12 answers
Juliet
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
953 views
How can I learn more about creating art and story’s behind my art?
I want to grow to be an Artist because I’ve always been interested in the way animators create shows and how artist create drawing/painting that always had a story behind them. I want to learn more about the human anatomy so I can be better at realism and more about how animators draw in cartoony styles for short stories and funny scenes. I would also like to learn how to get better and writing stories for my characters, I can make short pieces and scenes of a story but I’m not very good at creating a actual narrative/story for them.
Thank you and I would greatly appreciate any feedback.
12 answers
Garima Lajras
Illustrator, 2D animator, Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer
61
Answers
Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Updated
Garima’s Answer
Hi Juliet,
It's great that you're so passionate about both art and storytelling. To grow as an artist and storyteller, here’s a path you could take:
1. Learn Human Anatomy:
Understanding anatomy is key for realism. I personally watch this amazing artist, Marc Brunet, on YouTube—his videos really helped me learn anatomy. You can also consider online courses like Proko (which also has a YouTube channel) or books like "Anatomy for Sculptors." These resources are great for building a strong foundation. Once you've learned the basics, I recommend searching for reference poses—Pinterest is great for that. Use those as a reference and practice the gesture of the poses.
2. Animation:
There’s a great course on 2D animation by Dermot O' Connor on LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com). I learned a lot from it, like storyboarding, how animals move in animation, and about old Disney animation. Also, to get better at cartoony styles, study the work of animators you admire. Platforms like Skillshare or YouTube tutorials can be super helpful for learning different techniques.
3. Storytelling for Art:
Writing stories for your characters can be challenging, but it’s all about practice. Maybe try animating short scenes from existing children's books just for practice and to get a feel for short animations. Then, you can start expanding your own short pieces and scenes, gradually building them into larger narratives. You might find it helpful to take a creative writing course or read books, comics, or webtoons to enhance your storytelling skills.
4. Join Communities: Being part of artist and writer communities online (like DeviantArt, Cara Discord or even LinkedIn groups) can provide feedback and inspiration, helping you refine your craft.
Here’s the summary list of study materials mentioned:
1. Marc Brunet's YouTube channel
2. Proko (online courses and YouTube channel)
3. Anatomy for Sculptors (book)
4. Pinterest (for reference poses)
5. Dermot O'Connor's 2D animation course on LinkedIn Learning
6. Skillshare
7. YouTube tutorials
8. Creative writing courses
9. Read Books, comics, webtoons
So my answer is a bit long and has a lot of learning materials, but don't get overwhelmed. Remember, every great artist and storyteller started where you are now. Keep practicing, stay curious, and let your creativity lead the way. You've got this!
I hope this helps.
Best of luck on your artistic journey!
It's great that you're so passionate about both art and storytelling. To grow as an artist and storyteller, here’s a path you could take:
1. Learn Human Anatomy:
Understanding anatomy is key for realism. I personally watch this amazing artist, Marc Brunet, on YouTube—his videos really helped me learn anatomy. You can also consider online courses like Proko (which also has a YouTube channel) or books like "Anatomy for Sculptors." These resources are great for building a strong foundation. Once you've learned the basics, I recommend searching for reference poses—Pinterest is great for that. Use those as a reference and practice the gesture of the poses.
2. Animation:
There’s a great course on 2D animation by Dermot O' Connor on LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com). I learned a lot from it, like storyboarding, how animals move in animation, and about old Disney animation. Also, to get better at cartoony styles, study the work of animators you admire. Platforms like Skillshare or YouTube tutorials can be super helpful for learning different techniques.
3. Storytelling for Art:
Writing stories for your characters can be challenging, but it’s all about practice. Maybe try animating short scenes from existing children's books just for practice and to get a feel for short animations. Then, you can start expanding your own short pieces and scenes, gradually building them into larger narratives. You might find it helpful to take a creative writing course or read books, comics, or webtoons to enhance your storytelling skills.
4. Join Communities: Being part of artist and writer communities online (like DeviantArt, Cara Discord or even LinkedIn groups) can provide feedback and inspiration, helping you refine your craft.
