Comments:

Detlef - 2005-03-09 16:04:31
I think there is a discernible trend with respect to a "comic/graphic novel" style/look/feel becoming more prevalent. It's as if this has almost gone from fringe to the cusp of mainstream (I admit it's a style I quite like). Whether it lasts is another thing. I think there will be a lot of borrowing from previous styles/eras and mixing of styles to meet society's (market?)demand for "new and fresh" material. While all of this is derivative in nature I think the successful illustrator (one has a mixed diversified and full client list) will be the one who can act as an alchemist, sniff the market wind, and be the first to ride the wave of each new and emerging trend. And I have to say you should post of your realist works, because they are fab.

wee - 2005-03-09 16:12:33
Yes, that's interesting. It's a real trend I'm noticing too. Comix are gaining a new respectability. Perhaps as a result of great animation (Pixar, et. al) or maybe it's a Baby Boomer thing... the retro yearning for childhood comix. Or maybe, finally, a recognition of how truly stunning alot of comic art is (think Steranko, Burne Hogarth, etc. etc.)

lizardek - 2005-03-09 16:47:00
I really don't understand why you feel you have to stick to one style, when every style of everything I have ever seen you post is utterly breathtaking and amazing in and of itself. Have more faith in yourself, my dear. xoxo

wee - 2005-03-09 17:27:57
Ah Liz...I adore you. You make me feel so good. But the mad pursuit of a distinct style is because it's something I need to develop to further my career. When people hire an illustrator, they want to know more or less what they are getting... they want a distinct vision. This is especially true on a global level. There are illustrators who have more than one defined style (Gary Kelley, Mark English come immediately to mind) and illustrators often evolve their styles to keep up wih the market and to keep things intresting for themselvs, but it's a necessity to have some distinct thing that makes your work look uniquely you. My versatility is a good thing in many ways... particularly if I wanted to confine myself to a local market. I can adapt my approach to a given project and tailor my illustration specifically to that which is a strength... but I want to push into the next arena. Ultimately I'd like to have a specific style for children's illustrtion and another for editorial illustration. I've got the elements of both now, but it hasn't gelled completely. I'm a fickle creature by nature. I get bored quickly. And my tastes are so varied... i like so many different types of illustration, it's hard to focus. You wouldn't believe how much my handwriting fluctuates over the course of a week, how much it can fluctuate in a day! It's totally Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It's kinda creepy, actually.

wee - 2005-03-09 17:33:49
Addendum: It's really hard to "brand" yourself if you don't have a distinct look or hook. (ooo...I rhymed!) Also, really hard to spell when you have a keyboard who hates you as much as mine does.

penelope - 2005-03-09 18:10:56
Oh Wee, you have my head a-spinnin'. I am having one of those "I suck" days and don't really know what to think. So I'll just say what's at the top of my head...I think there are several trends going on right now. Digital illustation is happening. That thick opaque guoache look is big. There is a new want for traditional illustration too. And it's all conflicting, in my opinion. So it's up in the air again. A toss up. I don't think you/we should let trends affect our style choices though, do you? Shouldn't we do what makes our jobs fun and exciting to us? Shouldn't we find the market that needs us after we establish what makes us happy? I just changed my style recently to a more grungy, textured look. I get emails from people who say they like my "old stuff" better. Makes me feel dizzy. How do we know we're doing the right thing? Dunno...but I know I enjoy working like I am now more. What makes you happy to do, Wee? What makes the time pass like it was a blink? I think that may lead you to some insight as to your style. Just my opinions. Take them worth a grain of salt. :)

Charlie - 2005-03-09 18:13:40
Maybe there is the issue, 'the mad pursuit of a distinct style'. Something I realised back in my Graphic Design days was that although seeing other peoples work gave me ideas it actually made me a copy of them as I emulated the 'in' styles or made me feel that I should be working in x or y way to be 'of the moment'. What was actually far better for me was to not read any of the design press publications and basically insulate myself from those influences and do what was in my head without the distractions. Pondering over styles I think throws you off the scent. The individual style is there it's a case of ignoring what is outside, choosing the medium that you love best, draw in the way that comes naturally and freely and draw for yourself as though you are the client and the audience. There is your style. I am always suspicious of trends because they are just that, fads and trends and they come and go and you can spend your life in the pursuit of the latest trend, or you can choose to not chase them and develop, hone and perfect your own style. The trend setters are like newspapers, today�s news and tomorrows fish and chip paper. Trends are clich�s in the making. A well developed, original and personal style is timeless irrespective of whatever the latest fad is.

