6 answers
dylan
Student
D'Iberville, Mississippi
1
Question
Asked
862 views
what tips would you recommend to star drawing? how can i discover my own style? why shouldn't i give up yet?
idk i prob will stop drawing since i'm not improving
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6 answers
Ellen Rosenthal
Retired Art Teacher
239
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Dylan
Drawing can be a struggle, it is a skill that takes time, practice, and instruction. I sense from the fact that you are asking for help on this means that drawing is important to you, and that you really don't want to give up. Your frustration with your drawing is a pretty common feeling among the young artists I have worked with. Many have an expectation of what a drawing should "look like", but they often don't take into consideration that drawing is a skill, and that skill takes time and effort to develop. Often the drawings they admire have been created by older artists who have had more experience, education, and more time to develop their drawing skills.
Think about why you are drawing in the first place. There are lots of reason to draw: to create a finished art piece to hang on the wall; to do some sketches in preparation for a finished artwork in another art medium, such as a painting; to try out some ideas for an artwork you are planning; to practice observing an object or a landscape or a person and drawing what you see; to just doodle because you like to or because you are bored.
There are lots of different styles of drawing. Some drawings are based on observing things around us and are amazingly realistic, while others are a little looser and more abstract. Some drawings are just really messy and sketchy and never meant for anyone to see. Some drawing are non-objective, with just lines and shading on a paper. People have different styles of drawing. Think of your drawing style as being like your signature or handwriting; totally unique.
To start drawing you need to relax and not to compare yourself to anyone else. Just get a pencil and a sketchbook and draw what you want for 10-20 minutes a day. Have fun. Think about why you are drawing, Think about what you want others to learn from your drawings. Think about if the drawing is meant as a final artwork, or if it is just to work out ideas. If you are not already enrolled, take some art classes at your school, or join an after school art club. Show your art teacher your drawings and ask for feedback. Like any other skill, learning how to draw from someone more experienced, an art teacher, is key to improving. In addition to art class instruction, there are lots of drawing instruction books at the library, the series "Draw a 100 ___________" is a good one. The good thing about keeping a sketchbook is you can see how your drawing evolves from day to day. You might be improving more than you think you are, and with practice, you might begin to see your personal style develop.
So, relax, work hard, take some art lessons, and enjoy the process. Please do not give up!
Drawing can be a struggle, it is a skill that takes time, practice, and instruction. I sense from the fact that you are asking for help on this means that drawing is important to you, and that you really don't want to give up. Your frustration with your drawing is a pretty common feeling among the young artists I have worked with. Many have an expectation of what a drawing should "look like", but they often don't take into consideration that drawing is a skill, and that skill takes time and effort to develop. Often the drawings they admire have been created by older artists who have had more experience, education, and more time to develop their drawing skills.
Think about why you are drawing in the first place. There are lots of reason to draw: to create a finished art piece to hang on the wall; to do some sketches in preparation for a finished artwork in another art medium, such as a painting; to try out some ideas for an artwork you are planning; to practice observing an object or a landscape or a person and drawing what you see; to just doodle because you like to or because you are bored.
There are lots of different styles of drawing. Some drawings are based on observing things around us and are amazingly realistic, while others are a little looser and more abstract. Some drawings are just really messy and sketchy and never meant for anyone to see. Some drawing are non-objective, with just lines and shading on a paper. People have different styles of drawing. Think of your drawing style as being like your signature or handwriting; totally unique.
To start drawing you need to relax and not to compare yourself to anyone else. Just get a pencil and a sketchbook and draw what you want for 10-20 minutes a day. Have fun. Think about why you are drawing, Think about what you want others to learn from your drawings. Think about if the drawing is meant as a final artwork, or if it is just to work out ideas. If you are not already enrolled, take some art classes at your school, or join an after school art club. Show your art teacher your drawings and ask for feedback. Like any other skill, learning how to draw from someone more experienced, an art teacher, is key to improving. In addition to art class instruction, there are lots of drawing instruction books at the library, the series "Draw a 100 ___________" is a good one. The good thing about keeping a sketchbook is you can see how your drawing evolves from day to day. You might be improving more than you think you are, and with practice, you might begin to see your personal style develop.