Here’s the summary list of study materials mentioned:
1. Marc Brunet's YouTube channel
2. Proko (online courses and YouTube channel)
3. Anatomy for Sculptors (book)
4. Pinterest (for reference poses)
5. Dermot O'Connor's 2D animation course on LinkedIn Learning
6. Skillshare
7. YouTube tutorials
8. Creative writing courses
9. Read Books, comics, webtoons
So my answer is a bit long and has a lot of learning materials, but don't get overwhelmed. Remember, every great artist and storyteller started where you are now. Keep practicing, stay curious, and let your creativity lead the way. You've got this!
I hope this helps.
Best of luck on your artistic journey!
Thank you so much for words of encouragement and support. I greatly appreciate all the recommendations and resources that you have shared with me. I look forward to trying all of things recommendations, have a great day Garima!
Juliet
You're welcome. I am glad it helped.
Garima Lajras
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6193
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey Juliet,
Here's a suggestion. Try engaging with indigenous communities like the American Indians, Australian Aborigines, Pacific Islanders, and New Zealand Maoris. Their unique ways of expressing emotions could offer fresh perspectives. You might even consider a trip to South America to explore the artistic methods of ancient civilizations there. Communication is where it is at.
Particularly when you talk to the native people get them to elucidate ancient stories from the past and legends because it involves visitations by the star people, the origin of species is not just a book by Charles Darwin. There are five DNA inputs there. Our ancestors.
My passion lies in writing nutrition education software - computer programming. Also the intricate world of numbers and handcrafting large telescopes. Since childhood, I've been fascinated with electrical equipment, car batteries, and electric motors. The meticulous process of hand-grinding large telescope objectives is, in my opinion, the epitome of human precision, accuracy.
I love teaching people about those nutrients that easily destroy diseases. That is why I became a dietitian, in response to the untimely deaths in my family from familial hypercholesterolemia type 4.
AI:-
Steps to Enhance Your Art and Understand Its Background
1. Study Human Anatomy for Realism
To master realism, it's crucial to understand human anatomy. This includes learning about muscles, bones, and body proportions. Resources like "Anatomy for Artists" by Eliot Goldfinger can provide detailed illustrations and explanations. Online platforms like Proko offer video tutorials on figure drawing and anatomy, ideal for visual learners.
2. Discover Cartoon Styles and Animation Techniques
To learn about cartoon styles and animation, consider studying the principles of animation as outlined in Disney’s "The Illusion of Life." This book covers key concepts like squash and stretch, timing, and exaggeration, all vital for creating captivating animated characters. Online courses on platforms like Coursera or Skillshare offer lessons on character design and animation techniques specific to cartoons.
3. Improve Storytelling Skills
Creating compelling narratives requires practice and understanding of story structure. Books like "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" by Joseph Campbell discuss archetypal storytelling patterns that can enhance your narrative crafting skills. Writing workshops or online courses focused on creative writing can provide valuable feedback. Websites like NaNoWriMo offer community support for writers aiming to develop their storytelling abilities through structured challenges.
4. Combine Art with Storytelling
To integrate your artistic skills with storytelling, consider maintaining a sketchbook dedicated to character development and narrative exploration. This space can be used to experiment with different styles while creating backstories for your characters. Participating in art challenges or collaborative projects with other artists can inspire new ideas and perspectives.
5. Seek Feedback and Engage with the Community
Join local art groups or online communities like DeviantArt or Reddit’s r/ArtFundamentals to share your work and receive constructive criticism. Participating in critiques can not only improve your skills but also expose you to a variety of artistic approaches.
By systematically exploring these areas—studying anatomy, learning animation techniques, developing narrative skills, integrating art with storytelling, and engaging with the community—you can grow as an artist who creates meaningful stories through art.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Stay blessed,
Because That Is Where The Energy Rests!
JC.
Here's a suggestion. Try engaging with indigenous communities like the American Indians, Australian Aborigines, Pacific Islanders, and New Zealand Maoris. Their unique ways of expressing emotions could offer fresh perspectives. You might even consider a trip to South America to explore the artistic methods of ancient civilizations there. Communication is where it is at.
Particularly when you talk to the native people get them to elucidate ancient stories from the past and legends because it involves visitations by the star people, the origin of species is not just a book by Charles Darwin. There are five DNA inputs there. Our ancestors.
My passion lies in writing nutrition education software - computer programming. Also the intricate world of numbers and handcrafting large telescopes. Since childhood, I've been fascinated with electrical equipment, car batteries, and electric motors. The meticulous process of hand-grinding large telescope objectives is, in my opinion, the epitome of human precision, accuracy.
