Are you new to the world of illustration or an aspiring illustrator searching for your unique illustration style? Then you are in the right place. Today we will highlight six key steps to help you define your illustration style.

Find out how upcoming illustrator George Tonks found his illustration style. Available as a Podcast and Video tutorial!

Step 1. Choose a theme

Pick only one theme that excites you the most and focus on drawing them. If you have too many interests, then try to narrow it down. Make a list of 5 themes and put them in numerical order and only focus on a topic that is on your number 1 list.

Helpful Tip: Here is an example of some themes to choose from!

Step 2. Build a Reference Library

One of the best ways to find your illustration style is to combine elements from other artists work that you love. Create a reference board from at least five different artists and copy ideas from each of them, but try to make small changes

The routine of collecting references and inspiration from others will help your creative juices flow and inspire you to think creatively.

To collect references, use sites such as Pinterest, Behance, and Instagram. You can also use real photo references from your travels or the internet.

Helpful Tip: If you love drawing People - take hair inspiration from one artist, skin colour ideas from another, Clothes from a Photo reference and so forth. The more you combine, the more likely your unique style will emerge

Step 3. Define your style

Good news is that we all already have a unique style built within us, but might need to work on developing it.

Step 4. Have a solid sketch

Plan and try to visualize the final illustration and work towards that. Attempt to come up with 6-10 rough sketches. For instance, if your subject is a Deer, then do a rough sketch or doodle of a Deer at least six times -you will see improvements each time

Step 5. Set realistic deadline

Once you have a solid sketch, set yourself a realistic time-scale to finish it; otherwise, you will find it challenging to get started. Only give yourself a maximum of a one-week deadline to complete it. This method is a great way to juggle both family life, a full-time job while working on personal illustration projects.

Step 6. Review and repeat steps

Share your artwork on social media for feedback. Evaluate your designs and see which one got more likes or saves. This feedback will help you determine what makes your work more appealing.

Keep on repeating these steps and feel free to combine themes and mix up ideas from reference images.  

If you haven't watched it already then watch our tutorial below and find out how upcoming illustrator George Tonks found his illustration style!

Additional Help

Book Recommendations

Drawing Techniques Tutorials 

Conclusion:

Don't worry about having a style too much; this will stop you from getting started. Ironically the more you draw, the more chance you have developing your style as you will naturally gravitate towards particular colour combinations, shapes and techniques.