So, relax, work hard, take some art lessons, and enjoy the process. Please do not give up!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Dylan,
Tips for Starting Drawing:
To start drawing and improve your skills, here are some tips you can follow:
Practice Regularly: Like any skill, drawing requires practice to improve. Set aside time each day to draw, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Study Basic Techniques: Learn the fundamentals of drawing, such as shading, perspective, and proportions. There are many online tutorials and courses available to help you with this.
Experiment with Different Mediums: Try out different drawing tools like pencils, pens, markers, or digital software to see what you enjoy working with the most.
Observe and Analyze Art: Study the work of other artists to gain inspiration and learn new techniques. Analyzing different styles can also help you discover your own preferences.
Join Art Communities: Engage with other artists online or in person to get feedback on your work and learn from their experiences.
Discovering Your Own Style:
Finding your unique artistic style is a journey that takes time and experimentation. Here are some steps to help you discover your own style:
Explore Different Subjects: Experiment with drawing various subjects like landscapes, portraits, abstract art, etc., to see what resonates with you the most.
Play with Different Techniques: Try out different techniques such as realism, impressionism, surrealism, etc., to see which one feels most natural to you.
Embrace Imperfections: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or create imperfect art. Your style may emerge from these imperfections and unique quirks in your work.
Seek Inspiration Everywhere: Look beyond traditional art sources for inspiration – nature, architecture, music, literature – anything can spark creativity and influence your style.
Stay True to Yourself: Your style should reflect who you are as an individual. Don’t try to mimic others’ styles; instead, focus on expressing yourself authentically through your art.
Why You Shouldn’t Give Up:
It’s common for artists to feel discouraged when they don’t see immediate improvement in their work. However, here are some reasons why you shouldn’t give up on drawing:
Artistic Growth Takes Time: Improvement in art is a gradual process that requires patience and persistence. Keep practicing, and you will see progress over time.
Art is Subjective: Remember that art is subjective, and everyone has their own unique style and voice. What matters most is expressing yourself through your art rather than seeking perfection.
Personal Fulfillment: Drawing can be a therapeutic and fulfilling activity that allows you to express emotions and ideas creatively. Even if you’re not improving as quickly as you’d like, the act of creating art itself can be rewarding.
Celebrate Small Wins: Instead of focusing solely on the end result or comparing yourself to others, celebrate small achievements along the way – whether it’s mastering a new technique or completing a challenging piece.
Artistic Community Support: Surround yourself with a supportive artistic community that can provide feedback, encouragement, and inspiration during times of self-doubt.
Remember that every artist goes through periods of self-doubt and frustration but persevering through these challenges is essential for growth and discovering your unique artistic voice.
Have a look at my Autobiography entitled 'About James Constantine.' What I do for a living involves recommending good food sources of the nutrients that improve artistic expression. Personally, I do take vitamins and minerals because a friend gave them to me as a gift.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Provides valuable resources on art history, techniques, and styles that can inspire budding artists.
Skillshare: An online learning platform offering various art courses taught by professionals in the field.
DeviantArt: An online community where artists share their work, receive feedback from peers, and explore different styles and techniques in art creation.
God Bless,
JC.
Tips for Starting Drawing:
To start drawing and improve your skills, here are some tips you can follow:
Practice Regularly: Like any skill, drawing requires practice to improve. Set aside time each day to draw, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Study Basic Techniques: Learn the fundamentals of drawing, such as shading, perspective, and proportions. There are many online tutorials and courses available to help you with this.
Experiment with Different Mediums: Try out different drawing tools like pencils, pens, markers, or digital software to see what you enjoy working with the most.
Observe and Analyze Art: Study the work of other artists to gain inspiration and learn new techniques. Analyzing different styles can also help you discover your own preferences.
Join Art Communities: Engage with other artists online or in person to get feedback on your work and learn from their experiences.