I love teaching people about those nutrients that easily destroy diseases. That is why I became a dietitian, in response to the untimely deaths in my family from familial hypercholesterolemia type 4.
AI:-
Steps to Enhance Your Art and Understand Its Background
1. Study Human Anatomy for Realism
To master realism, it's crucial to understand human anatomy. This includes learning about muscles, bones, and body proportions. Resources like "Anatomy for Artists" by Eliot Goldfinger can provide detailed illustrations and explanations. Online platforms like Proko offer video tutorials on figure drawing and anatomy, ideal for visual learners.
2. Discover Cartoon Styles and Animation Techniques
To learn about cartoon styles and animation, consider studying the principles of animation as outlined in Disney’s "The Illusion of Life." This book covers key concepts like squash and stretch, timing, and exaggeration, all vital for creating captivating animated characters. Online courses on platforms like Coursera or Skillshare offer lessons on character design and animation techniques specific to cartoons.
3. Improve Storytelling Skills
Creating compelling narratives requires practice and understanding of story structure. Books like "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" by Joseph Campbell discuss archetypal storytelling patterns that can enhance your narrative crafting skills. Writing workshops or online courses focused on creative writing can provide valuable feedback. Websites like NaNoWriMo offer community support for writers aiming to develop their storytelling abilities through structured challenges.
4. Combine Art with Storytelling
To integrate your artistic skills with storytelling, consider maintaining a sketchbook dedicated to character development and narrative exploration. This space can be used to experiment with different styles while creating backstories for your characters. Participating in art challenges or collaborative projects with other artists can inspire new ideas and perspectives.
5. Seek Feedback and Engage with the Community
Join local art groups or online communities like DeviantArt or Reddit’s r/ArtFundamentals to share your work and receive constructive criticism. Participating in critiques can not only improve your skills but also expose you to a variety of artistic approaches.
By systematically exploring these areas—studying anatomy, learning animation techniques, developing narrative skills, integrating art with storytelling, and engaging with the community—you can grow as an artist who creates meaningful stories through art.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Stay blessed,
Because That Is Where The Energy Rests!
JC.
Zoya Naeem
freelancer
22
Answers
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Zoya’s Answer
It's wonderful that you're pursuing both art and storytelling! Here are some steps you can take to improve your skills in these areas:
### 1. **Artistic Skill Development**
- **Human Anatomy for Realism**: Start with anatomy books like *"Figure Drawing for All It's Worth"* by Andrew Loomis or *"Anatomy for Sculptors"*. Study life drawing, focusing on skeletal structure, muscles, and proportions. Practice regularly with gesture drawing to capture movement and form.
- **Cartoony and Animation Styles**: Explore books like *"The Animator’s Survival Kit"* by Richard Williams and *"Cartoon Animation"* by Preston Blair. These provide insight into animation fundamentals, character design, and how to convey emotion and movement in a simplified, cartoony style. Try practicing with short loops of animation using simple software like Procreate or Adobe Animate.
### 2. **Creating Stories for Art**
- **Storytelling through Art**: One key to storytelling in visual art is understanding narrative structure. Study the principles of visual storytelling, such as how composition, color, and lighting guide the viewer’s eye and convey emotion. *"Framed Ink"* by Marcos Mateu-Mestre is a good resource for visual storytelling in comics and illustrations.
- **Writing Stories for Characters**: Begin with a character-focused approach by fleshing out character backstories, desires, and conflicts. Story structures like the *three-act structure* or *The Hero’s Journey* can help guide you in forming a cohesive narrative. *"Save the Cat!"* by Blake Snyder offers practical advice for structuring stories, especially short pieces.
### 3. **Blending Art and Narrative**
- **Create Short Animations or Comics**: Start with small, manageable projects like one-minute animations or single-page comics to practice combining visuals with storytelling. Use each project as a learning experience, focusing on different aspects like character interaction or building suspense.
- **Storyboards and Animatics**: Storyboards are a great way to plan scenes visually, helping you practice how art and narrative come together. Consider creating animatics (rough animations with sound) to explore how timing, pacing, and storytelling work together in animation.
### 4. **Courses and Tutorials**
- **Online Art Schools**: Consider platforms like Schoolism, Gnomon, or even YouTube channels like *Proko* for anatomy and *Jazza* for animation and storytelling tips. You can also find animation courses on Udemy or Skillshare tailored for beginners.
