Quite often you will hear that not everyone can become an artist. However that is not the truth, since everybody can learn how to draw, if they put enough effort into it.
Unfortunately, the majority of young artists tend to make the same mistakes due to the lack of experience, but to help you avoid those mistakes we put some useful tips together. Keep those in mind and they will help you out on your artistic journey! And remember that every artist goes through this stage and most likely learning from their own mistakes.
1. Learn the basics.
As obvious as it sounds, that is the main and the most important step. No matter how talented you might be, it is essential to know the basics of drawing, such as composition, anatomy/figure, perspective, volume, light etc. Without this knowledge it will be almost impossible to call yourself a professional artist.
2. Look up to the best ones.
You might have a friend or a few, who can draw pretty well, however don’t rush into comparing your works to theirs. Instead go through and study biographies of well-known artists, attend professional art exhibitions, visit website of popular modern artists, so that way you both will get inspired and learn the skills from the best ones.
3. Take the critique rationally.
First of all, some people may just not understand your artwork what can happen with any artist. Secondly, if the critique is being constructive, it’s a good idea to take it in. However if you’ll take every single negative feedback too seriously, you’re most likely to loose your motivation and give up.
4. Put your mind into it.
If you’re only starting out as an artist, it’s a good idea to think of what meaning you’re putting into your art. What are your trying to say with your work? What is the story behind it? There has to be something that you can give people, to receive their attention back.
5. Put you imagination on a canvas.
Nowadays, there is not much point in just copying what you see around you, since we have all sort of cameras and smartphones that can do the job. That means artists now have more freedom to create abstract works, or anything they can possibly think of. Use this opportunity!
6. Choose your friends wisely.
And by that I don’t just mean those who can practically help you succeed in the industry, but those people who won’t slow you down. Every creative person knows that feeling, when certain people somehow can affect your inspiration and desire to create. Think what is more important to you, a night out drinking beer or time spent working on your art? Things like this can slow you down and create nothing but another artist’s block.
7. Never stop improving your skills.
“ I’ve reached perfection!” – said no great artist ever, because there is no limit where you can totally master your skill. Therefore, never stop learning and work on improving your art all the time.
8. Read books.
Don’t limit your home library down to books only about drawing or painting, make sure to spend some time reading good old fiction as well. It can get you inspired and develop your imagination. Think about it, what can be a better muse, than diving in to the unknown world.
9. Stop making excuses.
Instead of making up another excuse, why you are not doing what you supposed to be doing, think of how many times a day you’re telling yourself “ I’ve not done this because”.
10. Make sure to take breaks.
Mind activity requires as much energy as the physical one, so make sure you pause and get some rest form your work, otherwise you’re risking to get burnt out and loose your motivation.
11. Get enough sleep.
For exact same reason as above, it is not worth sacrificing your sleep in order to make art. By neglecting your rest time, you will stop you brain work properly and all you’re going to think of is sleep.
12. Stop trying to make everything look perfect.
Have a look at some works of the great artists and try to find perfect lines and shapes. I bet you’ll fail. Trying to make a perfect drawing, won’t give you much results, but a headache. Instead try to experiment with different styles and shapes, in order to understand, which technique works for you best.
13. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
If you’re used to watch dramas, see if you like a comedy this time. Love rock music? How about giving jazz a go? New experience is an eternal source of inspiration. Quit being conservative and being focused on one thing only.
14. Be a realist.
Nothing worth doing was ever easy, so don’t give up if in a couple of years of practice, you can’t reach the stars yet. Unfortunately, it is not enough to just draw 10 people figures, you will have to make hundreds and even thousands, in order to get the right results.
15. Pay attention to the world around you.
Whenever you take a stroll in some of the familiar places, see if you can find some details that you have never seen before. This little exercise can help you to notice every little bug on your way, and who knows may be one of them will become your next muse!
We hope those tips will be helpful on your artistic journey! All the best luck.
Artlova Hub Team