Discovering Your Own Style:
Finding your unique artistic style is a journey that takes time and experimentation. Here are some steps to help you discover your own style:
Explore Different Subjects: Experiment with drawing various subjects like landscapes, portraits, abstract art, etc., to see what resonates with you the most.
Play with Different Techniques: Try out different techniques such as realism, impressionism, surrealism, etc., to see which one feels most natural to you.
Embrace Imperfections: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or create imperfect art. Your style may emerge from these imperfections and unique quirks in your work.
Seek Inspiration Everywhere: Look beyond traditional art sources for inspiration – nature, architecture, music, literature – anything can spark creativity and influence your style.
Stay True to Yourself: Your style should reflect who you are as an individual. Don’t try to mimic others’ styles; instead, focus on expressing yourself authentically through your art.
Why You Shouldn’t Give Up:
It’s common for artists to feel discouraged when they don’t see immediate improvement in their work. However, here are some reasons why you shouldn’t give up on drawing:
Artistic Growth Takes Time: Improvement in art is a gradual process that requires patience and persistence. Keep practicing, and you will see progress over time.
Art is Subjective: Remember that art is subjective, and everyone has their own unique style and voice. What matters most is expressing yourself through your art rather than seeking perfection.
Personal Fulfillment: Drawing can be a therapeutic and fulfilling activity that allows you to express emotions and ideas creatively. Even if you’re not improving as quickly as you’d like, the act of creating art itself can be rewarding.
Celebrate Small Wins: Instead of focusing solely on the end result or comparing yourself to others, celebrate small achievements along the way – whether it’s mastering a new technique or completing a challenging piece.
Artistic Community Support: Surround yourself with a supportive artistic community that can provide feedback, encouragement, and inspiration during times of self-doubt.
Remember that every artist goes through periods of self-doubt and frustration but persevering through these challenges is essential for growth and discovering your unique artistic voice.
Have a look at my Autobiography entitled 'About James Constantine.' What I do for a living involves recommending good food sources of the nutrients that improve artistic expression. Personally, I do take vitamins and minerals because a friend gave them to me as a gift.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Provides valuable resources on art history, techniques, and styles that can inspire budding artists.
Skillshare: An online learning platform offering various art courses taught by professionals in the field.
DeviantArt: An online community where artists share their work, receive feedback from peers, and explore different styles and techniques in art creation.
God Bless,
JC.
Meredith Schroeder, ATR, LCPC
Mental Health Therapist/Art Therapist
1
Answer
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Meredith’s Answer
Hi Dylan!
I'm sorry to hear that you're discouraged in your art journey. It can be hard when you don't see progress right away or harshly judge your artwork. I have always been interested in artwork and studied art in high school, college, and grad school. I'll put some possibly helpful tips below.
- If you're passionate about drawing, keeping going! Draw daily and create a drawing practice that works best for you.
-Check out artists who inspire you. That maybe on social media, in books, or at museums. You can always look at their work but keep in mind to not compare your work to theirs. If may help to learn about how they work as an artist to see how differently people can approach art making.
-Meet up with other artists! It can be exhilarating to meet others who do what you do. You can learn from each other.
- Explore other types of art making. If drawing does become overwhelming, frustrating, or you dread it. You can try other ways to make art. Collage, painting, digital, sculpture. There's so many ways to express yourself and be creative!
Good luck!
I'm sorry to hear that you're discouraged in your art journey. It can be hard when you don't see progress right away or harshly judge your artwork. I have always been interested in artwork and studied art in high school, college, and grad school. I'll put some possibly helpful tips below.
- If you're passionate about drawing, keeping going! Draw daily and create a drawing practice that works best for you.
-Check out artists who inspire you. That maybe on social media, in books, or at museums. You can always look at their work but keep in mind to not compare your work to theirs. If may help to learn about how they work as an artist to see how differently people can approach art making.
-Meet up with other artists! It can be exhilarating to meet others who do what you do. You can learn from each other.
- Explore other types of art making. If drawing does become overwhelming, frustrating, or you dread it. You can try other ways to make art. Collage, painting, digital, sculpture. There's so many ways to express yourself and be creative!
Good luck!