### 5. **Studying Animators and Artists**
- **Analyze Art and Shows**: Pick apart your favorite animated shows or artworks, studying what makes them appealing. Try to recreate scenes or characters, and then add your own twist to them, learning by doing.
By immersing yourself in both the technical and narrative aspects, you’ll gradually develop the skills needed to bring your stories and characters to life in a captivating way. Keep practicing and experimenting!
### 1. **Artistic Skill Development**
- **Human Anatomy for Realism**: Start with anatomy books like *"Figure Drawing for All It's Worth"* by Andrew Loomis or *"Anatomy for Sculptors"*. Study life drawing, focusing on skeletal structure, muscles, and proportions. Practice regularly with gesture drawing to capture movement and form.
- **Cartoony and Animation Styles**: Explore books like *"The Animator’s Survival Kit"* by Richard Williams and *"Cartoon Animation"* by Preston Blair. These provide insight into animation fundamentals, character design, and how to convey emotion and movement in a simplified, cartoony style. Try practicing with short loops of animation using simple software like Procreate or Adobe Animate.
### 2. **Creating Stories for Art**
- **Storytelling through Art**: One key to storytelling in visual art is understanding narrative structure. Study the principles of visual storytelling, such as how composition, color, and lighting guide the viewer’s eye and convey emotion. *"Framed Ink"* by Marcos Mateu-Mestre is a good resource for visual storytelling in comics and illustrations.
- **Writing Stories for Characters**: Begin with a character-focused approach by fleshing out character backstories, desires, and conflicts. Story structures like the *three-act structure* or *The Hero’s Journey* can help guide you in forming a cohesive narrative. *"Save the Cat!"* by Blake Snyder offers practical advice for structuring stories, especially short pieces.
### 3. **Blending Art and Narrative**
- **Create Short Animations or Comics**: Start with small, manageable projects like one-minute animations or single-page comics to practice combining visuals with storytelling. Use each project as a learning experience, focusing on different aspects like character interaction or building suspense.
- **Storyboards and Animatics**: Storyboards are a great way to plan scenes visually, helping you practice how art and narrative come together. Consider creating animatics (rough animations with sound) to explore how timing, pacing, and storytelling work together in animation.
### 4. **Courses and Tutorials**
- **Online Art Schools**: Consider platforms like Schoolism, Gnomon, or even YouTube channels like *Proko* for anatomy and *Jazza* for animation and storytelling tips. You can also find animation courses on Udemy or Skillshare tailored for beginners.
### 5. **Studying Animators and Artists**
- **Analyze Art and Shows**: Pick apart your favorite animated shows or artworks, studying what makes them appealing. Try to recreate scenes or characters, and then add your own twist to them, learning by doing.
By immersing yourself in both the technical and narrative aspects, you’ll gradually develop the skills needed to bring your stories and characters to life in a captivating way. Keep practicing and experimenting!
Edward Cogswell
Freelance Artist
15
Answers
Portland, Maine
Updated
Edward’s Answer
Hi Juliet, I would recommend that you study, and practice with realism art styles/ media. You can find plenty of online resources, platforms and tools. Also focus on anatomy! All forms, human, animal, etc. the reason is it makes you well rounded and bodes well to your portfolio. It shows your talent and skill w/ proportions and perspective. Practice, Focus, Imagination, Creativity. Good luck!
Thank you so much, Edward! I greatly appreciate your support and assistance. I will definitely keep practicing and studying. Have a great day Edward!
Juliet
Steven with a v Grant
Freelancing/Author
1
Answer
Caldwell, Idaho
Updated
Steven with a v’s Answer
Hello!
This is a great question. I'll be focusing more on the second part.
I was actually like you only four years ago. Now I'm finally on my way to writing my first novel. My advice is to begin journaling. Get a notebook and write your experiences. It doesn't have to be every single experience, it could be only the significant ones. Also, read. Some great advice I've heard is that all authors read. I think watching films is also a good idea. Try looking at them from a writer's perspective. Write down what you liked and didn't like. Write down some writing techniques you took note of. Something that helps me is remembering that I'm a part of the audience. Of course, you should question yourself from time to time, but also, learn to trust your gut (it's usually right).
Write what you want to remember in the notebook, especially when it comes to writing. If you have characters you've created, use the notebook to flesh them out more. Those short pieces and scenes of the story that you have should be saved, even if you don't plan on using them.
