Such a good explanation, Katie. I always look at style like you are in a grocery store shopping for ingredients. But the grocery store is an ART MUSEUM. Take a color from one painting, strokes from another, texture from this one, etc...then SMASH it together, and make something new. It's look like sludge at the beginning, but just keep messing with the ingredients, and you'll get something brilliant.
You broke down and explained this approach really nicely, Katie. I've been trying to build my portfolio for years and keep on getting lost in all the styles I like to draw in. Besides, the artwork from other artists I like the most are million miles away from mine and it's confusing to understand it, even more to analyse it. But I feel inspired to make an inspirational board now!
I just finished this exercise, breaking down both children's books and middle grade and it was great to see both the difference and similarities in what I gravitate towards in both genres. Thank you for the reminder to be more mindful when examining art I enjoy.
This article came at the perfect time, thank you! I'm at a moment where I can see my style evolving, changing into something new on its own. And I'm wondering if I should give it a push in one direction or another, because although I like the new results, I have the impression that they're not perfectly suited to picture books, for some reason that escapes me. And I I can't finish assembling my portfolio.
I will try your approach and see if it enlightens me! Thanks again!
This was the post I needed to see today! I have been humming and ahhing over having a style change and feeling so daunted at starting the challenge! This was so inspiring in how it is possible and to just keep going, while embracing your strengths! It’s certainly something I don’t do enough! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this inspo!! I’m in the middle of a big ole’ portfolio revamp and this is just the thing I needed to read today!✨ Love seeing your style evolution
Your style journey is such a good example of a successful portfolio. The tricky part like you said is figuring out how to combine your tastes with your natural strengths. It’s so easy to dismiss our natural strengths because they come easily, and because they might be different than successful illustrations we see. You can see how all your influences have led into your style. I followed you on TikTok during that time and it’s really inspiring to see how far you’ve come!
Thank you for sharing you're amazing journey Katie! I l really love seeing the adventures and experiences each artist has to offer. It's a really special and magical feeling and I got to learn a few new things like "lean into my strengths" why go against the wave when you can "ride the wave". Would love seeing you're creative journey! I'll be checking out some of you other posts! Really love this happy little article.
Damn! It feels like you made that new work so fast! It's so beautiful! I also love line and have been similarly led astray. I found my way back to the nib pen last year and scritchy pencil lines last year and I'm so much happier.
I should share my exercise in this from wayyyyy back. Seeing my work up against all the artwork I loved. It demystifies so much! Great reminder!
I’m currently in the midst of creating a body of work for my portfolio so this was such an inspiring post to read! Thanks for sharing these insights of your journey Katie. I can’t wait to see where your work takes you next :)
Such a good explanation, Katie. I always look at style like you are in a grocery store shopping for ingredients. But the grocery store is an ART MUSEUM. Take a color from one painting, strokes from another, texture from this one, etc...then SMASH it together, and make something new. It's look like sludge at the beginning, but just keep messing with the ingredients, and you'll get something brilliant.
You broke down and explained this approach really nicely, Katie. I've been trying to build my portfolio for years and keep on getting lost in all the styles I like to draw in. Besides, the artwork from other artists I like the most are million miles away from mine and it's confusing to understand it, even more to analyse it. But I feel inspired to make an inspirational board now!
I just finished this exercise, breaking down both children's books and middle grade and it was great to see both the difference and similarities in what I gravitate towards in both genres. Thank you for the reminder to be more mindful when examining art I enjoy.
This article came at the perfect time, thank you! I'm at a moment where I can see my style evolving, changing into something new on its own. And I'm wondering if I should give it a push in one direction or another, because although I like the new results, I have the impression that they're not perfectly suited to picture books, for some reason that escapes me. And I I can't finish assembling my portfolio.
I will try your approach and see if it enlightens me! Thanks again!
This was the post I needed to see today! I have been humming and ahhing over having a style change and feeling so daunted at starting the challenge! This was so inspiring in how it is possible and to just keep going, while embracing your strengths! It’s certainly something I don’t do enough! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this inspo!! I’m in the middle of a big ole’ portfolio revamp and this is just the thing I needed to read today!✨ Love seeing your style evolution
Your style journey is such a good example of a successful portfolio. The tricky part like you said is figuring out how to combine your tastes with your natural strengths. It’s so easy to dismiss our natural strengths because they come easily, and because they might be different than successful illustrations we see. You can see how all your influences have led into your style. I followed you on TikTok during that time and it’s really inspiring to see how far you’ve come!
Love this so much Katie!!! It takes a lot to consciously try to shift your work towards where you want it!
Thank you for sharing you're amazing journey Katie! I l really love seeing the adventures and experiences each artist has to offer. It's a really special and magical feeling and I got to learn a few new things like "lean into my strengths" why go against the wave when you can "ride the wave". Would love seeing you're creative journey! I'll be checking out some of you other posts! Really love this happy little article.
Oh my gosh, this! I’m the same, I love all the painterly, wobbly, lifeless stuff but my inclination is to linework.
Damn! It feels like you made that new work so fast! It's so beautiful! I also love line and have been similarly led astray. I found my way back to the nib pen last year and scritchy pencil lines last year and I'm so much happier.
I should share my exercise in this from wayyyyy back. Seeing my work up against all the artwork I loved. It demystifies so much! Great reminder!
Woof, I'm in the midst of a style change and this gave me a much-needed boost. Thank you, lovely!
I’m currently in the midst of creating a body of work for my portfolio so this was such an inspiring post to read! Thanks for sharing these insights of your journey Katie. I can’t wait to see where your work takes you next :)
Absolutely love seeing this evolution! You have such a unique voice and style and it’s fascinating seeing the path and influences behind it.
Oh my goodness, Anoosha!!!!! That makes me so happy. Thank you so much for the wonderful compliment! <3333