by Carolyn Edlund
An integral part of artist success is becoming recognizable by using a distinct signature style. Here’s how to get started.
“Kat’s Garden” pastel, 16″ x 20″ by Robert Edlund
Your art portfolio is the visual expression of your artistic inspiration. It represents the product of your studio practice and the culmination of many hours of hard work. Your portfolio is evidence of your experience and skill as an artist. It also shares the concept or message behind your work with the world.
Because the art you choose to create often reveals your innermost feelings, hopes and dreams, exposing that personal work to the gaze of the public can sometimes be a bit intimidating. It leaves you open to the risk of criticism and possible rejection.
Creative entrepreneurs take this risk when they put together a portfolio of their work for presentation. But they also understand that art is an important part of our lives. Art defines and reflects our culture. It enhances our well-being and happiness. It is essential to the world.
Using a Signature Style
Think of an artist you really admire, and whose work you love. What is it about their art that you instantly recognize? What techniques, visual cues, colors or other elements does the artist use that tie it intrinsically with their entire portfolio and brand?
When art is distinctive, it makes a lasting impression and becomes memorable. When people remember your work and you as the artist, they are more likely to collect your work or do business with you.
What makes your body of work different from all others? What threads can we follow through your collection of work that tie it together with your own artistic sensibilities and style?
Beginning artists learn by copying, and over time they acquire art skills from teachers who help them understand concepts and techniques. They get the basics down and move on from there. They may do this in college, in art school, or through classes and workshops on their own. And of course, some artists are entirely self-taught.
It’s natural for serious artists to go very deeply in a direction of interest and put in many, many hours of work. They might fall in love with a medium or a process and want to learn everything they can about it. They become more accomplished and versatile, eventually developing the skills necessary to master what they do.
The artist creates a mature body of work that reflects a unique and individual style that has been developed over time. It has signature elements that makes it recognizable and memorable. Those elements can be seen running throughout the artist’s work, even across different mediums.
As your work matures, it will become more consistent, recognizable and distinct. And as you create more art, you will have a larger group of work to select from, giving you choices of what to include in your portfolio, and what to leave out.
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