FINDING YOUR

S T Y L E
A guide to artists and
designers in need of a boost
to fnd their own artistic style.
This booklet also includes tips
to fnd inspiration and keep
the inspiration.
By Kristina S
www.tylonproducts.com | www.kristinasavasta.com
INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS A STYLE?
Every artist and designer has what everybody calls a
style. Now what exactly IS a style? A style is a
representation of you- the artist. It is the essential way you
work, how you perceive things, how you create. It doesnt
only apply to drawing, it also applies to thought process as
well.
Tis booklet will go over ways you can discover your own
style- as well as how to evolve your style and adapt new
ones into your work. It will also encourage diferent ways
for you to fnd your own inspiration in art development.
Tis book is inspired and dedicated to a good friend of
mine- who felt like he was never taught how to discover
his style. Hopefully this book can be of help to those in
need of discovering their own creativity and uniqueness.
How can I nd my
own Style?
A style isnt something that you can just adapt while not knowing
anything about it. A style comes from yourself; from your own
experiences, from your own visions and likes. I can remember
when I was younger, all I wanted to do was cartoon and draw an-
ime. Tat style I wanted so bad, I found out soon afer was forced;
it wasnt me, it wasnt real. I didnt enjoy it... therefore I knew, it
wasnt my style. So many people feel they have to draw what is
cool or in. Tis is not true.
Find what inspires you!
I started drawing by looking at what was around me. From stick
fgures to actual people, I learned to draw from what I saw. Not
from a cartoon or a show. I have always been told to frst draw
what you see, than cartoon it and work your way around to fnd
your style. I honestly think it can go either way, it depends on
how serious the individual is. I found by drawing realism frst, it
allowed me to start cartooning more accurately, leading to a style
that become known as... well, me. Tere is much more to style than
just drawing.
Helpful Advice
FIND STYLES YOU CAN RELATE TO/ INSPIRE YOU
What really helped me at the start was fnding something I could
relate to. I would create a folder on my computer called
inspiration, and whenever I found an image or a style I liked, I
would save it to that folder. Tis is for EDUCATIONAL
PURPOSES ONLY. I would never copy or trace a drawing. It
would give me ideas as to what I could do diferently in my own
work. Tis also applies to the mediums you feel most comfortable
with; whether it be illustration, pattern making, design, etc.
RE-CREATE AN IDEA
Take an image that really speaks to you; analyze what qualities
makes you enjoy the particular item. Is it the color? Lack of color?
Composition? Take note of what appeals to you. How do you feel,
or what do you take away from that image?
Now- with all the information you gathered from this, create your
own rendering of how the image makes you feel. In your own
words; your own creativity. Perhaps you want to use a diferent
medium. Tis will help you pick out how you see things- by ana-
lyzing the item, you can now see where your strong areas are.
Helpful Advice
CARRY A NOTEBOOK/ SKETCHBOOK
I ALWAYS carry my notebook with me regardless of where I go.
You never know when an idea or inspiration can strike; jot down
any ideas you have.
FINDING YOUR MEDIUM
Every artist or designer has a particular choice and medium they
feel strongly in. Below is some examples of mediums you might
want to experiment with:
- Graphic Design
- Typography
- Illustration
- Drawing/ Sketching/ Cartooning
- Photography
- Photo-Manipulation
- Sculpting
- Sewing
- Artisan Crafs
- Baking/ Pastry Arts
- Painting
- Music
- Writing
You can browse various websites for examples of these; even some
stock photo sites have some great photos that might inspire you in
some way or another.
BRAINSTORM & MIND MAP
Sometimes, ideas take some time and development to create. Sit
down with a blank piece of paper and start to go over ideas you
have for your project or item. Jot down colors, objects, even sketch
out stick fgures and shapes to show where the items will go on the
image. If needed, browse the internet for some ideas. Brainstorm-
ing also allows you to understand your options. Te more options,
the better. Tis allows you to start working more on your item.
NARROWING DOWN YOUR STRENGTHS & WEAKNESS
Have you ever been told there is a particular point you excel at?
Perhaps it is patterns, maybe concept art or character design. Take
note of your strengths. Compile a list of areas you excel in, and
areas you dont feel as confdent or comfortable in.
