Developing an art style is one of the primary objectives for every comic maker. Technical ability isn’t the only thing you need for that style to stand out.

What an Art Style Actually Means?

You do not just “select” a style, but rather it takes time for the style to develop. Your art style is what you draw (characters, lines, compositions and expression) visually in a certain way. You might have learned something from one of the artists in the beginning, but your style evolves over the years as you mix these learnings with your own artistic taste and practices. Your personal style is a result of how you consistently make artistic decisions.

Study Different Art Styles

To find your own art style, you need to research other art styles first. Look at the different ways comics, manga, graphic novels and art pieces are drawn. Consider the line work, shading, proportions and character design to see which styles you like and feel comfortable with.

You don’t need to draw something exactly the same but you can learn the different ways artists draw so you can eventually find ways to draw your own way.

As you continue to collect and study references, it’s easier for you to decide on a certain art style.

Practice Drawing Consistently

Your style comes from drawing. The more you draw, the more your personal preferences will show through in your drawing practice.

You can figure out what shapes, lines and expressions you like to draw. Eventually, your drawings will become recognizable as your own and you’ll no longer feel like you’re forcing your style, because you’ll be naturally drawn toward what works for you. Your drawings are going to become more consistent and your style will develop.

Focus on Simplicity

New artists often try to make detailed images before they’ve mastered simplification. It’s important to learn the simplicity of drawings first.

Start simple by using basic shapes, simple lines, and simple composition. Once you get comfortable with that you can build on it. The simpler the foundation, the more stable and distinct your style can become. Having a simple style can help you get a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t. You can then take those basics and turn it into your own style.

Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

Finding your art style takes trial and error. You can try different line weights, proportions, expressions and other visual things.

There’s no rule saying you need to make every drawing look the same as one another. Experimentation is essential to discover new ways to express yourself through your artwork. As you continue to experiment, you will start to find trends among things that you like to draw the most. Trial and error are important for growing as an artist.

Focus on Consistency

Experimentation is important, but the key to finding your style is being consistent with it. Once you have certain elements that you like in your drawing and composition, continue to build on those elements and find ways to expand. This can also apply to facial expressions and proportions in character design. Being consistent with the look and feel of your work can also help others recognize that your artwork is your own. The more consistent your drawings are the more professional your comics will look.

Don’t Be Too Critical

You may feel like your art needs to match another professional artist but you should never be too hard on yourself. Everyone grows at their own pace.

Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on being better than yesterday. Your style will develop more naturally when you focus on what you like instead of what you’re trying to make perfect. The most important thing to keep in mind is your progress.

Conclusion

Finding your own personal art style for your comic will take time and patience. As long as you practice, you will eventually get the desired style that will help you stand out amongst everyone else. You will start to learn what works and what doesn’t, and your own personal visual identity will develop. Over time you will learn to create art in ways that suit you and your style of storytelling.