Discussing an artist’s style is a fascinating combination of art history, influence, inspiration, experience and skill. Self-discovery.
An artist’s journey is their own. Whether they are starting or have many years under their belt, they are drawn to certain things and express themselves differently.
A medium of choice, whether painting, illustration, photography, or motion, is also essential. The technology and application must be considered for how the art is delivered.
First and foremost, an idea or theme should be somewhat prioritized. Do we want strictly decorative art? A driving force behind the work should be there. Subject matter is vital in developing some form of consistency and interest.
Narrative-driven work is the perfect example of this. Following a story where all your pieces might be somehow connected to another, whether through a character, similar treatments or related patterns. also essential, whether it’s painting, illustration, photography, motion, etc
Is an artist’s portfolio somehow cohesive in style or signature? Perhaps they have developed a visual language all of their own to some degree.
Becoming instantly recognizable is a factor for longevity and creating a body of work. But does that stop you from exploring other styles or mediums? A different debate.
The evolution of an artist
Do you create a look and pigeonhole yourself into one note or continue to push the boundaries of what you thought possible? Whether consciously or subconsciously, we are communicating our vision.
What determines if or when an artist copies another? If two artists from different parts of the world have similar interests and arrive at a similar solution, which is incorrect or better? The one with the most followers? The one who is more established? The one whose art is worth more?
Respecting each other’s work, awareness and homage are some aspects. Making it truly your own is the challenge.
Differentiation could be in the subject, medium, or a less standard style. We may find a point where there is a lot of overlap, as there are only so many ways to express yourself visually.
The process can make or break a repeatable framework for those who keep going versus those who give up. If we hit a wall of homogenous work, we know that we need to expand our horizons, challenge ourselves and seek elsewhere for more inspiration points to draw from.
And in the end, as much as we want to talk about originality, are we the result of our education, experiences and inspiration that drives us to create? Is there more to it than that?
Can we be easily replicated or replaced by someone else or AI?
In blockchain art, there is the conversation around provenance, which aligns with the technology and the origins of the art and the artist itself, who owns it and who celebrates it.
Originality and style are always up for debate. It’s not a simple black-and-white answer. There are nuances and opinions to be had on all fronts.
Comparison is the thief of joy
Whether someone is better than you, more advanced, further along in their career or otherwise more successful, getting noticed and even selling your work can be challenging. Showing up and putting yourself out there takes courage. Stay at it, and you will develop your language.
Focus on your work and if someone draws parallels, that’s fine. Similarity does not diminish your effort nor make you less relevant. It’s simply a comparison as we navigate to try to relate, make sense of things and categorize things to understand our world better.
Continue your journey, find your way on your terms and share your work without fear of comparison.
There will always be someone out there seeking to diminish your work. The more this happens, the more you know that you might be onto something, and their position comes from a specific place that does not affect you.
Take your time to learn, explore and consider feedback. Most will smile and nod, but the real ones will provide constructive input that, if you’re open to it, will help you improve.
Finding a style is a journey that is uniquely yours. Own it and explore it. Try different things out because you won’t know until you know.
I’m not sure if I’ve arrived at a unique style myself. I have a few different ways I enjoy working. But nothing that feels definitive.
One day, you may find your voice if you keep at it.
