An artistic style is a combination of an artist’s technique, subject matter, color choices, and personal expression. It’s what makes a piece instantly recognizable as yours. Think of artists like Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, or Hokusai—each of them had a distinctive way of seeing and expressing the world through their art.
Developing a personal style isn’t about forcing yourself into a specific look; it’s about allowing your natural preferences and experiences to shape your work over time. This journey is ongoing, and your style will likely continue to evolve throughout your artistic career.
Loomis’s method builds on earlier classical techniques but adapts them for modern illustrators and portrait artists. He was heavily influenced by the Renaissance masters, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer, who pioneered scientific studies of human proportions. However, unlike the complex anatomical studies of the Renaissance, Loomis simplified the process into basic forms, making it accessible to artists of all levels.
His method became widely used in comic book art, animation, and academic figure drawing, and continues to be a cornerstone of portrait training today.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure of what your style is, here are practical steps to help you uncover it:
1️⃣ Experiment with different mediums & techniques
Trying out different materials—watercolor, ink, charcoal, gouache, digital art, etc.—can reveal what you enjoy working with the most. Sometimes, your artistic style is waiting to emerge once you find the right tools!
2️⃣ Study artists who inspire you
Look at artists whose work resonates with you. Ask yourself:
Take inspiration, but don’t copy—instead, analyze what elements you love and incorporate them in your own way.
3️⃣ Create without constraints
Sometimes, artists get stuck because they’re trying too hard to fit into a certain aesthetic. Let go of expectations and create just for the joy of it. Draw, paint, or sculpt without a plan—you may be surprised at what naturally comes out!
4️⃣ Find recurring themes in your work
Go through your past sketches and paintings. Do you notice any patterns? Maybe you:
Recognizing these elements helps you understand what makes your work unique.
5️⃣ Set creative limitations
Oddly enough, limiting yourself can actually push you to refine your style. You can try:
Art history is full of examples of artists breaking traditions and forging their own paths. Here are a few examples:
🎨 Impressionists (Monet, Renoir, Degas) – Rejected the strict realism of academic painting and instead captured light and movement with loose brushstrokes.
🖌 Surrealists (Dalí, Kahlo, Magritte) – Used dream-like imagery and symbolism to explore the subconscious mind, breaking free from literal interpretations.
✏️ Japanese Ukiyo-e artists (Hokusai, Hiroshige) – Developed a distinct flat, graphic style with bold lines and patterns, influencing modern illustration and design.
Looking at how artists throughout history developed their unique voices can help you see that style is an evolution, not a fixed destination.
Did you know that your artistic style is influenced by your brain’s neural pathways? Neuroscientific research shows that our brains develop pattern recognition through repeated exposure and practice. This is why the more you create, the stronger your neural connections become, making your artistic style feel more natural over time.
Another fascinating concept is neuroaesthetics, the study of how the brain perceives and responds to art. Studies suggest that when we create or view art, our dopamine levels increase, triggering feelings of pleasure and motivation. This means that experimenting with different styles and techniques isn’t just about skill development—it’s actually rewiring your brain to refine your unique artistic voice!
Discovering your artistic style takes time, and that’s okay! Here are some reminders along the way:
💡 Your style will evolve – Don’t stress about finding “one perfect look.” Let it grow naturally with experience. It takes time!
👀 Take breaks from social media – Seeing too much art online can sometimes make you feel like you have to conform. Trust your own instincts.
🖌 Make LOTS of art – The more you create, the clearer your style will become. Keep experimenting and learning!
📚 Keep a visual journal – Sketch daily, even if it’s rough. Over time, patterns in your work will start to emerge.
🎭 Your style is a reflection of YOU – Your interests, experiences, and emotions all shape your work, making it uniquely yours.
Now that you have a roadmap for discovering your artistic style, try experimenting with different techniques or mediums this week. Pay attention to what excites you the most and follow that creative spark! Most importantly, create simply for the joy of creating! If you want some tips for ‘getting in the zone’, check out my article on the psychology of artistic flow.
Keep an eye on the blog for more posts on art techniques, history, and inspiration to help you keep evolving as an artist 🤍
☼ Berger, J. (1972). Ways of seeing. Penguin Books.
☼ Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1996). Creativity: Flow and the psychology of discovery and invention. HarperCollins.
☼ Goldberg, E. (2001). The executive brain: Frontal lobes and the civilized mind. Oxford University Press.
☼ Gombrich, E. H. (2000). The story of art. Phaidon Press.
☼ Lindell, A. K. (2018). Art, aesthetics and the brain: The role of the right hemisphere in art appreciation. Cognitive Neuroscience, 9(1-2), 34-41. https://doi.org/10.1080/17588928.2017.1396536
☼ Lopes, D. M. (2014). Beyond art: A philosophical perspective. Oxford University Press.
☼ Ramachandran, V. S., & Hirstein, W. (1999). The science of art: A neurological theory of aesthetic experience. Journal of Consciousness Studies, 6(6-7), 15-51.
☼ Smith, R. (2009). The artist’s guide: How to make a living doing what you love. Free Press.
☼ Zeki, S. (1999). Inner vision: An exploration of art and the brain. Oxford University Press.
☼ What is artistic style, and why is it important?
☼ How do I develop my own unique art style?
☼ What practical steps can I take to refine my artistic voice?
☼ How has art history influenced different artistic styles?
☼ What common struggles do artists face when finding their style?
☼ How can I stay true to my style while still evolving?
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