16 answers
James
Student
Memphis, Tennessee
1
Question
Updated
1055 views
How to draw.
My name is James and I love to draw but every-time I present everyone asks what’s that. How do I improve my drawing skills? #artist #design #art
Login to comment
16 answers
Matt Valencius
Learning design
6
Answers
Quincy, Massachusetts
Updated
Matt’s Answer
If you like what you're creating, keep doing it!
If you are not yet able to create things that match your goal, continuing to practice really does help....
My brother actually went to art school. One of his first classes was "drawing" and he had to carry a sketch pad wherever he went so that he could sketch whenever his hands were free. I bet he was sketching hundreds of things a week. His skills improved very quickly!
If you are not yet able to create things that match your goal, continuing to practice really does help....
My brother actually went to art school. One of his first classes was "drawing" and he had to carry a sketch pad wherever he went so that he could sketch whenever his hands were free. I bet he was sketching hundreds of things a week. His skills improved very quickly!
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
James aspiring artists with a passion for drawing may choose from among many careers, such as illustrator or cartoonist. Some budding artists learn to draw in high school art courses, while others get further training in postsecondary art programs or through apprenticeships. Classes are one way for artists to get the daily practice needed to develop advanced skills and hone their techniques. You might work for an advertising or commercial art agency, a multimedia company, or a book, greeting card, magazine or newspaper publisher. Try taking some computer courses James: Many artists including drafters make drawings with the aid of computers. Look for classes that can provide training in computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), or the use of software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop or SketchBook Pro.
Good Luck James
Choose a Specialty – Early on, many aspiring artists begin to consider a specific career path. For example, a person who draws for a living may work as a drafter and produce technical drawings that guide the production of machines and structures. Illustrators create pictures for publications and products such as greeting cards. Cartoonists draw humorous, political, or advertising cartoons. Forensic sketch artists make portraits of suspects for law enforcement, while sketch artists draw courtroom scenes for the media. Fine artists who specialize in drawing may exhibit and sell their work directly to private patrons, online, or in art shows, galleries, and museums.
Pursue Degree – Depending on the goals James, a 2-year Associate of Arts or 4-year Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts program at a college, university, or independent art school may be beneficial. It is possible to major or concentrate in drawing at the undergraduate level. In addition to the history of drawing and studio work, students get an all-around art education in courses such as aesthetics, color theory, composition, and digital art. After developing a strong foundation, students may focus on the further development of their unique styles. Many art schools offer a mix of commercial and fine arts training. Some offer concentrations like commercial illustration.
Develop a Portfolio – To find freelance or regular employment as an artist, get noticed by a gallery or accepted into a juried art show. Artists who specialize in drawing should have a portfolio of their most outstanding drawings. This may consist of a physical collection of drawings or a website that displays them. Most artists begin to develop portfolios during their postsecondary training or while pursuing freelance work before finding a full-time position.
Gain Work Experience – Prior to being hired, some artists work in other fields while adding of freelance work to their portfolios. When hired by companies such as ad agencies or publishers, they often complete routine assignments while they gain experience, learn about the business, and watch other artists at work. An important way to train as an artist who specializes in drawing is to draw as much as possible. Improvement comes from practice.
Good Luck James
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Sydney Sirkin
Student
4
Answers
Elon, North Carolina
Updated
Sydney’s Answer
Continue to practice and you will improve! No one began as an expert. I would suggest utilizing YouTube to learn technique. Another resource is many public libraries have free online courses, and arts is often one of them. Learning remotely during COVID would be your best option. If it's safe in your area, look into art groups and collectives that you can join.
Dexter Arver
Senior Manager, Web Applications
232
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi James,
Have you thought about following along to drawing tutorials on Youtube? There are tons of guides on youtube, with many different personalities and art styles to try out, where I feel like you'll find something there that you'd respond to.
Wishing you the best!
