Podcast Summary: The Good Ship Illustration – "How to Describe Your Illustration Style"

Release Date: April 22, 2024

Introduction to the Episode

In this insightful episode of The Good Ship Illustration, hosts Helen Stevens, Katie Chappell, and Anne delve into the perennial challenge many illustrators face: how to describe their illustration style. This discussion not only tackles the intricacies of articulating one's artistic voice but also explores the balance between authenticity and marketability in a competitive creative landscape.

The Struggle to Define Illustration Style

The episode opens with Helen posing a common yet perplexing question: "What is your style?" (00:24). This simple inquiry often leaves illustrators grappling for words, as Katy admits, "We've struggled so much before press and record on this one, haven't we?" (00:41). Anne echoes this sentiment, comparing the question to someone asking about their music taste and not knowing how to respond effectively (00:50).

Subjectivity of Art

Helen reflects on the subjective nature of art, sharing her frustration: "It almost feels like an attack being asked. Do you know what I mean? I just want to say, bugger off." (01:03). This highlights the difficulty of encapsulating one's unique style into mere words, as Anne points out, "Art is so subjective, we don't really have the language to describe it." (01:29).

Avoiding Pretentious Language

The hosts discuss how using specialized illustration terminology can alienate or confuse others. Katy mentions, "People say it's a cartoony doodly style. You're like, yeah, people mean well as well." (01:49). This underscores the challenge of finding accessible language to describe one's work without diminishing its essence.

Authenticity vs. Marketability

Transitioning from defining style, the conversation shifts to maintaining authenticity in the face of commercial pressures. Helen raises a crucial point: "Faking it in any aspect of your life is really uncomfortable and awkward and it's unsustainable." (09:05). The discussion emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's creative voice rather than imitating others for market gains.

The Risks of Imitation

Anne warns against the pitfalls of copying other illustrators: "You're lying. And it's really. I think that's a really dangerous path to go down." (08:39). Helen adds that imitating popular styles is not a sustainable long-term strategy, as trends evolve and copied styles can become oversaturated.

Building a Unique Creative Voice

Katie and Anne advocate for developing a personal visual language. Katie states, "That's what we talk about in our course, isn't it? ... finding your creative voice and then once you feel really good and you're like, yeah, unapologetically yourself." (09:50). This authentic approach not only distinguishes an illustrator in the market but also fosters long-term creative fulfillment.

The Role of Marketing and Business Skills

Acknowledging that artistic talent alone isn't sufficient, the hosts discuss the necessity of effective marketing. Katy elaborates on the importance of business skills: "It might be that your work doesn't need to change. You don't need to adopt somebody else's work. Maybe you need to focus more on your business skills, get it under the right eyes." (05:25).

Overcoming Visibility Challenges

Anne highlights the misconception of instant success: "You might be looking for it too quickly." (04:57). The conversation emphasizes patience and persistence in building an audience, utilizing platforms like websites and mailing lists to enhance visibility beyond social media's limited reach.

Developing Your Unique Creative Voice

A significant portion of the episode centers on the "Find Your Creative Voice, Fly Your Freak Flag" course offered by the hosts. This course is designed to help illustrators uncover and cultivate their unique artistic identity.

Embracing Authenticity

Helen explains, "We really dig into all of the stuff that you've always been into... it's very easy to take your kind of history and your influences and the stuff that's made you who you are, take it for granted." (12:20). The course encourages artists to reconnect with their past interests and hobbies, which are integral to their creative DNA.

Encouraging Play and Exploration

Katy emphasizes the importance of playfulness: "The more ridiculous, the more your work stands out and the more people are like, oh, thank God it's not another light bulb." (15:27). This playful approach fosters creativity and helps artists break free from clichéd motifs.

Testimonials and Success Stories

To illustrate the course's impact, Katy shares a heartfelt testimonial: "So glad I made the leap to join the course, having believed for years that I can't draw at all..." (13:02). This endorsement underscores the transformative power of the course in boosting creativity and integrating it into professional work.

Helen recounts personal experiences of rediscovering her creative joy after reconnecting with her sketchbooks: "I have to work 9 to 5 and I have to... get back to my sketchbooks... and then it all worked out fine." (14:16). Such stories highlight the importance of nurturing one's artistic passions amidst professional demands.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with the hosts inviting listeners to join their community and participate in Art Club sessions (17:59). They reiterate the value of authenticity, continuous learning, and community support in cultivating a successful and fulfilling illustration career.

Notable Quotes:

• Helen Stevens at 00:24: "I have a question people ask me and I never know how to answer it. What is your style?"

• Anne at 01:29: "Art is so subjective, we don't really have the language to describe it."

• Katy Chappell at 05:25: "Maybe you need to focus more on your business skills, get it under the right eyes."

• Anne at 09:05: "You're lying. And it's really. I think that's a really dangerous path to go down."

• Katy Chappell at 15:27: "The more ridiculous, the more your work stands out and the more people are like, oh, thank God it's not another light bulb."

This episode of The Good Ship Illustration offers a candid exploration of the challenges illustrators face in defining and maintaining their unique styles while navigating the demands of the creative marketplace. Through personal anecdotes, practical advice, and testimonials, Helen, Katie, and Anne provide valuable insights for both emerging and established artists striving to "Fly Their Freak Flag."