What’s your style, really?

(Illoguild question #36: How do you find your style?)

Jun 10, 2025

Hey there,

We all want our work to be recognisable—uniquely ours—but “finding your style” can feel like chasing a shadow. This month, we’re looking at what it really means to develop a visual voice. Is it something you discover, or something you build? We’ll share thoughts, examples, and encouragement to help you lean into what makes your work unmistakably you.

Illustrator Spotlight

This month, we’re shining a light

Carla Hoffenberg

. Her work is known for its bright, joyful, and optimistic style, often featuring character-driven narratives and the ocean. She has 3 books coming out this year - Boldilock; Harries- The Lifeguard from Bondi; and I AM ME as well as an anthology Someplace Lost.

ILLOGUILD Talks: Finding your Style

Join us on 16 June for a live Zoom session where we’ll dive into the topic of Finding your style, specifically tailored for artists and children’s book illustrators. We share ways to make your work unique and recognisable.

RSVP here

Thank you for being part of this community! Hope you have a wonderful month!

You’re invited to the LIVE ZOOM (It’s free) - Replays available for Paid Subscribers.

Let’s talk about style

Katie explores her colouring style..

Katie’s Newsletter

I didn't like my coloring style

Reflecting on style over the past 3 years…

a year ago · 28 likes · 6 comments · Katie Stack

Carla shares how she found her style through trial and error and changing taste…and offers some tips.

Carla’s Crowd

How do you find your Style?

Hey there…

16 days ago · 2 likes · Carla Hoffenberg

Adam has some exercises and advicefor you on finding your style.

Ten Minute Artist - Daily Creative Joy

Do 100%, show 25% Starter Prompt

12 days ago · 19 likes · Adam Ming

And for something more related to finding your style as a publisher on substack, check out Adam Mings substack: “Start a Bestselling Substack” read here.

Illustrator Spotlight on
Carla Hoffenberg

We’re thrilled to spotlight Carla Hoffenberg, a children’s book illustrator based in Sydney, Australia. Carla’s journey into illustration began during the 2020 lockdowns, when she started sketching her children at home—a creative spark that led her from a career in finance to full-time illustration.

Her work is known for its bright, joyful, and optimistic style, often featuring character-driven narratives that resonate with young readers. She has 3 books coming out this year - Boldilock; Harries- The Lifeguard from Bondi (which she has thoroughly enjoyed researching by spending hours at Bondi Beach); and I AM ME as well as an anthology Someplace Lost. See her books here.

You can explore more of Carla’s work on her website or follow her on Instagram.

Announcements

The next illoguild live session is on June 16 “Finding Your Style”. Sign up Here.

Rose Lihou

has just signed on for Tiny Dogs book 4 and 5! CONGRATULATIONS 🥳 We can’t wait to see more in the series!

Find out more here

And CONGRATULATIONS to

Jennifer Jamieson

who recently illustrated the second book in the The Famous Five Adventures Series: ‘Trouble at the Farm’. 🎉🎊 Find out more here

And
Katie Stack
has signed a contract to illustrate a new book for The American Kennel Club - the story follows four pups and they work to save something special. Out in Spring 2026.

And you can join
Adam Ming
and
Katie Stack
for
Art Gym: Live Drawing Workshops & Illustration Tutorials
on 30 July.
RSVP here

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