A Few Words About STYLE...

STYLE is a word you hear thrown around a lot in an art setting. "That's not my style," "I like your style," "Interesting style, man." STYLE, STYLE, STYLE. I think, like with many things in life, there are correct uses of this term, and incorrect.

Incorrect uses of style:
-Using "style" as an excuse to execute 'bad' art...and by 'bad' art, I mean art that you know is ugly, but you justify it's ugliness by professing that is your "style."

-Thinking your style is totally original. Lets face it. NOTHING is completely original. We are affected by everything around us, whether we realize it or not. Artist's personal style is really the result of a lot of other personal styles and preferences all conglomerated and intermingled together.

-Thinking your style is invincible. Think of clothes. Do you wish you wore the same outfits you sported in 6th grade? probably not. Missing that '80's hair? Maybe, but again, probably not. Like fashion trends, art trends and styles change...they come and go, and if you want to be competitive, you must we willing to adapt to some degree, while not loosing your personal touch and a sense of uniqueness. Example: Here is a drawing I did in 7th or 8th grade, that I was pretty proud of. This style was obviously highly influenced by what I saw on TV, and products that catered towards kids who are 12 and 13 years old.

It was a drawing of some friends and cross-country team mates, and I actually ended up marrying that hunk in the middle :)

My point is, thank goodness I wasn't so set on that style. My personal style has changed, and undoubtedly will continue to change for the rest of my life....and I am totally okay with that.

Correct uses of style-

- A style should be "discovered" by doing a lot of research. Find artists you like, then draw what they draw, try to mimic their lines and shapes, the way they apply color and texture. Think about why they do what they do, and how it is working, and why you like it. Style is really being humble and smart. It is knowing what you like, but no thinking you know it all. It is being teachable and then taking what you are taught and making something unique.

- I may need to contradict something I said earlier. Nothing we MAKE is totally original, because it is made up of a lot of different influences..etc, but WE are original. Every person is totally unique and has a special way of viewing the world and viewing art. This is wonderful, and should be embraced. While I may try to imitate my inspirations, I will never make marks EXACTLY like they do, because frankly, I am not them. I am not Norman Rockwell, or Steven Kellogg, or Bill Watterson...

I hold my pencil and brush in a unique way (for me, SUPER tight!)

I see the world in a unique way

I sketch in a different way

I am just a different and unique individual. 

SO what am I blabbering on about? Embrace your individuality! DON'T compare and compete (That is the quickest way to kill your style), just make what you love, but seek to improve. 

AND, make sure you respect other's individual expressions. You don't have to like it, but there is something really neat about seeing some one's brains, mind, soul, emotions....whatever, splattered or neatly organized on a screen, paper or canvas. There is something special about being a person, and that alone deserves respect.

With that said...

 I have been doing some research lately to try and hone in on my "style." 

  A lot of things in my life have changed recently....one in particular....

I became a MOM!

Even though he is only a couple of months old, I take him to the library once a week and I grab the first three children's books that catch my eye. Then, I take them home and read them to my little Miracle. 

I'll be honest, some of the books I have gotten, I really do not like the illustrations, but I try to avoid thinking "I could totally do better" because a) probably not, and b) that is their unique individual way of expressing that story, THEY did it, not me.

But this last trip, was really successful. I rediscovered three illustrators that I plan on integrating into my mental pile of "illustrators I love"

STEVEN KELLOGG (I love his watercolor washes and intricate line work)

G. BRIAN KARAS (Very unique, sketchy quality, great imagination)

SACHIKO YOSHIKAWA (GREAT execution of acrylic paint! I really admire her clean lines and beautiful blends)

Sorry for such a long post, but my little guy is napping, and I just kinda let loose on a topic that has been on my mind for some time. SO, enjoy finding your style. Make it something you are really passionate about, but willing to adapt and make it better. Many artists say you don't find your style, it finds you. I couldn't agree more. Your style will come naturally as you do research and practice, practice, practice different techniques and applications. But, above all, your style is something you LOVE that you create!