What I've learned is that you shouldn't make a character for a story, you should make a story for a character. Start with those short pieces of scenes you've created and build up from that. (Remember, you do not need your characters fully fleshed out before you write! Yes, you should have a description of them, but you don't have to have their whole life story written down.)
Finally, write for 4 hours a day. If you can't find time, make time (ex. waking up earlier).
Also, you can even try using a narrative from another story you've read or a movie you've watched. It's a good base to start on. Just don't lean on it too much. Use it as a boost to create your story. I did this with my book and I've been able to branch off so far, I don't need the base I started on anymore.
Something else I would highly recommend is taking a favorite movie (or show) of yours and turning it into a book. It's a great way to gain confidence because you know how everything will turn out, even if you get stuck sometimes, and it helps immensely with understanding the show don't tell rule.
I hope I was able to help! Keep writing!
This is a great question. I'll be focusing more on the second part.
I was actually like you only four years ago. Now I'm finally on my way to writing my first novel. My advice is to begin journaling. Get a notebook and write your experiences. It doesn't have to be every single experience, it could be only the significant ones. Also, read. Some great advice I've heard is that all authors read. I think watching films is also a good idea. Try looking at them from a writer's perspective. Write down what you liked and didn't like. Write down some writing techniques you took note of. Something that helps me is remembering that I'm a part of the audience. Of course, you should question yourself from time to time, but also, learn to trust your gut (it's usually right).
Write what you want to remember in the notebook, especially when it comes to writing. If you have characters you've created, use the notebook to flesh them out more. Those short pieces and scenes of the story that you have should be saved, even if you don't plan on using them.
What I've learned is that you shouldn't make a character for a story, you should make a story for a character. Start with those short pieces of scenes you've created and build up from that. (Remember, you do not need your characters fully fleshed out before you write! Yes, you should have a description of them, but you don't have to have their whole life story written down.)
Finally, write for 4 hours a day. If you can't find time, make time (ex. waking up earlier).
Also, you can even try using a narrative from another story you've read or a movie you've watched. It's a good base to start on. Just don't lean on it too much. Use it as a boost to create your story. I did this with my book and I've been able to branch off so far, I don't need the base I started on anymore.
Something else I would highly recommend is taking a favorite movie (or show) of yours and turning it into a book. It's a great way to gain confidence because you know how everything will turn out, even if you get stuck sometimes, and it helps immensely with understanding the show don't tell rule.
I hope I was able to help! Keep writing!
Tom Foster
Freelance Writer with a lot of life experience
50
Answers
Forest Grove, Oregon
Updated
Tom’s Answer
Think about your characters as actual people. Don't think about them as individuals in a book or a short story, flesh them out and give them their own unique quirks, from the smallest to the most grandiose gestures they make. From the time they wake up in the morning until their bed hits the pillow, what are they like? What do they look like? What do they aspire to? There's an entire world to draw from in terms of inspiration, and the fun thing is that you can pull from anywhere and give your characters a veritable hodgepodge of personality traits and appearances. Don't limit yourself, but think about each character from conception until completion.
Make them real in your story, give them lives of their own.
Make them real in your story, give them lives of their own.
Betsy Walters
Technical Writer
25
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Betsy’s Answer
Hi Juliet - what a wonderful literary name!
As far as being an artist and/or writer is that most of us have started from an early age. I can't tell by the way you phrase your question whether or not you actually do draw/paint/write. Because first things, first way to get better at any art is practice, practice, practice. If you want to write then start writing and the same for the other areas you mentioned - painting, animation.
Searching the internet will return many good sources of information and free software downloads.
You can take local or online classes and that will help you improve as well. I found an animation site that offers training as well - AnimationMentor. There are a lot of options for where and how to improve your skills. If you want to be an animator you will eventually need to learn animation software. You can get free trial of just about any software there is.
On another internet search I found another software for animation called Aesprite. You can also subscribe to Adobe Creative Suite to get the use of Photoshop and Illustrator.
If you are creating short pieces and characters then you are writing stories, and narratives. They maybe just pieces but still you are creating stories. Will any of the pieces go together to create a large piece or a complete narrative? That's how you can actually write an entire story, by writing scenes in the story and then putting it together. I actually write my stories by writing different scenes - little pieces of the whole story.
Anyway, I guess my advice is search for classes in the skills you want, whether in-person or online, take the classes, take a variety of classes. Also go outside and sit under a tree (or somewhere else) and start drawing what you see. Practice. If you feel like it, make up a story about what you are looking at as you draw.
