6 Steps to Find Your Minimalist Illustration Style

Minimalist illustration is everywhere these days—it’s clean, modern, and effortlessly stylish. But what makes an illustration stand out? What makes an artist’s work instantly recognizable?

The answer? A strong, unique style.

If you’re here, you probably love minimalist art but feel a little stuck when it comes to developing your own artistic voice. Maybe you scroll through Pinterest, saving hundreds of inspiring artworks, yet when you sit down to draw, you’re not sure where to start. Sound familiar?

I’ve been there. And I’m here to help.

Minimalist illustration isn’t just about removing details—it’s about creating with intention. Finding your own approach to minimalist art takes some exploration, and I want to share a simple 6-step process to help you get started.

Step 1: Identify What Inspires You

Your illustration style is already inside you—it just needs to be uncovered. The first step? Figure out what excites you.

Instead of focusing on how you want your art to look, start with what you want to illustrate. What topics, emotions, or objects are you naturally drawn to? Do you love botanical themes? Geometric shapes? Mystical symbols?

Take a moment to brainstorm or even create a mood board of the things that inspire you. This will serve as your creative foundation.

Step 2: Build a Visual Reference Library

We all collect inspiration—even without realizing it. But instead of letting it sit in random Instagram saves or forgotten Pinterest boards, organize it intentionally.

Create a dedicated Pinterest board for minimalist illustration inspiration. Gather images that align with your interests, whether it’s certain shapes, color palettes, or subject matter. Over time, you’ll start noticing patterns in what you love—and that’s where your style begins to form.

💡 Want a peek at my own inspiration boards? You can check out my Pinterest here and Instagram here for a behind-the-scenes look at what fuels my creativity.

Step 3: Experiment with Simplicity

Minimalist art is all about reducing an image to its most essential elements. But how do you find the right balance between too simple and just right?

Try this exercise:

• Pick an object you love (for example, a coffee cup).

• Draw it 5 different ways, each time using fewer details.

• Notice which version feels most like you.

Your unique style will begin to reveal itself through these small decisions—how you simplify shapes, how you balance white space, and how you use lines to tell a story.

Step 4: Find Your Go-To Colors & Brushes

A strong illustration style isn’t just about linework—it’s also about consistency. That’s where your color palette and brush choices come in.

Ask yourself:

🎨 What colors feel most you? (Bold and vibrant? Soft and muted?)

🖌 Do you prefer crisp lines or textured strokes?

✨ Do you like using solid fills, or do you lean toward subtle gradients?

Having a consistent set of colors and brushes makes your work instantly recognizable—and that’s the goal!

Step 5: Let White Space Work for You

Minimalist illustration isn’t just about what you add—it’s about what you leave out. White space is your best friend, helping your compositions feel balanced and intentional.

A quick tip? If an illustration looks good in black and white, it will work beautifully with color too. So before adding any colors, make sure your composition feels right in its simplest form.

Step 6: Keep Practicing & Refining

Your illustration style won’t appear overnight—it evolves as you create. The more you experiment, the more your natural preferences will emerge. So don’t rush the process!

Every time you sit down to draw, ask yourself:

• What elements feel authentic to me?

• What details do I love including?

• What can I remove to make the artwork stronger?

Over time, your unique minimalist voice will start to shine through. And before you know it, people will recognize your work as uniquely yours.

Want to Delve Deeper? Learn More in My Skillshare Class!

If you’re feeling inspired but want step-by-step guidance, I’ve got you covered. In my Skillshare class, I walk you through this entire process—from brainstorming themes to creating a final minimalist illustration in Procreate.

I’ll show you my personal techniques, share exclusive Procreate tips, and help you find your own artistic voice.

✨ Ready to develop your minimalist illustration style? Join me here → Skillshare Class Link

Follow Along for More Inspiration!

If you loved this post and want to see behind-the-scenes sketches, tips, and inspiration, follow me on:

📌 Pinterest → @sanstaub

📷 Instagram → @sandra.staub

I’d love to see what you create! If this post helped you, tag me in your minimalist illustrations—I can’t wait to cheer you on. 💛