--
Dexter
Have you thought about following along to drawing tutorials on Youtube? There are tons of guides on youtube, with many different personalities and art styles to try out, where I feel like you'll find something there that you'd respond to.
Wishing you the best!
--
Dexter
Parviz Rushenas
Principal Engineer
4
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Parviz’s Answer
Continue drawing as long it makes you happy. If you know what your drawings mean to you, that's what matters!
Damian Salandy
Actor
11
Answers
Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago
Updated
Damian’s Answer
Hi James,
What you're hearing is not a bad mark on you. As long as you know what you are drawing, and you can see yourself growing in your art, that is really all that matters mainly.
Eventually, as you keep creating, and as keep growing, you will find people being drawn to what you are doing without your having to put much effort into showing your work. Keep going. Never stop drawing. Just remember, to draw for your own enjoyment first and most importantly.
What you're hearing is not a bad mark on you. As long as you know what you are drawing, and you can see yourself growing in your art, that is really all that matters mainly.
Eventually, as you keep creating, and as keep growing, you will find people being drawn to what you are doing without your having to put much effort into showing your work. Keep going. Never stop drawing. Just remember, to draw for your own enjoyment first and most importantly.
Nico Berthelot
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Nico’s Answer
Hi James,
The key to drawing is PRACTICE. Everyday, if you can. No one is born good at drawing. I used to be an art student and we set aside hours after school everyday to draw some days (go outside, draw trees and street scenes, draw a fruit still life in your kitchen) and paint others. I've picked it up again recently and Youtube tutorials and online classes (Cheap or free on Udemy or Skillshare) are the way to go. The key lessons to hone your eye and drawing skills online are lessons on continual line drawing, negative space drawing and drawing an object upside down. These may look bad, but it's ok! Theyre drawing exercises a lot of classes use to train your brain. Good luck!
The key to drawing is PRACTICE. Everyday, if you can. No one is born good at drawing. I used to be an art student and we set aside hours after school everyday to draw some days (go outside, draw trees and street scenes, draw a fruit still life in your kitchen) and paint others. I've picked it up again recently and Youtube tutorials and online classes (Cheap or free on Udemy or Skillshare) are the way to go. The key lessons to hone your eye and drawing skills online are lessons on continual line drawing, negative space drawing and drawing an object upside down. These may look bad, but it's ok! Theyre drawing exercises a lot of classes use to train your brain. Good luck!
Nathalie Catap
Marketing Coordinator
1
Answer
San Jose, California
Updated
Nathalie’s Answer
Hi James,
I was in a similar situation, and I found that taking time out of every day to practice, watch videos, or read books helped me improve my drawing skills. I know that there are so many helpful Youtube video tutorials that could be useful to strengthen your drawing skills. I think the internet would be a great start to look for some free drawing classes as well.
Just keep at it and keep practicing!
I wish you all the best!
I was in a similar situation, and I found that taking time out of every day to practice, watch videos, or read books helped me improve my drawing skills. I know that there are so many helpful Youtube video tutorials that could be useful to strengthen your drawing skills. I think the internet would be a great start to look for some free drawing classes as well.
Just keep at it and keep practicing!
I wish you all the best!
Priscilla Rall
Retired Art Teacher
10
Answers
Frederick, Maryland
Updated
Priscilla’s Answer
Practice practice, practice. Art classes would help. Hope you have a good art teacher at school, that would help.
Look at books on figure drawing, or try a local art groups figure drawing opportunities. Dont be afraid of critision. Ask for specifics.
Look at books on figure drawing, or try a local art groups figure drawing opportunities. Dont be afraid of critision. Ask for specifics.
Pouyan Yazdian
Student Assistant
4
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Pouyan’s Answer
Get a book that teaches step-by-step how to draw any number of things, and tips for that.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to art. It's your own unique expression, so really no matter how strange your drawing may be or look, it's still good art!