As far as being an artist and/or writer is that most of us have started from an early age. I can't tell by the way you phrase your question whether or not you actually do draw/paint/write. Because first things, first way to get better at any art is practice, practice, practice. If you want to write then start writing and the same for the other areas you mentioned - painting, animation.
Searching the internet will return many good sources of information and free software downloads.
You can take local or online classes and that will help you improve as well. I found an animation site that offers training as well - AnimationMentor. There are a lot of options for where and how to improve your skills. If you want to be an animator you will eventually need to learn animation software. You can get free trial of just about any software there is.
On another internet search I found another software for animation called Aesprite. You can also subscribe to Adobe Creative Suite to get the use of Photoshop and Illustrator.
If you are creating short pieces and characters then you are writing stories, and narratives. They maybe just pieces but still you are creating stories. Will any of the pieces go together to create a large piece or a complete narrative? That's how you can actually write an entire story, by writing scenes in the story and then putting it together. I actually write my stories by writing different scenes - little pieces of the whole story.
Anyway, I guess my advice is search for classes in the skills you want, whether in-person or online, take the classes, take a variety of classes. Also go outside and sit under a tree (or somewhere else) and start drawing what you see. Practice. If you feel like it, make up a story about what you are looking at as you draw.
Kelley Rosenbaum
Apparel Designer
1
Answer
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Kelley’s Answer
Hi Juliet,
I think you have a gift for expression and creativity. It takes time to develop your skills so be patient and practice as much as you can. Take advantage of your everyday life because that is your own individual point of view. All of your experiences are unique to only you. While you are waiting in line, watch the people around you and create a little story to go with the person in front of you. (Is his shirt wrinkled because he dashed out the door after sleeping through the alarm?) Get a small sketch book and draw the people you see. Make notes on the things that inspire you. There are all kinds of inspiration all around you. Take your short stories and add small details to them. The best source of anatomy is already in front of you. Draw your own hand and study how many lines there are your thumb. (Do they change as you bend it? Measure the nail. How many nail lengths is the finger?) Draw as much as possible and use your "spare" time to practice, practice, practice. Scribble on the napkin. Doodle while you listen to music. Continue to ask questions like you did here, and be open to inspiration in everything and anything. Your best friend could be the character. (What did she do that made you laugh?) You will get better the more you continue. All of the paintings that inspire you started with a sketch. Your favorite character was inspired by someone the artist loved. There is no exact formula I can give you. No check list to complete that at the end declares you an ARTIST. You are already an artist. Find your inspiration and ways to express yourself.
I think you have a gift for expression and creativity. It takes time to develop your skills so be patient and practice as much as you can. Take advantage of your everyday life because that is your own individual point of view. All of your experiences are unique to only you. While you are waiting in line, watch the people around you and create a little story to go with the person in front of you. (Is his shirt wrinkled because he dashed out the door after sleeping through the alarm?) Get a small sketch book and draw the people you see. Make notes on the things that inspire you. There are all kinds of inspiration all around you. Take your short stories and add small details to them. The best source of anatomy is already in front of you. Draw your own hand and study how many lines there are your thumb. (Do they change as you bend it? Measure the nail. How many nail lengths is the finger?) Draw as much as possible and use your "spare" time to practice, practice, practice. Scribble on the napkin. Doodle while you listen to music. Continue to ask questions like you did here, and be open to inspiration in everything and anything. Your best friend could be the character. (What did she do that made you laugh?) You will get better the more you continue. All of the paintings that inspire you started with a sketch. Your favorite character was inspired by someone the artist loved. There is no exact formula I can give you. No check list to complete that at the end declares you an ARTIST. You are already an artist. Find your inspiration and ways to express yourself.
Thank you very much for this advice, encouragement and new perspective. I appreciate this very much and I will definitely start to carry a sketch book and try come up with different stories for the people I see. Have a great day. :)
Juliet
Jacqueline Wang (袁瑩穎)
Professional Life Coach | Career Coach | Artist
19
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Jacqueline’s Answer
Hi Juliet,
thank you for sharing your lovely ambitions! I am an artist myself (& still learning ) so I can share some tips i learnt along the way.
