Style Vs. Versatility in Art. Which to Pursue?
October 1, 2015 in ART
ART – Style Vs. Versatility in Art. Which to Pursue?
Which is more useful for an artist, acquiring and honing a style or pursuing a more full versatile artistic skill set?
This is question that came up in a discussion I had in Facebook a while back. It was inspired by a comment that J. Scott Campbell gave in an interview regarding diversity as an artist and how it related to Branding yourself.
The interview is posted further down. It’s fantastic and absolutely worth watching.
He said in the an the interview that being diverse may actually hurt you (25:33):
“If you’re fantastic at everything, you’re not known for anything in particular.”
This got me thinking. Below is a video on some thoughts on the subject:
The link to the Frank Frazetta post I talk about in the video can be seen here: Developing a Unique Drawing Style.
Below are the points I make in the video, in a nutshell.
Style vs. Versatility Pros and Cons
Style:
Positive
- What you’re known for.
- Makes you money
- The general public gravitates to style
Negative
- What if you’re style goes out of style
- You’re a one trick pony
- You don’t grow as an artist
Versatility:
Positive
- Make you a good draftsman
- You can draw anything in any style. ALL styles are open to you.
- You’re evergreen
Negative
- You’re not known for any particular expertise
- Public or employers my not see your versatility as an asset.
The J. Scott Campbell Interview
Here’s the interview in question:
Concerning the Term Style
One clarification. In case the term style is getting a bit confusing.
The word can mean two things:
- Style as: the active design choices an artist uses in a particular way of drawing.
- Style as: the telltale unconscious way a person draws, similar to handwriting.
As an animator, I never cultivated a “style” (design choices). We pride ourselves in being able to draw in any style (design) at will.
That said, it’s impossible to escape yourself. What I’ve discovered is that, no matter what you draw, in whatever “style” (design) you draw, you will always draw like you.
On the Simpsons we ALL draw the characters on model, in the style (design) of the show. BUT we can always tell who draws what scenes because everyone draws the characters “in their style” (unconscious handwriting.) Like handwriting, we all learn to write the letters the same way but everyone does it different. We can’t help it.
So rather than pursue a “style,” (design) it’s better to pursue great draftsmanship. “Style” (unconscious handwriting) will just happen on it’s own.
What are your thoughts?
Luis, Great post. Agree that versatility is more valuable. If you look at the masters like Leonardo and Picasso they studied draftsmanship as apprentices to other masters for years. They could draw in any commercial style of the day. But once they had the skill, they broke the mold and brought their unique style to the fore. I think artists should strive for both, but versatility should be developed first. How do these young guys know that this is really their style or if they are just aping a current trend?
Robert Greene’s book “Mastery” should be required reading for all aspiring artists, as it shows the steps to greatness.
Hoops
Thanks for the comment Hoops!
It’s great to hear another pros’ take on the topic. I think what you just wrote is far clearer than what I said, ha ha ha!
I’ve got Greene’s book on my wish list but I’m ashamed to admit I haven’t read it yet. It’s on my to read list thought. I’ll get to it sooner than later. It may be my next Audible download.