Finding your art style
As artists, we’re often told to find our unique style, but I believe your style will find you. You can't force it—your style develops with experience, which is why many new artists feel uncertain about their own.
Some artists discover their style right away, but if you’re just beginning, don’t stress about it. Focus on creating art and learning the fundamentals; your personal style will develop over time instinctively.
For a long time, I didn’t realize I had a specific style. It wasn’t until I went back and compared my older dragon drawings to my newer ones that I noticed a pattern. I’ve always been fascinated by drawing dragons, and because dragons have defining features, there are only so many ways to draw them before they stop looking like dragons. This led me to consistently use similar shapes and styles without realizing it.
For fun I went back and redrew some of my older art.
The first Dragon Flutter
I did the original design for the tiger swallowtail dragon flutter all the way back in 2009. This was done in Copic marker and the first in my line of butterfly dragon creatures.
From 2009 to 2024
While I changed up some of the design aspects of the dragon the over all style remained the same. This redo of the original was done in Procreate.
Draw what you love
Finding your style becomes easier when you draw what you love. For example, I love fantasy art, so drawing dragons was always something I sketched. At first, I worried I didn’t have a style, but looking back at my art from 2009, I can now see my style emerging. In fact, customers have told me they recognize my style. To develop your style, try to draw every day or as much as you can.
Digital Art from 2024
While not a redo of the same dragon you can notice some style details I still use. From the spikes above the eye ridge to the beak like mouth. Over the years my art has improved and my style has developed more but over all it’s remained close to the same elements.
Art from 2015
As my skill improved so did my style, things would come more naturally just from repetition.
Using elements you like
Kudus have always fascinated me, especially their striking horns. I often borrow their shape when designing dragon horns. Repeating your favorite elements in your art can shape your signature style.
Let go of worries about finding your style. Dive into your art, master the basics, and savor every moment of creation. In time, your unique style will emerge on its own.