1) Enrol in art school - there are fundamental techniques that needs to be learnt - this include colour mixing, how colours complement each others, toning, lighting and types of medium, strokes. Personally without learning from the experts, it is very difficult to interpret what corrections are needed to improve your personal artwork
2) human anatomy - research on books/online about the anatomy. There are rules in proportions. Another important way to learn , is to start sketching away, and observe the lines, nuances. what i have learned is that observation ability is what help artists significantly improve in realism.
3) for animation - manga courses might help. There are free online courses on youtube etc. if you have an ipad or tablet, start doodling away
above it all, it is the # of hours that you spent on your art that will eventually hone your craft. Its an amazing and sometimes frustrating , but once you pick up the brush or pen - you are on the way to start creating magic.
here are some of artwork i did : https://www.instagram.com/living_the_canvas/?igsh=MW15dzgwcjhkOTBlNQ%3D%3D&utm_satatomicource=qr . i wanted to share this because i never thought i could be an artist as i started very late learning that in life :). so, GO FOR IT!
thank you for sharing your lovely ambitions! I am an artist myself (& still learning ) so I can share some tips i learnt along the way.
1) Enrol in art school - there are fundamental techniques that needs to be learnt - this include colour mixing, how colours complement each others, toning, lighting and types of medium, strokes. Personally without learning from the experts, it is very difficult to interpret what corrections are needed to improve your personal artwork
2) human anatomy - research on books/online about the anatomy. There are rules in proportions. Another important way to learn , is to start sketching away, and observe the lines, nuances. what i have learned is that observation ability is what help artists significantly improve in realism.
3) for animation - manga courses might help. There are free online courses on youtube etc. if you have an ipad or tablet, start doodling away
above it all, it is the # of hours that you spent on your art that will eventually hone your craft. Its an amazing and sometimes frustrating , but once you pick up the brush or pen - you are on the way to start creating magic.
here are some of artwork i did : https://www.instagram.com/living_the_canvas/?igsh=MW15dzgwcjhkOTBlNQ%3D%3D&utm_satatomicource=qr . i wanted to share this because i never thought i could be an artist as i started very late learning that in life :). so, GO FOR IT!
Abbas Qamar
Artist
8
Answers
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Abbas’s Answer
To learn more about creating art and storytelling, consider the following steps:
1. *Practice regularly*: Set aside time to draw, write, and experiment with different techniques.
2. *Study the fundamentals*: Learn about human anatomy, color theory, composition, and storytelling structures.
3. *Explore different styles*: Analyze and replicate the techniques of artists and animators you admire.
4. *Join art and writing groups*: Connect with others to share your work, receive feedback, and stay motivated.
5. *Take classes and workshops*: Enroll in online courses or local classes to learn from experts and gain hands-on experience.
6. *Observe and study*: Pay attention to the world around you, observe people, animals, and environments to improve your drawing skills.
7. *Write regularly*: Practice writing stories, scenes, and characters to develop your narrative skills.
8. *Get feedback*: Share your work with others and ask for constructive criticism to improve.
9. *Stay inspired*: Follow art-related content, visit galleries, and explore different mediums to stay motivated.
10. *Be patient and persistent*: Remember that improvement takes time, so keep practicing and experimenting.
Additionally, you can explore online resources like:
- Proko (YouTube) for anatomy and figure drawing
- Skillshare and Udemy for online courses on art and animation
- The Closer Look (YouTube) for storytelling analysis
- Instagram and art communities for inspiration and feedback
Remember, becoming a skilled artist and storyteller takes time, dedication, and passion. Stay focused, persistent, and always keep learning. Good luck!
1. *Practice regularly*: Set aside time to draw, write, and experiment with different techniques.
2. *Study the fundamentals*: Learn about human anatomy, color theory, composition, and storytelling structures.
3. *Explore different styles*: Analyze and replicate the techniques of artists and animators you admire.
4. *Join art and writing groups*: Connect with others to share your work, receive feedback, and stay motivated.
5. *Take classes and workshops*: Enroll in online courses or local classes to learn from experts and gain hands-on experience.
6. *Observe and study*: Pay attention to the world around you, observe people, animals, and environments to improve your drawing skills.
7. *Write regularly*: Practice writing stories, scenes, and characters to develop your narrative skills.
8. *Get feedback*: Share your work with others and ask for constructive criticism to improve.
9. *Stay inspired*: Follow art-related content, visit galleries, and explore different mediums to stay motivated.
10. *Be patient and persistent*: Remember that improvement takes time, so keep practicing and experimenting.
