How Do You Find Your Style As An Artist?

How do you find your unique style as an artist?

A point a lot artists make is to try and find their specific “style”. I know many artists stress over this and place a lot of focus on it. Many consider the mark of a great artist to be when one finally comes into their own and develops a style that is uniquely theirs - this can be a source of great frustration to many who struggle to find this and see it as a mark of their artistic shortcomings. Personally, I find this whole line of thinking a bit toxic and misleading.

I think my art can stylistically be all over the place, and I kind of prefer this - maybe it’s because I haven’t found my one style yet, but I think I just enjoy making whatever I’m feeling at the time. As you learn more and grow and create, you explore new ways of expression, especially by jumping from medium to medium. I don’t think there is an invalid way to create or find your artistic approach.

To be an artist who is learning and growing, stressing over real or perceived failure to develop a style just because others have said that is a goal - I think this is time wasted, time that could be spent simply enjoying oneself.

Of course, that isn't to say you should avoid sticking to one style. Again, the beauty of art is the freedom. Want to only make abstract crayon art? Cool. Go for it! Eager to try every style and medium known to man? Love it. The moment we put guidelines or boundaries on artistic development is the moment we stunt and hinder it.

Hope this helps anyone searching for the answer to this question.

DD