name for yourself in the art world.

8. Build an Online Presence

In today's digital age, building a strong online presence is an effective way to establish your artistic voice and stand out from the crowd. Having an online portfolio and engaging with your audience through social media can help you showcase your work, connect with other artists, and even find potential buyers. Here are some practical tips for creating and maintaining a successful online presence:

Create a website: Design a professional-looking website that showcases your artwork, provides information about you and your artistic journey, and includes contact information. This will serve as your online portfolio and the hub of your online presence.
Utilize social media: Set up profiles on popular social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Regularly post images of your artwork, share your creative process, and engage with your followers to build a dedicated fanbase and create a sense of connection with your audience.
Join online art communities: Participate in online forums and platforms dedicated to artists, such as DeviantArt and Behance. These communities can provide valuable feedback, inspiration, and networking opportunities to help you grow as an artist.
Update your content regularly: Consistently add new artwork and updates to your website and social media platforms. This will not only keep your audience engaged but also help you establish a strong and recognizable artistic voice.
Optimize your online presence: Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to help your website and social media profiles rank higher in search results. This can increase your visibility and attract more visitors to your online portfolio.

Remember, your online presence is an extension of your artistic voice, so be sure to infuse your unique style and personality into your website design, social media posts, and interactions with your audience. By doing so, you'll be more likely to stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression on the art world.

9. Learn from Feedback

One of the most valuable resources you have as an artist is feedback from others. Whether it's praise, constructive criticism, or even negative comments, learning how to accept and use feedback can help you establish your artistic voice and stand out from the crowd. Here are some tips on how to effectively learn from feedback:

Be open to criticism: Understand that not everyone will like your work, and that's okay. Embrace different opinions and be willing to learn from them.
Ask for feedback: Reach out to fellow artists, friends, family members, or even your online following for their thoughts on your work. Actively seeking feedback can help you gain new insights and perspectives on your art.
Reflect on the feedback: Take the time to consider the feedback you receive. Identify any common themes or patterns, and use them to inform your artistic growth and development.
Apply what you've learned: Implement the feedback you've received to improve your work and refine your artistic voice. This might mean experimenting with new techniques, revisiting your subject matter, or changing your approach to composition.
Don't take it personally: Remember that feedback is about your art, not you as a person. It's important to separate your emotions from the critique and focus on the constructive aspects of the feedback.

By embracing feedback and using it as a tool for growth, you'll be better equipped to establish your artistic voice and create work that truly stands out from the crowd.

10. Persistence and Patience

Establishing your artistic voice and standing out from the crowd doesn't happen overnight. It requires persistence and patience in your artistic journey. Here are some tips to help you stay committed and focused on your goals:

Set realistic expectations: Accept that developing your unique style and finding recognition within the art world can take time. Be patient and give yourself the space to grow and evolve as an artist.
Stay consistent: Make art a regular part of your life, even if it's just a few minutes a day. Consistent practice will help you refine your skills and deepen your understanding of your artistic voice.
Embrace failure: Understand that you'll face setbacks and challenges along the way. Use these experiences as learning opportunities and remember that failure is a natural part of the creative process.
Keep learning: Continuously seek out new knowledge, whether it's through workshops, online tutorials, books, or conversations with other artists. Staying curious and open to learning will help you grow as an artist and discover new ways to express your artistic voice.
Believe in yourself: Trust your instincts and have confidence in your abilities. Believing in yourself and your artistic vision will help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

By practicing persistence and patience, you'll be well on your way to establishing your artistic voice and making a lasting impression in the world of art. Remember, the journey of finding your unique voice is just as important as the destination.

If you're looking to stand out from the crowd and harness your creativity, don't miss the workshop 'Uniqueness by Creativity' by Jessy Moussallem. This workshop will provide you with invaluable insights and tips on how to tap into your creative potential and create truly unique work that sets you apart from others in your field.