Additionally, you can explore online resources like:
- Proko (YouTube) for anatomy and figure drawing
- Skillshare and Udemy for online courses on art and animation
- The Closer Look (YouTube) for storytelling analysis
- Instagram and art communities for inspiration and feedback
Remember, becoming a skilled artist and storyteller takes time, dedication, and passion. Stay focused, persistent, and always keep learning. Good luck!
Thank you very much and I have a question. Do you have any art communities that I may be able to join? I would greatly appreciate it. Have a good day!
Juliet
Kennedy Brown
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Kennedy’s Answer
From my experience, get inspiration on situations that happen in real life and give your twist on it. For example, when I was a child, I always had imaginary friends. Not that I was lonely, but I thought it would be funny to have someone with me and I have the qualities I always wanted in someone. At my age, I use that time period to come up with stories I think other children would relate to. But to make it more engaging, I would make the friend a magical creature (like in one of my stories, the moon becomes sentient and befriends a teenage girl named Aya).
You can also get inspirations from other pieces of work. They can be books, TV shows, comics, movies, etc. As long as you give it your own spin, it's perfectly fine!
You can also get inspirations from other pieces of work. They can be books, TV shows, comics, movies, etc. As long as you give it your own spin, it's perfectly fine!
Thank you so much for this information! I loved the idea of creating stories from real life experiences and for sure will now look at the world with a new perspective and approach! Have a great day, Kennedy!
Juliet
Mary Patrice Layaoen
Character Modeler/ 3D Artist
43
Answers
Bakersfield, California
Updated
Mary Patrice’s Answer
Hi, Juliet! It’s wonderful to hear about your passion! Art and storytelling also inspired me to pursue art professionally. Here’s a breakdown of some resources and strategies that might help you as you develop your skills:
Anatomy: To start, researching art online can provide you with a wealth of information. I recommend exploring anatomy books or online courses specifically tailored for artists. I recommend checking out Proko on YouTube; they provide excellent resources for building a solid foundation in the basics and fundamentals.
Art Style: To capture a specific animator’s style, closely study their work and practice replicating their techniques. Choose an artist you admire, draw inspiration from their work, and analyze their drawing and compositional methods.
Explore Animation: To deepen your understanding of animation and cartoon styles, explore online courses or tutorials on platforms such as Skillshare or Udemy. You can also take art classes and workshops to gain hands-on experience and receive personalized feedback. Many animators also share their techniques for free on YouTube and LinkedIn Learning.
Writing Stories: For honing your writing skills, studying storytelling techniques and structures can be incredibly helpful. Consider picking up a book on creative writing or enrolling in a course focused on narrative development. Writing prompts and exercises can also spark new ideas. You can also try watching YouTube videos analyzing films or games. I particularly enjoy The Closer Look’s video on "How To Divide A Fanbase - The Last of Us 2".
Join Art and Writing Groups: Connecting with other artists and writers can offer a supportive community and a space to enhance your skills. Look for local or online groups where you can share your work and receive constructive criticism.
Keep practicing your craft, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles. I hope you find these suggestions helpful!
Anatomy: To start, researching art online can provide you with a wealth of information. I recommend exploring anatomy books or online courses specifically tailored for artists. I recommend checking out Proko on YouTube; they provide excellent resources for building a solid foundation in the basics and fundamentals.
Art Style: To capture a specific animator’s style, closely study their work and practice replicating their techniques. Choose an artist you admire, draw inspiration from their work, and analyze their drawing and compositional methods.
Explore Animation: To deepen your understanding of animation and cartoon styles, explore online courses or tutorials on platforms such as Skillshare or Udemy. You can also take art classes and workshops to gain hands-on experience and receive personalized feedback. Many animators also share their techniques for free on YouTube and LinkedIn Learning.
Writing Stories: For honing your writing skills, studying storytelling techniques and structures can be incredibly helpful. Consider picking up a book on creative writing or enrolling in a course focused on narrative development. Writing prompts and exercises can also spark new ideas. You can also try watching YouTube videos analyzing films or games. I particularly enjoy The Closer Look’s video on "How To Divide A Fanbase - The Last of Us 2".
Join Art and Writing Groups: Connecting with other artists and writers can offer a supportive community and a space to enhance your skills. Look for local or online groups where you can share your work and receive constructive criticism.
Keep practicing your craft, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles. I hope you find these suggestions helpful!
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