Finding your Style

I often get questions from people about finding their style, and yesterday I had a really great question. Somebody asked me how she could learn from me, but not just make replicas of what I teach and really make the drawings and paintings her own. I thought this was a great question, so I thought I would share my answer here in case it’s useful to anybody else.

Just for fun I have included some examples of my work from as early as 2006 up to last year. As you can see my style has changed hugely over this time as I’ve experimented with materials and my drawing skills have improved.

Personal work completed whilst I was at sixth form College

It is definitely tricky when you’re starting out for your work not to look too much like the illustrators that you admire.

Personal work completed whilst I was at sixth form college

My first piece of advice for finding own style is to draw from life. Set up a still life and sketch it, paint a vase of flowers, sketch your pet, try a self portrait. Drawing from life is really important to develop your drawing skills and to help you find your style.

Personal work completed while I was at university

The other thing is it’s important not to just be taking inspiration from contemporary illustrators. Create work inspired by your favourite films, or the books that you love. Look at illustration throughout history. Look at fine art, set design, photography. Try to find really broad sources of inspiration that represent your interests, and that will help you find your style.

Work from my final year of university

I hope that was helpful! Have you found your style, or are you still finding it?

Recent work from my sketchbook

How to Wear a Beret

So apparently the beret is back in fashion, which is news to me. Was it ever not in fashion?? Essentially I just want to be French and living in the 60s, which goes a long way to explaining my love of berets and Breton striped tops. I’ve been wearing a beret every winter as long as I can remember, but maybe for most people the beret has been an item best left in the fancy dress box? Well no more, the beret is here to stay for this winter at least. To me a beret is about looking artistic, quirky, a little bit french and most importantly keeping your ears warm. There are many ways to where the beret . Here are some of my favourites. 

What style do you go for? I'm a mix between the classic and back of the head. You can pick up a beret from Accessorize, Topshop, And Other Stories or La Redoute (for authentic french style), but be quick, they are selling out fast.