Twingist poster
mural project sketch
Twingist poster
Jack London illu
Why “I have no style”?
A while ago, a client confused me during an introductory conversation: “I saw a lot of different projects on your website, but what is REALLY your style???”
I don’t remember how I got out of it during the conversation - I had racing thoughts, a panic attack, a blackout. After the conversation, I had the topic in my head for a long time - with a sense of shame, failure, breakdown. Then other thoughts came, and I want to share them, because I know that other illustrators struggle with it too:
1. I don’t work like that!
I approach each order individually. I ALWAYS first listen to the voice of literature (in the case of book illustrations), a brief (in the case of murals), myself (in the case of posters). Then I conduct extensive research. Then I filter it through my sensitivity. Then I put it on “paper”. My SELF is not at the center of my work - it only helps visualize content, ideas, thoughts.
2. There isn't one me.
Sometimes I carelessly dance at a concert, sometimes I sadly read the press, sometimes I ride my bike, sometimes I get lazy in the car, sometimes I get moved by classical music, sometimes I love hip-hop. Does that mean I have no character?
3. Different techniques require different approaches.
Painting a mural is one thing, intricate cutouts are another, hand sketching and drawing with a tablet are different. In each of these activities, the hand and mind work differently. I believe that my ability to use different techniques is my strength, not a weakness.
4. I am changing and developing.
I have not yet reached the stage where I would say to myself "this is it!" and I do not want to reach it. I also do not want to reach the point where I become a slave to style - I want clients to order my way of thinking and professionalism, not a specific style. Style can be faked (we see it literally everywhere - on Instagram, Behance, Pinterest, not to mention AI), style can become outdated, but the idea is alive.
5. I do not copy anyone.
Whatever you see in my portfolio - it is a part of me. I never take on assignments with the slogan “could you draw like <insert name here>”. I limit browsing social media and behance so that I only have my own ideas in my head.
I don’t remember how I got out of it during the conversation - I had racing thoughts, a panic attack, a blackout. After the conversation, I had the topic in my head for a long time - with a sense of shame, failure, breakdown. Then other thoughts came, and I want to share them, because I know that other illustrators struggle with it too:
1. I don’t work like that!
I approach each order individually. I ALWAYS first listen to the voice of literature (in the case of book illustrations), a brief (in the case of murals), myself (in the case of posters). Then I conduct extensive research. Then I filter it through my sensitivity. Then I put it on “paper”. My SELF is not at the center of my work - it only helps visualize content, ideas, thoughts.
2. There isn't one me.
Sometimes I carelessly dance at a concert, sometimes I sadly read the press, sometimes I ride my bike, sometimes I get lazy in the car, sometimes I get moved by classical music, sometimes I love hip-hop. Does that mean I have no character?
3. Different techniques require different approaches.
Painting a mural is one thing, intricate cutouts are another, hand sketching and drawing with a tablet are different. In each of these activities, the hand and mind work differently. I believe that my ability to use different techniques is my strength, not a weakness.
4. I am changing and developing.
I have not yet reached the stage where I would say to myself "this is it!" and I do not want to reach it. I also do not want to reach the point where I become a slave to style - I want clients to order my way of thinking and professionalism, not a specific style. Style can be faked (we see it literally everywhere - on Instagram, Behance, Pinterest, not to mention AI), style can become outdated, but the idea is alive.
5. I do not copy anyone.
Whatever you see in my portfolio - it is a part of me. I never take on assignments with the slogan “could you draw like <insert name here>”. I limit browsing social media and behance so that I only have my own ideas in my head.