Now for your weaknesses. Perhaps you feel like you are failing
at another art form or medium- because you see all these artists
who appear to be so much more advanced than you. Dont worry
about that, everybody has to start somewhere. Te important thing
is dont get down; work on your weaknesses. Look at your work;
showcase it in communities to gain feedback so you can fnd your
weak areas. Practice, practice, practice! Each person has their own
way of working as well as creating. While somebody might feel
they only need to photograph something once because that was
the one and only moment, somebody else might take 100 shots be-
cause they want the perfect shot at the perfect moment. Everybody
works diferently.
NETWORK WITH INDIVIDUALS
For anybody into art or design, networking will lead not only to
new friends, but also to possible opportunities and work. Join
artistic social networking sites and start communicating by posting
your work (make sure to watermark it frst!), and communicating
in forums. Gather a friend-base of artists whos work you admire,
artists whose work you can see yourself doing. Perhaps you admire
an artist who does advanced real-sized sculpting- maybe you make
mini charms out of clay. You have a similarity. Maybe you arent
trying to sculpt a real life fgure, but it inspires you to try some-
thing new.
TRY DIFFERENT MEDIUMS
Tere might be a medium out there you never thought you would
like, that you might actually enjoy. Tere are so many diferent
mediums you can try. Tink outside of the box; dont limit your-
self. Maybe you are an illustrator, but want to learn more about
typography to bring into your illustrations so you can make comic
books. Te possibilities are endless! Mediums cross constantly; so
keep your mind open. Tink of ways you can incorporate ideas
together. Maybe you are a graphic designer focusing on print,
and you want to try illustrating because you want to start making
mascots and logos. Or you could be into artisan crafs and enjoy
sculpting, scrap booking and sewing- and you want to learn how
to make tags or business cards to promote yourself.
LEARN TO ACCEPT FEEDBACK & CRITIQUE
Here is where the tough part can be. Truth is, not everybody will like
your medium/style/work. Tere are two types of people; one who
really wants to provide feedback/ critique; and one who just wants to
bash/ hate and put your medium/style down because it doesnt appeal
to them. While yes this is wrong, you will probably encounter people
like this once you start posting your work online. Te most impor-
tant thing you can do- would be to NEVER get discouraged. You can
usually tell by the way somebody words their comments; the more
in depth, the more the person took their time to go over their points
and analyze your work. When somebody starts using vulgar language,
than you know that is somebody you shouldnt waste your time on. Be
polite. You can ignore them or block them if they continue. Some-
times, people have nothing better to do with their time and lives.
Try to see your work through somebody elses eyes. Tink to yourself;
why could they dislike this? why like that? Learn to see from others
points of view.
DONT try and warp your work simply because somebody does not
like it. DONT create just because something is cool, create because
you enjoy it; because you want to please yourself- not others. By giv-
ing into what is deemed as cool, you start to become in many ways a
robot; creating only for popularity. Take ideas from people, but never
feel you have to re-do something just because somebody doesnt par-
ticularly like it. Every individual has their own preferences. Nothing
wrong with that.
WORK ON YOUR DISLIKES
Is there a style or medium out there you really dislike? Tink to
yourself why you dislike this style or medium. Perhaps you are a
traditional artist and you do not enjoy digital art because you feel
it is too easy. In the creative world, we are surrounded by difer-
ent mediums and styles. While you dont have to like everything,
it doesnt hurt to work with it. Work with your dislikes. Start to
understand a diferent medium. Like the example before; maybe
as a traditional artist, you want to expand your ideas and audi-
ence by going into digital art.
Or, perhaps you are a realism artist and you dont enjoy cartoon-
ing or anime. In many ways, there is also a psychology behind
our preferences and tastes. Te important thing is to accept while
it may not be for you- there are others out there who enjoy it.
What can also help, is try to work using something you dislike.
Again like that example- maybe you are a realist and want to try
cartooning as a change of pace. Tink of the limitless possibilities
out there. Leave the possibilities open. It doesnt hurt to try new
things. To expand your knowledge area.
WITH ART AND INSPIRATION;
CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION,
THE POSSIBILITIES ARE
TRULY ENDLESS

Keeping your
INSPIRATION
One of the hardest things to do sometimes is keeping the inspira-
tion and creativity fowing. We all have art blocks and get into
slumps; where we feel like we cannot create or develop; like we
are not improving. While we may not see it, the others around us
do. I look at work I did even from a year ago, and I can see such
a change in my own style. I keep track of all my work; and my
development over the years. Tis is a great project to see how far
you have come a long. Keep ALL your work; everything.
