How to Find Your Digital Art Style (Hint: It’s All About Experimenting)
Last Updated on 18 April, 2025 by Armored Pencil
So, you’re starting to get into digital painting, and you’re wondering, “How do I find my art style?” Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. It feels like everyone around you has this super distinct style, right? But here’s the thing: your style is already in you, it just needs time to show up. It’s like getting to know yourself as an artist—kind of like dating, but with brushes and pixels. Let us explore how to. – Cover art by Rossdraws
1. Start with Experimentation
You don’t need to know exactly what your style is right away. Heck, if you did, you’d miss out on all the fun! Start by playing around. Pick a brush, any brush, and just see where it takes you. There’s no wrong way to experiment. Try different textures, shapes, and colors. The goal here is to break free from thinking about “what should I be doing?” and just ask yourself “what happens if I do this?”
2. Mimic Artists You Admire (But Don’t Stay There)
Okay, this one’s a classic. Find an artist whose work you love and try to recreate it. You’re not stealing their style, you’re learning. Copying their brushstrokes, color palettes, or even the way they lay out compositions can teach you something important. But don’t get stuck there—use what you’ve learned, and make it your own. Your style is going to emerge in the process, trust me.
3. Play with Brushes and Settings
This is where the magic happens. Digital art gives you infinite possibilities, and that’s both amazing and overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to mess with brush settings. Adjust the opacity, texture, flow—whatever feels good. You might find a brush you love that feels just right, or you might invent one of your own. The beauty of digital tools is that you can constantly tweak them to fit your vibe.
Want to learn more about brush work? Have a look at this Mastering the Art of Digital Brushwork: Techniques and Tips
4. Find What Feels Natural
It’s not about making something “perfect.” It’s about finding what feels effortless. Your style will start to reveal itself when you stop overthinking and just create. Maybe you’ll find you love smooth, clean lines, or maybe you’re all about the messy, textured look. Maybe you’re obsessed with color contrasts, or you love keeping things muted. Whatever it is, it’ll start to feel like you.
5. Let Your Style Evolve
And here’s the big one: your style will change. And that’s okay. It’s totally normal. The key is to keep experimenting and trying new things. You’ll grow as an artist, and your style will grow with you. So, embrace the changes, and don’t freak out when your work looks different from what it did a few months ago. – Need some help with references or inspiration? We have a buckload of Pinterest stuff, just for you!
6. Trust the Process
Most importantly, trust that your style will find you. It’s easy to get frustrated or discouraged, but remember: this is a journey. Just like your art will evolve, so will your style. The more you create, the more you’ll uncover what makes you, well, you as an artist.
So, go ahead, pick up that tablet, and start playing. Your style’s waiting to be discovered. And who knows? Maybe it’s been there all along.
More on how to find your art style?
Have a look at the vids below!
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