Finding your style of drawing can feel like a daunting challenge, but it’s also an exciting journey of self-discovery. Your style is what makes your art uniquely yours, and while it may take time to develop, the process is rewarding and transformative.
In this guide, I’ll share a step-by-step approach to help you find your style of drawing, drawing from my own experiences and insights.
How to Find Your Style of Drawing
Finding your style of drawing is an exciting journey of self-expression. It's all about exploring techniques, experimenting with subjects, and discovering what makes your art uniquely yours. With time and consistent practice, your style will naturally emerge. Here are the steps to help you along the way.
Step 1: Understand What a Drawing Style Is
Before diving into the steps, let’s clarify what a drawing style means. Your style is the consistent way you interpret and represent the world through drawing. It includes the types of lines you use, your approach to shading, your preferred subjects, and even the emotions your art evokes. Everyone who spends time drawing will naturally develop a style over time. So don’t stress about finding it instantly—it’s a process that evolves as you draw. Check out this guide for more on the fundamentals of drawing.
Step 2: Draw Frequently and Consistently
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to find your style is to draw consistently. The more you draw, the more patterns and preferences will emerge in your work. Set aside time daily, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes. Explore different prompts, such as those from simple daily drawing prompts. Create a sketchbook habit to document your growth. Consistency helps you refine your skills and notice recurring themes in your art.
Step 3: Experiment With Different Mediums
Exploring different tools and mediums can uncover preferences you didn’t know you had. Try everything from ballpoint pens to charcoal to digital drawing. For example, drawing with a ballpoint pen can teach you to embrace imperfections. Consider trying: Graphite pencils, Colored pencils, Inks, Pastels, and Digital tablets. Each medium offers unique textures and possibilities, which can significantly influence your style.
Step 4: Study Artists You Admire
Finding inspiration in other artists’ work can help you identify elements that resonate with you. This isn’t about copying; it’s about observing and learning. Analyze their use of line, shape, and color. Notice how they compose their drawings. Reflect on what draws you to their style. For example, studying artists like Leonardo da Vinci can teach you timeless techniques.
Step 5: Experiment With Different Subjects
Drawing a variety of subjects is essential to developing a versatile style. Whether it’s people, landscapes, or abstract forms, each subject teaches you new skills. Start with: Drawing prompts for beginners, observing nature and wildlife, or sketching everyday objects. Don’t be afraid to push your boundaries; experimentation is key.
Step 6: Embrace Imperfection
Your style doesn’t have to be perfect—in fact, imperfections often make it more unique. Let go of the pressure to make everything flawless. For encouragement, read why drawing is imperfect. Allow mistakes to inform your work. Celebrate quirks and inconsistencies. Focus on progress, not perfection.
Step 7: Incorporate Elements of Play
Drawing should be fun! When you approach it with a sense of curiosity and play, your style will emerge more naturally. Use random themes to draw to spark creativity. Experiment with non-dominant hand drawing. Try messy, loose sketches. Learn more about messy drawings. Play allows you to explore without fear of judgment.
Step 8: Reflect on Your Work
Take time to look back at your drawings and analyze them. Ask yourself: What themes or techniques do I repeat? What do I enjoy drawing the most? Which drawings feel the most “me”? This reflection helps you recognize patterns and preferences that define your style.
Step 9: Draw From Life
Observational drawing is one of the best ways to build a strong foundation. It teaches you to see the world in detail and translate it into your unique visual language. Practice drawing from life as often as possible. Focus on light, shadow, and proportions.
Step 10: Explore Techniques
Different techniques can dramatically change the way your drawings look and feel. Some examples include: Continuous line drawing. Blind contour drawing. Using implied shapes to create depth. Experimenting with techniques helps you discover what feels most natural to you.
Step 11: Draw From Imagination
While drawing from life builds skills, drawing from imagination helps you interpret and innovate. This is where your personal voice shines. Start with simple ideas and build complexity. Combine real-world elements with imagined ones. Learn more about drawing from imagination.
Step 12: Accept That Your Style Will Evolve
Your style isn’t fixed; it’s a living, breathing part of your artistic journey. As you grow, so will your preferences and techniques. Revisit old drawings to see how far you’ve come. Allow yourself to pivot and explore new directions. Remember, the journey of finding your style is ongoing, and that’s what makes it exciting.
Finding your style of drawing is a process of exploration, practice, and self-reflection. By consistently drawing, experimenting with tools and techniques, and embracing your unique quirks, your style will naturally emerge. To keep your journey fresh and inspired, don’t forget to explore resources like simple daily drawing prompts and drawing styles for beginners.

Notice how he's capturing and focusing on the interesting shapes created by the shadows and light as they hit the petals.
What if I can't find any artists whose work I admire?
If you're struggling to find artists whose work you admire, think about the kind of art you like. Do you prefer bright and colorful drawings or more muted and realistic ones? Do you like abstract art or detailed realism? Once you have a better idea of the kind of art you're drawn to, it will be easier to find artists whose work you admire.
I've been drawing for a while but I still don't feel like I have my style. What should I do?
If you've been drawing for a while but haven't found your style yet, don't worry. It can sometimes take a while to develop your unique way of drawing. The best thing to do is keep practicing and experimenting, and eventually, your style will start to emerge.
I'm not sure if the style of drawing I like is “good” or not. What should I do?
There's no such thing as a “good” or “bad” style of drawing – it's all about what you like and don't like. So if you're enjoying the way you're drawing, then keep at it! The more you practice, the better your drawings will become.
I'm still not sure what my style is. How will I know when I've found it?
It can sometimes be difficult to know when you've found your style of drawing. The best thing to do is show your work to others and listen to their observations. You'll start to hear similarities in how your work is described by others.
Is it okay to change my style of drawing over time?
Yes, there's no problem with changing your style of drawing over time. It's quite normal to experiment with different styles as you develop as an artist. So if you feel like you want to try a new approach to drawing, go for it. You may find that you like the new style better, or you may decide to go back to your old style – it's all up to you.