Just because we lose our inspiration does not mean we fail as
artists, or are not meant to be in art. I recall someone once telling
me if you are not always inspired, you truly are not an artist and
you dont belong doing what you do. How wrong that person was.
Nobody can forever be inspired. Nobody! We all have personal
things going on in our lives, we all have habits and hobbies. Te
important thing is to not give up.
When you feel like you are in a block, or maybe under the weath-
er; take out a notebook and start to write down ideas, or even
how you are currently feeling. Tis is what really helped me when
I went through my blocks. I would pick a topic and write about it.
Writing is a form of art; and the both work wonderful together.
If you feel writing isnt your forte, sketch. Jot down how you feel.
Emotions play a great role on how we create. I notice even with
myself, when I feel sad my art seems much more darker than
usual. Use this to your advantage. Take advantage of your emo-
tions; it will lead you to things you never thought existed.
Last but not least, know the reason you create is because YOU
want to, not because you are forced or feel like you have to. Also
know that in some communities, your medium or work might
seem to go unrecognized. Dont give up though- do what you
love! If I molded myself to what everybody likes, I would never
know what I personally enjoy. I love graphic design. Tat is just
me, personally. While many communities arent into design, that
is ok- I am, and I have net worked with other people who are also
into design.
Below are some great social networking sites for artists and
designers to look into:
www.deviantart.com
www.shadowness.com
www.dribbble.com
www.pintrest.com
www.behance.net
Please remember
Dont ever feel discouraged with your work. While it
might be hard at times, know that YOU are unique all in
your own. Your work, your style, YOU are one of a kind.
You are your own artist/ designer; your own person. Stay
true to your values and morals. Note that you have your
own reputation you are building; you are starting your
journey into the world of art trying to establish yourself
as an artist. It takes time. It wont happen over night.
Everybody has ups and downs; in life and in art. Artists
also have the ability to create; to bring to life ideas and
make them real. You have that.
Just remember- we all grow, we all change as does our
work. We go through good times, bad times... and our
work; our styles refect that. You will be surprised how
your work can change and evolve with time.
A very good friend of mine sent me a message having all
these great ideas, but not having any direction where he
can fnd or develop his style. He felt really down about
this, never being taught how to develop his own style.
I sat there for a moment, and really thought to myself
He is right. Tey always say be you... but what is you?.
Which inspired me to create this little booklet.
I am sure there are other young artists or those who are
unsure of what to do, or feel confused with how to fnd
a style. I want to compile tips that helped me, and fg-
ured maybe it could helps others. Tis topic never really
dawned on me, because I felt like I always new my style. I
also can remember forcing myself into styles and fads that
were deemed as cool, just for popularity. I soon realized
those were false friends; I didnt enjoy anime, the artwork
was too forced for me. Tat was when I realized how pow-
erful fads and crazes can be. While some enjoy it and ft
right in, to many it is forced.
I noticed as I started getting out of cartooning and more
into professional work, a lot of communities and friends
stopped looking at my work.
A Word from the Author
My Inspiration Behind this Booklet
At frst, it really bothered me. Yet I also knew, I didnt
enjoy what they all enjoyed. While I respect and support
art styles, I know what I enjoy, and well- that is too bad if
others do not enjoy that as well. It will not change what
I enjoy doing- I love design. I dont care if nobody com-
ments or shares or favorites my work- I do what I love for
me, not for anybody else. When it comes to freelancing
and paid work, well... that is an entirely diferent story.
My point is, it seems if you arent into a fad or fandom,
you arent cool or popular. I can recall a painter who
loved painting, stopping painting just to draw anime so
she could ft in and make friends. She felt like her work
was unnoticed; never looked at. It bogged her down, to
the point she felt that she had to do something she didnt
enjoy just for the approval of others.
Eventually, the painter realized this was a cloak to what
she really enjoyed. She stopped drawing anime, and
told all her new friends that she loved painting, that is
what she wanted to do with her life. While many of her
friends lef, some stayed. It was those who helped her
get back into doing what she loved- respected her for
what she loved, and even supported her as she started to
re-grow her own style.
For your support
THANK YOU