Artistic style is defined as the identifiable characteristics attributed to a group, school, or era. For instance, the attention to light and quick brush strokes indicative of impressionism. Style can also refer the distinguishable features that set one artist's work apart from another's. An illustrator’s work may not always fit neatly into one category; facets of many styles may be evident in an illustrator’s work.

ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM : In abstract expressionism subject matter is stated in a brief, simplified manner, with emphasis on form, color, and concept.

CARTOON STYLE : The cartoon style is reminiscent of cartoons strips in newspapers. It is playful, and often silly. Often seen in fractured tales.

FOLK ART : Folk art is a style dependent on traditional techniques and content. It is reminiscent of and evokes a sense of place.

IMPRESSIONISM : Impressionism is a style that captures the moment as it happens, with an emphasis on how light affects objects.

NAIVE : Naive art often has a very childlike quality and is identifiable by a flat, two-dimensional quality.

REPRESENTATIONAL : Representational (realistic) subjects are portrayed with accuracy, shown as they would be in real life.

RETRO STYLE : Retro style evokes a vintage feeling and is reminiscent of the 1950s and 1960s.

ROMANTICISM : Romanticism emphasizes the opulent atmosphere around the subject, in the style of old masters.

STYLIZED : The stylized approach adheres to its own conventions, rather than striving for realism. It is the style most attributed to picture books.

SURREALISM : In surrealism, illustrations are filled with imaginative details and startling or bizarre images.