When learning to draw, we often start by copying subjects realistically. This is a vital step for understanding how people, objects, animals, and scenery work - and for developing the link between our eyes, brain, and hand. But where do we go after this? How do we move on from realism and into our own art style? Today, I'll cover the methods I use, and some general tips and advice for finding and developing your own creative voice.

 

Realism - Yay or Nay?

Being able to draw realistically is beneficial for many reasons. It's good to have a foundational knowledge of how to draw and recreate something in order to stylise it effectively. A realistic drawing style is also an asset for certain careers, such as concept art, game design, some editorial work, and more. If you draw realistically, and that's your goal, continue doing what you're doing! Although the following information may not be for you. This blog post is best suited for those like myself who often retreat into realism when trying to illustrate and usually find it challenging to create unique, expressive, and stylised imagery.

 

Sketch using Method 1 to stylise.

 

Wait, I Already Have an Art Style?

Art styles are often the same as handwriting. We all intrinsically draw in a specific way, usually influenced by many factors, such as our physical mobility and anatomy, life experiences, and tastes. Sometimes we can't identify our distinctive voice, but others may point it out. Whether you see it or not, believe me, it's there!

Oftentimes, we get too stuck in our heads about style and try to force our hands to create art that is influenced by other people or a particular aesthetic, but this is not natural to us. It's good to pick up influences throughout our lives and apply them to our work, but trying to draw like someone else will only lead to failure - it's impossible to successfully draw in a way that is unnatural to us when it is such a natural process for the original creator. It's common to dislike your drawing style, but that will change with time. As humans, we are constantly evolving, and so is our art. With perseverance and improvement in skill, your style will eventually grow into something you're proud of.

 

Sketch using Method 4 to stylise.

 

Exercises to Uncover Your Personal Art Style

 

Method 1: Starting Sketch

One of my favourite things to do when trying to stylise my work is to start with a realistic sketch and work on top. In fact, this is mostly what I did during my second year of university to help me find my style. The method works like this:

1. Sketch as you would normally. For me, that is from a reference in a realistic way. Get down the overall shape and lightly mark any details.
2. Put your reference away, and don't look at it again.
3. Work on top of your sketch. Try to choose a medium that will partially or entirely cover your sketch. I like to use watercolour or gouache.
4. Carry on working without looking at your reference until the illustration is complete. Use any colours or mediums you wish and add any details you see fit - have fun with it!

The realistic under-sketch will give a sense of comfort and understanding, whilst working on top and obscuring it, without the reference to hand, will force you to use your memory and innate style to complete the image.

 

Reference: 'Langur Monkey' by sanyal08 on Flickr.

 

Initial sketch.

 

Finished illustration - painted on top of sketch without looking at reference.

 

Method 2: The Re-Draw

Re-drawing is a sure-fire approach to uncovering your natural way of drawing. The method works like this:

1. Draw the subject from reference. This can be from a photograph, object, or scene in front of you.
2. Now, put the reference away and trace the original drawing.
3. Put this second drawing away and draw it again from memory.
4. Repeat as much as you like.

You should now have three or more illustrations, each less realistic than the one before. This method helps you let loose and find a more intrinsic way of drawing, preventing you from getting hung up on the details.

 

Sketch 1: from reference.

 

Sketch 2: tracing of sketch 1.

 

Sketch 3: drawn from memory.

 

Sketch 4: drawn from memory a second time.

 

Method 3: Thumbnailing

Thumbnails are quick sketches (similar in size to your actual thumbnail!) used to record initial ideas when starting a project or piece of work. Their very nature, drawn quickly and with little detail, often unearths our authentic way of working when not under pressure. They can be a great way to bring looseness and fun to your work. The method works like this:

1. Create 3 or more thumbnails for an illustration. If you like, these can be from reference, but make sure they are small and done very quickly.
2. Scan in or photograph your thumbnails, pick one and blow it up to fill the entire page.
3. Now print it, trace loosely, and work on top.

This method forces you to work with an under-sketch that is your unaltered style. Working on top encourages you to develop it further and try new approaches.

 

 

Six original thumbnail sketches.

 

One thumbnail blown up and printed.

 

Finished sketch: loosely traced thumbnail and added further touches.

 

Method 4: Purposeful Limitations

Drawing with limitations or restraints will train your brain to approach illustration differently and help uncover your natural way of working. These restraints can be in the form of:

• Time - Try to create an image in short time frames: 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, etc. My online drawing sessions are centred around this and are an excellent opportunity to utilise this technique.
• Colour - Use a limited colour palette of 2-4 colours. Using different colours from the reference is even better. For inspiration, check out my blog post, Colour Palettes to Enhance Your Work.
• Medium - Restrict your medium. Only use one tool, such as a ballpoint pen or pencil. This will help you focus less on the medium and more on how you're drawing.
• Capability - Limit or restrict your capability. This could be drawing with your eyes closed, using your non-dominant hand, drawing without taking your pen off the paper, drawing in the dark, or when you're half asleep.

 

Timed sketch (10 minutes) using limited capability (non-dominant hand).

 

Tips for Developing Your Art Style

 

Colour Language

Colour plays a vital part in defining your style and way of working. A colour language is just a collection of colours you're drawn to and use regularly in your work. It can take a while to develop and is often ever-changing - I recommend researching colour theory if you're looking to improve this area of your style.

Experimentation & Development

The best way to discover and develop your visual tone of voice is to build a regular drawing habit and experiment often. Drawing sessions can also help with this, be it my online ones, life drawing classes, or art clubs. You can also do drawing sessions with your friends or draw on location in your local park or town centre.

However, drawing regularly can only take you so far if you refuse to experiment and try new approaches. Play with different subjects, mediums, colour palettes, surfaces, and working methods. The more you experiment, the more you're likely to find something that will resonate with you.

Draw From Observation

Observational drawing is often considered the backbone of art. Even if you prefer to draw from imagination or memory, an excellent observational drawing foundation will build and grow your work to the next level and help develop your style.

Avoid Too Much Influence

Try and avoid copying other artist's work too closely. This will only hinder your natural style from developing and may cause sticky legal situations or negatively impact your career. Collecting influences from various artists is good, but having your work look like one particular practitioner is a no-go. Put away your mood boards and Instagram saves; try to draw from your heart!

(Disclaimer: mood boards are great, and I use them very often in my work, but I try to avoid having them within my eyesight when creating an illustration so that I'm not unintentionally influenced by them.)

 

 

Let loose, have fun and try one or more of my methods! Art style is something that constantly evolves throughout your life, and there's rarely a moment where you think, 'That's it - I've found it!' However, following these methods and tips may help you get to a place you're happy with quicker and less painfully. Good luck, and please feel free to comment below and send me photos of any work that you make from these methods.

Thanks for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day full of joy, inspiration, and colour.

- Morgan

 

Enjoyed this blog post? Make sure to give these a read!

• Draw Without Fear: How to Draw Loosely and Let Your Creative Spirit Free
• From the Archive | Colour Palettes to Enhance Your Work
• How to Build a Creative Habit in 2024