Laura Mills
Graphic Designer
41
Answers
Lenhartsville, PA
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hello Dylan,
That's amazing you are into drawing and creating art! I'm sorry to hear you are discouraged when it comes to drawing, but PLEASE do not give up on it because you are not improving. Sometimes the skills that we want to become the best at are the skills and hobbies that we have to do frequently to get at the skill level that we want. I wish I could say that the skills that we want most will come easily, but they don't; it takes a lot of patience, persistence, and discipline to achieve what we want most.
The best tip I can give first is whenever you have free time practice as much as you can and as often as you can. Even if it is just a doodle that you are imagining/visualizing in your head or you see a unique object/shape in front of you, draw it out. Another tip for you to add to the first is to get your practice or doodling in whenever and wherever you are carry around a small sketchbook with a few drawing tools that you can fit in a backpack or take with you wherever. The next tip I have is don't be afraid to look at how-to drawing books or YouTube video tutorials; the reading and visual aid when learning a new skill I believe is essential to learn a new skill properly and to be able to pick up similar technique of people that are professional artists and creating art for a living. Here is a list of books to research that will help you to improve your drawing skills, https://yesimadesigner.com/drawing-books/. For YouTube, just search 'how to draw' or 'learning how to draw', I promise a bunch of results will come up that should be something to help you get started. The same thing if you want to learn how to draw something specific search what specific thing you want to draw on YouTube.
Also, I do remember seeing ads on YouTube videos about this how-to drawing app called, Simply Draw. It's available for free on the App Store for Apple device users and the Google Play Store for Android device users, and it guides you on how to draw. If this app sounds like something you are interested in, here is their website: https://www.hellosimply.com/simply-draw.
As for figuring out your art style, I believe this is something that you discover as you continue in your art journey. There is no right or wrong way to discover what your style is, but if you give up drawing altogether, you will never know until you keep pursuing it and practicing as much as you can.
I hope this helps you get more of an idea of where to start and I really hope this motivates you to not give up and keep trying; I believe in you!
-Laura Mills
That's amazing you are into drawing and creating art! I'm sorry to hear you are discouraged when it comes to drawing, but PLEASE do not give up on it because you are not improving. Sometimes the skills that we want to become the best at are the skills and hobbies that we have to do frequently to get at the skill level that we want. I wish I could say that the skills that we want most will come easily, but they don't; it takes a lot of patience, persistence, and discipline to achieve what we want most.
The best tip I can give first is whenever you have free time practice as much as you can and as often as you can. Even if it is just a doodle that you are imagining/visualizing in your head or you see a unique object/shape in front of you, draw it out. Another tip for you to add to the first is to get your practice or doodling in whenever and wherever you are carry around a small sketchbook with a few drawing tools that you can fit in a backpack or take with you wherever. The next tip I have is don't be afraid to look at how-to drawing books or YouTube video tutorials; the reading and visual aid when learning a new skill I believe is essential to learn a new skill properly and to be able to pick up similar technique of people that are professional artists and creating art for a living. Here is a list of books to research that will help you to improve your drawing skills, https://yesimadesigner.com/drawing-books/. For YouTube, just search 'how to draw' or 'learning how to draw', I promise a bunch of results will come up that should be something to help you get started. The same thing if you want to learn how to draw something specific search what specific thing you want to draw on YouTube.
Also, I do remember seeing ads on YouTube videos about this how-to drawing app called, Simply Draw. It's available for free on the App Store for Apple device users and the Google Play Store for Android device users, and it guides you on how to draw. If this app sounds like something you are interested in, here is their website: https://www.hellosimply.com/simply-draw.
As for figuring out your art style, I believe this is something that you discover as you continue in your art journey. There is no right or wrong way to discover what your style is, but if you give up drawing altogether, you will never know until you keep pursuing it and practicing as much as you can.
I hope this helps you get more of an idea of where to start and I really hope this motivates you to not give up and keep trying; I believe in you!
-Laura Mills
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Dylan !
