What Is An Artist’s “Signature Style” and Why Is It Important?

In this article I answer what is an artist’s “signature style” and why is is important? I hope to bring clarity to how you can determine what your “signature style” is and/or how to acquire one.

Gallery owners, collectors, and art writers are drawn to art that contains a treasure trove of  unique and distinctive characteristics. They enjoy proclaiming the virtues about a body of work art that tells a story with unique features and attributes.

When an artist asks me to write an Art Review about their art so they can use it for their promotion I view their art on their website. It’s such a joy to immediately see their artistic strengths and how they developed a cohesive body of work known, as a “signature style”.

When was the last time you stopped to study the unique and distinctive lines, ridges and patterns on the palm of your hand? Your handprint is totally unique. No one on the planet has the same handprint as you. For a moment, stop and consider that the same is true about your artwork.

Many words and phrases  immediately come to my mind that describe the distinctive features of their art. This is possible because I can view their art through a lens of objectivity and many years of professional experience viewing art, writing about art, coaching artists, and curating exhibitions.

As one who spends several hours a day on social media it is disappointing to see artists posting their art with no regard to how they present their unique vision to the world. And, they complain to me they aren’t receiving the sales and awards they wish for.

Unfortunately, many artists are unable to fully recognize their unique skills because they are intensely absorbed in their creative process. They may fail to appreciate their own greatness that flows throughout their body of work. If that’s you, I hope this article will change that for you.

We all recognize a painting by Vincent van Gogh because of his “signature style” which is characterized by intense brushwork and expression, as we see in his iconic painting above titled “The Starry Night”.

Paintings by Gustav Klimt are recognized from a distance because he had a “signature style”. His painting “The Kiss” is an example of the artist’s foray into his Golden Period. The pose of the lovers depicted in this painting also reflects the merging of different artistic styles in which Klimt excelled. The natural forms, true to the Vienna Art Nouveau movement, are fused with the bold patterns in the couple’s cloaks, attributed to the impact of the Arts and Crafts movement, while the use of spirals suggests art of the Bronze Age.

What is a Signature Style?

It’s probably best to describe a “signature style” by visualizing this scenario.
Imagine walking into a museum or gallery and a diverse group exhibition is on view. It spans many spectrums of styles and mediums. From several feet away, as your eyes scan the space, you can immediately identify the names of the artists, based on the unique characteristics of their art. You are able to  discern an iconic Monet painting from one by O’Keeffe or Kandinsky. This power of observation is possible because each of the artists has developed their instantly recognizable “signature style”.

Such artists have claimed their own artistic territory, or “niche”, often as pioneers amidst an enormous creative field.  Their places of distinction in the annals of art history have endured for decades. Their individual persona shines through their “signature style”. Their unique creative vision provides extraordinary breadth and depth for the viewer.

Developing a “signature style” is an admirable and arduous achievement.
It is based on years of creative discipline and effort. The balance for an artist is to express versatility within individuality, whatever subject or medium they choose.

The best “signature style” is one that has common threads without being repetitive.
It shows a confidence and clarity without impairing the artist’s freedom of expression. Within that “niche” an artist’s creative vision can expand. They may then develop different series that deviate from each other while they also have a commonality. Cohesion and congruency can be achieved while also maintaining innovation and intuition.

You don’t have to stay with your current “signature style” throughout your entire career.
We know from art history artists’ styles evolve, artists are influenced by new artistic movements, and are drawn to new inspiration. Therefore, give yourself permission to alter your current body of work as time progresses.

You can create a few different series within one large portfolio and keep them separated from each other on your art website. You can also return to your previous styles occasionally. That is a natural flow of creativity.

Wassily Kandinsky had a strong signature style; however, on his way to developing it he embraced all artistic styles — from Art Nouveau’s sinuous, organic forms, to Fauvism and Blaue Reiter’s shocking colors, to Surrealism’s mysteries, and the Bauhaus period’s focus on Constructivism, and more.

Why is a “Signature Style” Important?

There are many advantages for the artist.
When you can identify and appreciate the distinctive qualities of your art work you will know why it appeals to others. Based on this valuable information you can define your art customer profiles.  You can develop a plan to reach your markets. Your marketing efforts will be easier and more manageable.

Gallery owners favor artists who have transformed their creative vision into an inimitable “signature style”, as this facilitates promoting and selling art to potential buyers. They enjoy proclaiming the virtues about art that embodies outstanding qualities.

Many collectors consider buying art with a clear point of view. They often look for art that will expand upon a particular focus of their existing collection.

Chances of being selected for more theme exhibitions, specific awards, grants and other opportunities, will increase.

The Freedom of Pursuing a “Signature Style”

Many artists say they don’t want to be “pinned down” to any one artistic direction because they will lose “artistic freedom”. They may refer to Picasso, an artist who was very rare because he excelled in many different artistic directions.

However, when an artist shows a wide variety of expressions without any sign of forward development in any of them and does not have the superior skills of a Picasso, one has to wonder if that is an excuse.

Do they simply get bored easily and quickly? Are they overly self-critical? Are they trying to please too many people? Do they lack focus and commitment? Are they still in the experimental stage trying to find their authentic voice? Believe it or not, I can usually perceive the answers when viewing the different artistic directions of such an artist.

On the contrary, an artist who chooses to master their individual style achieves clarity and cohesion. When they nurture, build, and improve their artistic vision they ultimately attain a greater creative freedom of self-awareness and self-discovery. They achieve higher levels of proficiency and their art radiates a powerful presence.

How Do You Attain Your “Signature Style”?

Give the process some time.
Don’t rush or force it. Developing a “signature style” requires time, attention, trial and error, perseverance, and the desire to nurture it.  It often appears in subtle increments and develops and evolves over time.

It requires an exciting exploration and learning how to use various art materials, studying the techniques of masters, developing confidence, maturity. It will often grow and change as you have new life  experiences and inner discoveries.

You can also ask for objective feedback from an experienced professional who knows how to view their art, without judgment or criticism, to offer aspects about your art you may be too close to see.

Changing Your Signature Style
Chances are you’ll change your signature style and medium more than once during your career. During the period of uncertainty remember the artists who altered their styles with no regrets. Find mentors among your contemporaries who have been successful.

Remember that Richard Diebenkorn was influenced by Abstract Expressionism. But unlike many artists of his day who were reluctant to change their successful signature styles, he made major shifts during the course of his entire career.

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