What illustration style is in demand today?

When creating a portfolio two question often asked are:

• What style do I develop?
• Should I have more than one?

If I build, will they come?

Working as an illustrator, I see the big variation of style preference. I think this makes art so wonderful. I mean, think about the variety we have because we all prefer different aesthetics. It is not uncommon for someone to see one type of illustration I do and after another person (or two – or more) have input they do a total flip in direction. It can’t be predicted what  publisher or client or collector will like.

Should I develop one style?

I paint in several styles. I don’t mimic, but have a natural tendency to experiment, so have ended up with a varied portfolio. I was told several times by “they say” that an artist should have a predictable style but to date, this has not been a problem. In fact, it has been a blessing.

In who’s opinion?

I hear artists stress over other people’s opinions a lot. My advise is – don’t worry too much about what others think. Yes you have to please a client or publisher but build your portfolio by enjoying whatever you like to create. It is always best develop in the direction you are drawn to.  You are only going to be awesome at something if you are passionate about it. Besides, do you want to get work creating in a way you don’t really enjoy? If you give your passion concentrated focus you will be successful. I can’t guarantee you riches but you’ll feel internally enriched by what you will achieve. I do.

I don’t want to be a copy cat!

Good news – you can’t. There is only one Picasso and there is only one you. Even if you like Picasso’s work an mimic his style, you will inevitably create something with your flavour if you are truly evolving and exploring art. We are all attracted to certain artsits’ work but can never really become a clone and be happy. I find the artists I love paint in a similar style/s to my own. This is not vanity; I am drawn to what I aspire and relate to. I can “feel” the work as an artist because I know how it was created – I have been there so to speak.

My cup of tea.

My preferences are for painterly illustrations. I like to see it is a real painting, but then I also admire meticulously crafted illustrations as well. I am attracted to vibrant colours and more subtle monochromatic or gentle, soft cute work.

I don’t like dark illustrations and have seen some disturbing one of late. They still have great skill artistically but who wants that feeling transposed for the sake of it, especially in children’s books. Okay so there is a market for it but it is not my direction. I like happy light illustration, sweet, not dark or morbid. But art is subjective and some publishers will have a different preference.

I believe that all of us where born with something precious inside of us and art is a lovely way to express that. It is to be enjoyed and shared. Skill is learned and developed so every piece has value. How much do we love kids drawings? Yes, that’s right – all art has something special about it if you look close enough.

Variety is the spice of life after all.