You seem to have an authentic interest and enjoyment for drawing but yet you are contemplating ending it. Please do not give up on anything that you love and have a strong interest in. It seems as though you are in the exploration stage of your journey and only you can make first hand steps to improve and continue.
Drawing is not the only form of art, so you should consider other forms such as graphic art or design in some capacity. Give various art a try. Keep drawing and get extra help at school and look on line for instructional videos. This can be a source of motivation, inspiration and moving forward. There are always some bumps in the road when practicing or learning skills. It doesn't mean you have to quit. We all improve in our own time and in our own way. And you will discover your style or styles if you practice everyday and fully picture your concepts in your mind before putting them to paper.
In the meantime, you need motivation to continue. Make a point to visit some art galleries and be inspired. Know that you can create something people can appreciate and don't give up. Join or create an art circle in your school and the group setting may prove to be supportive for you. Try your hand at photography, crafts, oil painting. Decide what style you like to see. Discover how your work is unique from others and what messages you'd like to convey in your art. That is your unique style. You have style but you are not recognizing it yet, and that's okay. Development as an artist is a process like so many other creative activities.
The Mississippi Museum of Art is in Jackson and that is one place you should definitely look into. They have an art program there for teens that you may benefit from and meet new people while you learn and do your art. This would greatly help you get into the artist frame of mind. I left the information in a link below.
I hope that you continue drawing and other arts and hope this was of some help. Best wishes to you !
TEEN PROGRAM AT MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF ART https://www.msmuseumart.org/teens/
You seem to have an authentic interest and enjoyment for drawing but yet you are contemplating ending it. Please do not give up on anything that you love and have a strong interest in. It seems as though you are in the exploration stage of your journey and only you can make first hand steps to improve and continue.
Drawing is not the only form of art, so you should consider other forms such as graphic art or design in some capacity. Give various art a try. Keep drawing and get extra help at school and look on line for instructional videos. This can be a source of motivation, inspiration and moving forward. There are always some bumps in the road when practicing or learning skills. It doesn't mean you have to quit. We all improve in our own time and in our own way. And you will discover your style or styles if you practice everyday and fully picture your concepts in your mind before putting them to paper.
In the meantime, you need motivation to continue. Make a point to visit some art galleries and be inspired. Know that you can create something people can appreciate and don't give up. Join or create an art circle in your school and the group setting may prove to be supportive for you. Try your hand at photography, crafts, oil painting. Decide what style you like to see. Discover how your work is unique from others and what messages you'd like to convey in your art. That is your unique style. You have style but you are not recognizing it yet, and that's okay. Development as an artist is a process like so many other creative activities.
The Mississippi Museum of Art is in Jackson and that is one place you should definitely look into. They have an art program there for teens that you may benefit from and meet new people while you learn and do your art. This would greatly help you get into the artist frame of mind. I left the information in a link below.
I hope that you continue drawing and other arts and hope this was of some help. Best wishes to you !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
deborah kania, bfa, mba
Marketing
70
Answers
New Bern, North Carolina
Updated
deborah’s Answer
Hello Dylan!
I drew all the time as a kid, and studied art in high school and college. Here is what helped me develop as an artist...
Draw, draw, and draw some more. Just keep drawing :)
Try not to judge your own work, or let other people's judgements negatively impact your desire to draw.
Study/Follow other artists, past and present. They can be inspiring.
Create or join an art club in school or just your own. These days you can run a club online. A support system is really helpful to stay motivated, feel supported, and grow.
Train - there are many ways to continue develop your skills/technique. YouTube, classes, college, apps. But, try not to let technique take away from your creativity.
I wish you the best!
I drew all the time as a kid, and studied art in high school and college. Here is what helped me develop as an artist...
Draw, draw, and draw some more. Just keep drawing :)
Try not to judge your own work, or let other people's judgements negatively impact your desire to draw.
Study/Follow other artists, past and present. They can be inspiring.
Create or join an art club in school or just your own. These days you can run a club online. A support system is really helpful to stay motivated, feel supported, and grow.
Train - there are many ways to continue develop your skills/technique. YouTube, classes, college, apps. But, try not to let technique take away from your creativity.
I wish you the best!