Artistic Styles: Guide to Your Unique Art Voice

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 18 July 2023 5 min read

Art is a journey, a personal exploration that connects us to our deepest emotions and thoughts. As an artist, you have the power to express your unique perspective through your work. The first step is to identify your style, a crucial part of this exploration. In this guide, we'll walk you through a process to help you explore different artistic styles and find your unique art voice.

Identify Your Style

Identifying your art style is like finding your voice in a crowded room—it sets you apart and makes your work distinctly yours. To explore different artistic styles, you first need to understand your current style. Here's a handy guide to help you do just that.

Assess Your Preferences

Think about your preferences—what colors do you gravitate towards? What emotions do you want to evoke in your audience? Do you prefer abstract or realistic art? Considering these preferences can help you define your art style. Remember, your style can change and evolve as you do, so don't hesitate to explore different artistic styles.

Evaluate Past Works

Looking at your past work can reveal patterns and trends—specific themes, colors, or techniques you consistently use. This evaluation can give you insights into your artistic preferences and style. It's not about perfecting your work but understanding what makes your art uniquely yours.

Observe Artistic Influences

Every artist is inspired by others. Observing your artistic influences can help you understand your own style better. Consider the artists you admire and the art movements that resonate with you. This could be the Impressionism of Claude Monet, the Cubism of Pablo Picasso, or the Pop Art of Andy Warhol. Draw inspiration from them and explore different artistic styles. Keep in mind, it's not about copying but about finding aspects that align with your artistic voice.

Explore Different Art Forms

Artistic exploration is like an exciting road trip. You've got your map, your supplies, and a sense of adventure. Now it's time to hit the road and explore different artistic styles. Let's dive into how you can do this.

Experiment with Mediums

Exploring different mediums is a fantastic way to broaden your artistic horizons. Whether it's the bold strokes of oil painting, the delicate touch of watercolors, the tactile nature of clay, or the digital realm of graphic design—each medium offers a unique perspective. Don't shy away from trying something new. It could lead to a breakthrough in your art and open doors to styles you never considered before.

Study Various Art Genres

Art genres are like different languages, each with its own rules and expressions. From the dream-like quality of Surrealism, the bold simplicity of Minimalism, to the vibrant energy of Street Art—studying various art genres can enrich your understanding of art and inspire you to experiment with your style. So, next time you visit an art museum or browse an online art gallery, pay attention to the genres that catch your eye and explore different artistic styles within those genres.

Try Different Techniques

The technique is the magic behind the curtain. It's the specific method an artist uses to bring their work to life. Trying different techniques is an exciting way to explore different artistic styles. It could be mastering the cross-hatching technique in drawing, experimenting with palette knife painting, or learning the subtle art of shading in digital art. As you learn and experiment with various techniques, you'll discover new ways to express your artistic voice.

Refine Your Artistic Voice

Once you've had a chance to explore different artistic styles and experiment a bit, the next step on your artistic journey is to refine your unique voice. This is the part where you get to take everything you've learned and make it your own. Let's look at how to do this.

Practice Regularly

Remember, every great artist started with a blank canvas. And the secret behind their masterpieces? Practice. Regular practice not only helps you improve your skills but also allows you to understand what you enjoy and what you're good at. It could be as simple as setting aside a few hours a week to draw, paint, or sculpt. Over time, you will see your art transform, and you will start to find your unique artistic voice.

Seek Feedback

Feedback can be a powerful tool for refining your artistic voice. So don't hesitate to show your work to others. It could be your art teacher, a fellow artist, or even your friends and family. Constructive criticism can provide new perspectives, reveal blind spots, and encourage improvement. Remember, the goal isn't to please everyone but to grow as an artist and refine your unique style.

Adapt and Evolve

Art, like life, is a journey of evolution. As you continue to explore different artistic styles, learn new techniques, and gain more experiences—your art will naturally evolve. This is a beautiful part of the process. Allow your art to change and grow with you. An adaptable artist is one who's not afraid to try new things, take risks, and let their art reflect their growth. In doing so, you will not only refine your artistic voice but also keep it fresh and exciting.

Establish Your Brand

Now that you've refined your artistic voice, it's time to put yourself out there. Establishing your brand is an important step in your artistic journey. It's about more than just making art—it's about creating a consistent image that represents your unique style and voice. Let's dive into how to do this.

Create a Portfolio

A portfolio is a curated collection of your best work. It showcases your skills, your style, and your voice. So when you're ready, start by selecting pieces that best represent your art. This can be a physical portfolio, or you could create a digital one—like a personal website or an account on an art platform like Behance or DeviantArt. Always remember, your portfolio should reflect who you are as an artist, and it should be something you're proud to share.

Once you have your portfolio ready, it's time to share your art with the world. This could mean participating in local art shows, selling your work at craft fairs, or even sharing it online via social media. You never know who might see your work and fall in love with it. Plus, sharing your art can help you connect with others who are passionate about the same things you are.

Connect with Other Artists

Lastly, remember that you're not alone in this journey. There's a whole community of artists out there just waiting to connect with you. Join local art clubs, attend artist meetups, or participate in online forums. Connecting with other artists can provide a wealth of inspiration, advice, and camaraderie. Plus, it's a great way to learn from others, share your own experiences, and possibly even collaborate on projects. Now go forth, explore different artistic styles, and establish your unique art voice!

If you're eager to discover and develop your own unique artistic voice, don't miss out on Stefan Große Halbuer's workshop, 'How to Find your Unique Art Style'. In this workshop, you'll gain invaluable insights and guidance on how to uncover and express your distinctive art style, setting you apart in the creative world.