Skoomacat wrote:hey do you have any tips for an aspiring artist?
Hecck yeah I do! (I'm finally relevant, hooray!!)
FIRSTLY THOUGH!!!! This is my opinion, which contradicts many other people's opinions. Take it with a grain of salt. I am one of millions of artists who all have different ideas.
That being said, here's tips for beginning artists:
1) Use references/draw from life.... A LOT
The purpose of this is not necessarily to learn how to draw "traditionally" or even how draw people or specific objects (while doing this will also accomplish both of those things). What drawing from life or using references is really useful for is increasing your observational skills which is helpful for any type of visual art. Figure drawing is almost a necessity if you want to draw anatomically correct people.
2) Know improvements don't come quickly, but will come eventually
Beginning artists often compare themselves to really established artists who are either older than them or have much more experience than they have. While looking at really cool art is fine, it's a good way to get discouraged easily. Know that if you keep drawing, improvements WILL happen eventually.
Here's the first drawing of cerulean that I can find if you want to see my improvement over 7 years: LINK
Here's a drawing of her now: LINK
3) Try everything!
Don't limit yourself to one style or medium. If you are completely new to art or don't like your current style, you try to emulate someone else's. DO NOT post that art without proper credit if the style or subject is extremely similar to the original picture. Tracing or copying art is not emulation.
4) Art block????
If you can't motivate yourself to draw, there are a few things you can do. One thing that helps is listening to music with lyrics. Another thing that also helps is watching a speedpaint. Something about watching someone else draw makes you want to draw usually? Finding a drawing prompt is also nice. If none of these things work, just wait for a bit. You will feel in the mood again soon.
5) Do a lot of art.
Self explanatory, but if you want to get better at art, do some art. Doodle on the margins, draw a ton of sketches quickly! Don't get caught up on mistakes or "bad" drawings. It's like that I've heard in advanced pottery classes they'll have you destroy the first 100 pots you make. The lesson here is that you shouldn't get too attached to a single work of art. This will just hold you back.
^^^^ I might add to these later. Please ask more questions about this is you want!