wee - 2005-03-09 18:26:39
wow, Charlie. That last bit was profound. And in many ways you're right... but I love illustration sooooooooo much, I'd sooner pluck off a leg than have to give up looking at other people's work. It gets my blood pumping like nothing else. When I see great work, it doesn't make me feel jealous (most of the time)... it makes me feel like singing. I want to erect neon signs about hoping to direct everyone's attention to the wonder I just found. Hmmm.... maybe I should give up the illustration gig and be an art rep?!! (Uh... just kidding.) And the problem I have is that whatever falls out of my pencil at the moment feels natural and organic... those realistic illos I just posted feel as natuarla and easy as the bright, round bubbly stuff I do. And, heaven help me, it all passes in a blink like you said, Penny. The minute I sit down to do it (well,most of the time), I'm in the Zone and A-bombs could go off around me and I'd never know it. Time is suspended. Just ask the hubby! He'll tell you. (Ad there will be a little tear glistening in his eye when he does.) I dunno...I seem to lack some kind of critical regulating mechanism or something. Do you think I could pick one up on like e-bay or something?!!

wee - 2005-03-09 18:29:18
Also seem to lack that critical function that makes you a) spell properly and b) spellcheck before you post.

amanda - 2005-03-09 19:04:46
I think trends do exist, and they do influence the success of an illustrator greatly. I have to believe though whatever comes naturally out of my pen (or mouse!) is what has to be. It is wonderful to see all of the talented artists that exist in the web community, technology does make the brain spin. So basically wee, I totally agree with what you say above. It is wonderful to see the other art that exists, but if you are even a little fragile confidence wise (we all get this at some point or another), it can affect you in a big way. P, ignore people who tell you your old style is better. You should be doing what is the best for YOU. This is not just about being marketable, selling yourself yadda. Yes that is important, but what is the point if you don't feel good about what you produce! Plus, your new work is rad. Wee, branding yourself is important. I agree. I would be overwhelmed as well, but I know you can figure this one out. I am a local market target type doodler as well, so I know how important it is to have a distinct style that people off the street recognize.

Erica - 2005-03-10 12:12:45
Oh Wonderful Wee- I don't anything incredible profound to add to this extremely interesting dialog you have created. But in terms of of creating a distinct "style", like a lot of things in life, I believe it can be a Catch-22. Yes, one can be recongized and hired for the kind of illustration they create, but what if said artist begins to absolutely detest the kind of art they are known to create? I think it can be a trap. I also believe, in suppor of Liz's remark, that every piece you create has a very distinct "wee" mark to it, no matter what tools you used to create it. You HAVE a style and it's wonderful and inspiring!

Brianna Privett - 2005-03-10 12:47:59
Wow, this series of articles/writings has been awesome, Wee. As an amateur artist from a long line of really good, realistic painters and sketch artists, I've been fighting against realism my whole life. It's hard to learn. It's like math. It has rules. But as an adult, I now am totally bought in and want to learn to paint as though my finger were clicking the shutter of a camera. I think it's a big fundamental that I missed in my early art education, and I think that it contributes a lot to my lack of confidence about my approach. And I have always thought that my ever-changing style was a direct result of that lack, so I'm sort of glad that someone of your immense talent has the exact same issue of having her handwriting change mid-sentence. My hands are always wanting to play or try things, and the "style" of a picture usually defines its feel, so every image I approach differently, so much so that my stuff can never be readily identified as my own. I don't even have a cool signature (I love Penelope's post-nuptial P & D) for my paintings.

Maeflower - 2005-03-10 13:38:38
Okay, I'm going to just jump right into this dialogue. I'm an amateur illustrator. The variety of illustrator's sites out there has helped me in my search for personal style(s). I can look at them, admire them, and say to myself: "That is so NOT my style." Sometimes seeing things that aren't "you" helps you hone in on your true self. There are definitely trends, and there will always be trends. The trick is (as Charlie stated) to find your personal style and perfect it. I think when you create, it should feel like your favorite pair of bunny slippers: worn, well-used and comfortable. That being said, I don't recall anyone ever saying you had to have only one pair!

lizardek - 2005-03-10 16:57:14
I understand completely what you mean about the market today and the fact that so many illustrators DO feel it necessary to "restrict" themselves to their own particular style is limiting and sad, especially for artists like you whose style is to be original, fresh, creative, eclectic and wonderfully different yet the same each time. I think it is a STRENGTH and not a weakness that you are so versatile, and I think you should present yourself so. Be proud of that. It's a great thing, and an unusual one.

Pinky - 2005-03-11 08:02:37
One of my required design classes in college actually was on the theory of trends--it had a big long name like Diachronic Theory of Somethingism--and how they applied to the culture around us. Basically, someone had written a book on what you just stated in your post. The Arts and Crafts period was a rebellion to the Industrital Age. The Renessaince was a rebellion to the Dark Ages. And with all the modern technology today, the trends do curve faster, and have gotten so fast, that well, it's not that there aren't trends anymore, the trends just shift target markets. (Think grunge movement could sort of now be Anthropologie style). Anyway, totally interesting post, Wee. I had to throw in my meager two cents.

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