How to discover and develop your own illustration style

One of the most common questions new illustrators ask is: “How do I find my style?”

Your style is more than just how your drawings look — it’s your visual voice. It’s the way you tell stories, the colors you lean toward, and the emotions your characters carry. Finding it doesn’t happen overnight, but the process itself is where you grow as an artist.

Here are some practical steps to help you discover and develop your unique style.

1. Study what inspires you

Think about what you’re naturally drawn to:

• Children’s books you loved growing up.

• Illustrators, designers, or even movie directors who spark your imagination.

• Shapes, patterns, and colors you notice in nature or everyday life.

Pro tip: Create a visual inspiration board (Pinterest is perfect for this) where you collect styles, colors, and moods that feel right to you. Here is mine https://es.pinterest.com/marukotkot/

2. Experiment with different approaches

Early on, it’s okay to imitate and explore. Try:

• Drawing the same character in 3–5 styles.

• Switching mediums (digital, watercolor, ink, cut-outs).

• Playing with line weights, textures, or exaggerated shapes.

Experimenting teaches you what feels comfortable — and what doesn’t. Over time, the elements that feel “yours” will naturally come forward.

3. Look for patterns in your work

After a while, step back and review your art. Ask yourself:

• Do I use certain colors often?

• Do my characters tend to be playful, dreamy, or serious?

• Do I enjoy detailed backgrounds or minimal compositions?

These patterns reveal the beginnings of your personal style.

4. Balance Consistency with Curiosity

Style is about repetition — but not repetition alone. Once you notice your tendencies, practice them consistently, but keep space for curiosity. This balance ensures your work feels recognizable without becoming stagnant.

5. Share, get feedback, and adjust

Sometimes we’re too close to our own work to see it clearly. Share your art in communities (online or local) and ask:

• What do people notice first?

• What feelings do they get from your characters?

• Which piece looks “most you”?

Feedback helps you see your style from the outside and refine it further.

6. Accept that style evolves

Your style is not a final destination — it grows with you. Don’t pressure yourself to “lock it in” too soon. Instead, enjoy the evolution. What matters is that your art feels authentic, not identical every time.

Conclusion

Finding your illustration style is less about chasing something and more about noticing what naturally shines through in your work. Explore widely, look for patterns, and give yourself permission to grow.

The most important thing? Keep drawing. Your style will reveal itself the more you create.