Draw from the heart, whenever you are feeling a particular intense emotion see what kinds of images and things arise in your mind, and allow that intuition to take over while you begin to draw. Just like a poet expresses themselves through poetry, and a musician expresses themselves verbally through lyrics and sounds, in art it's a similar thing.
Search and look at other artworks, like on Pinterest, for example because it can give you lots of inspiration, and an idea of what you want to draw.
Copy other drawings. That's a great way to start. You can even do tracing for a while until you begin to get a hang of it.
Practice, practice, practice! Sure, some people are born artists and have innate magical powers basically - but if its something you really want to do, all it really takes is for you to keep practicing it and over time, it will become second nature. Don't expect yourself to "jump the grand canyon", it takes time and practice.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to art. It's your own unique expression, so really no matter how strange your drawing may be or look, it's still good art!
Draw from the heart, whenever you are feeling a particular intense emotion see what kinds of images and things arise in your mind, and allow that intuition to take over while you begin to draw. Just like a poet expresses themselves through poetry, and a musician expresses themselves verbally through lyrics and sounds, in art it's a similar thing.
Search and look at other artworks, like on Pinterest, for example because it can give you lots of inspiration, and an idea of what you want to draw.
Copy other drawings. That's a great way to start. You can even do tracing for a while until you begin to get a hang of it.
Practice, practice, practice! Sure, some people are born artists and have innate magical powers basically - but if its something you really want to do, all it really takes is for you to keep practicing it and over time, it will become second nature. Don't expect yourself to "jump the grand canyon", it takes time and practice.
Toral Swiney
Work Force/Supervisor/Trainer/Associate
11
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Toral’s Answer
Honestly one great a free way to learn to draw from home is YouTube videos, if you spend a little time there are so many different videos that'll show you how to draw step by step a variety of things.
Jitender Jetwani, PMP
2
Answers
Updated
Jitender’s Answer
Go for sketches and go for some online learning classes
Ruth Delgado
Online Trader/ Ecommerce
4
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Ruth’s Answer
Hi James,
Art is subjective and means different things to different people. I think you should focus on how you feel when you draw, and enjoy the process, rather than wonderer how others will react.
I would also say, it may be worth trying to get yourself into more creative spaces, will help being around like-minded environments.
Keep at it! :)
Art is subjective and means different things to different people. I think you should focus on how you feel when you draw, and enjoy the process, rather than wonderer how others will react.
I would also say, it may be worth trying to get yourself into more creative spaces, will help being around like-minded environments.
Keep at it! :)
Yasemin G.
Aspiring physician
635
Answers
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi James! My art skills honestly lack but I have close friends who draw amazing. One of my friends who draws very well, had said that it takes time and at first she wasn't very good at it. I completely agree because practice makes perfect, so don't give up drawing and you will get better. There are drawing guides as well like at Barnes and Nobles or even online that could help you find more balance in your work. As a last note, everyone's art is open to interpretation so don't be discouraged if someone doesn't understand what you drew! Keep at it because it's a wonderful hobby and hopefully you get to display your work one day!
Best of luck!
Best of luck!
Emily Nguyen
19
Answers
Goleta, California
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Watch youtube tutorials - start with basic shapes and then refine details as you go and PRACTICE
Sharool A
Tech Support
70
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sharool’s Answer
One of the first steps of simple drawings is mastering the art of drawing shapes. The cube, the cylinder, and the sphere are the fundamental shapes an artist must learn in order to achieve a deeper understanding of all forms when learning to draw.
Get a set of references of a single subject.
Analyze them to see common lines.
Use these lines to sketch a simple representation of the body (imaginative tracing).
Use the gesture sketch as a suggestion to draw the structure over it.
Use the previous sketches as guidelines for the final lines.
Get a set of references of a single subject.
Analyze them to see common lines.
Use these lines to sketch a simple representation of the body (imaginative tracing).
Use the gesture sketch as a suggestion to draw the structure over it.
Use the previous sketches as guidelines for the final lines.