Help with drawing

Foxfire21 · 11-07-2009, 01:11 PM

As you can see I'm 17 years old and I love to draw and write, but right now my problem is not writing.

I started to draw since beginning (like 6 or 7) and I loved it. It wasn't special, you know doodles of my parents, teachers, animals and so on. I didn't officially started to draw until the 5th grade. I found a how to draw book of animals, people and anime. I would trace but eventually branch off from that.

I really loved to draw all my characters that I created and I made backgrounds for all of them. I then at the age of 12 joined an art site called DeviantART( my site --> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] ). I drew simple stuff and not a lot of people flocked to them. It was hurtful but I kept on drawing. I would draw things just like that, i did have my stressful times but i got through it. now 5 years later, it takes me a miracle to draw something.

When I have an Idea I hesitate and procrastinate to the drawing having a what if in my mind. Like "what if it's not good?" or "What If I it doesn't come out how I pictured it?". This leads to unfinished drawings and Idea not yet to be seen. I've started doubting my greatness of drawing and become lazy about it. And the sad part is that I want to become an Animator, Illustrator, Writer, Producer and Director. I want to see my drawing come to life and be seen in comic books and cartoons. My whole family has full support in me and does my friends. But I don't want to have doubt in my heart in something I've loved to do.

What should I do? How can I break this doubt that I have?

ResonanceTheory · 11-07-2009, 01:20 PM

The solution is just to do it. If you have an idea about a drawing, sketch it out. That's why artists have sketchbooks. It doesn't really matter whether or not people like it, because your art should be for you, something you enjoy doing as a release. If your goal is to become famous, then you're not really doing it for the right reasons.

Tetsuo_Shima · 11-07-2009, 01:23 PM

HEY! now this I can identify with, all through elementary and high school I was always found with a drawing kit hanging from my shoulder like a big man purse fiddling away drawing just about everything. Now 'days that kit sits by the wall and i hardly draw but I do on the odd occasion. It's hard to find inspiration isn't it? Things that help me are taking walks on nice days and just watching people do what they do. Or go to an art museum or movie with artistic abundance. Music helps too if you jump outside the normal box. Instrumental music does this really well as it's entirely up to the imagination what the song is about. Whilst I don't have a deviant art I do have a few pics online. If you'd like to see some of my work I'd be glad to show you some.

As for the fear of others not liking it. I had to get over that as well just like all art mediums. Do it in small doses, first draw what is on your mind, and show it to a friend or two, then work your way up to the bigger scales like online. As an artist you'll draw about a thousand crappy pictures before you draw that one great one. WE are our own worst critic. Utter Perfectionists. The key here is to realize that some will like it some will hate it. But what it comes down to is DO YOU LIKE IT? If you do what difference does it make about others. Art is just our selves trying to convey our thoughts and emotions where words fail us. SO let the soul speak. Put your heart in to it and it will never truely be a failure.

KG · 11-07-2009, 01:30 PM

My son will write down his idea of his drawing, then elaborate on it, until in his mind he is seeing it, the way he wants. Then he will rough sketch a few times, and finally gets the goods.

He had an A in Art, and his work was used in an exhibition. He's 14

randomgirl59 · 11-07-2009, 04:24 PM

I recently graduated an animation program, and to get into one (and I'm sure you know this already) you need to submit a portfolio. Its important that you practice, practice, practice!!! draw everyday, dont be afraid of making mistakes, because the more you practice and the more mistakes you make, the closer it will get you improving your work.

Try not to think about it in terms of "what if someone doesn't like it" or "what if it doesn't turn out good" cuz that will always slow you down. Stay focused on your goals and forget everything else. While Deviantart is great, its also a bit of a popularity contest and a lot of people say the same.

One thing that I was taught at school and is generally advised to aspiring artists: draw from life. Draw people, draw animals, draw objects, draw places, draw bulidings, etc. Dont just focus on drawing from your imagination. I know how tough it is if you dont like doing it, I dont like doing it to this day, but I wish I had done it more because it would have made me a better artist. I can tell you though, your work is a lot better than mine was at 17.

I can relate to what you're going through though, especially with painting digitally..I've started so many paintings but dont finish them because I'm scared of the same things- what if I screw up? what if people hate it? etc...but..it doesn't really get me anywhere does it? I was always a traditional sort of artist, but everything is with computers nowadays.

Persistance, hard work and constant practice are the 3 main things that will get you far as an artist, so keep at it!!

Seymore · 11-07-2009, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foxfire21

As you can see I'm 17 years old and I love to draw and write, but right now my problem is not writing.

I started to draw since beginning (like 6 or 7) and I loved it. It wasn't special, you know doodles of my parents, teachers, animals and so on. I didn't officially started to draw until the 5th grade. I found a how to draw book of animals, people and anime. I would trace but eventually branch off from that.

I really loved to draw all my characters that I created and I made backgrounds for all of them. I then at the age of 12 joined an art site called DeviantART( my site --> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] ). I drew simple stuff and not a lot of people flocked to them. It was hurtful but I kept on drawing. I would draw things just like that, i did have my stressful times but i got through it. now 5 years later, it takes me a miracle to draw something.

When I have an Idea I hesitate and procrastinate to the drawing having a what if in my mind. Like "what if it's not good?" or "What If I it doesn't come out how I pictured it?". This leads to unfinished drawings and Idea not yet to be seen. I've started doubting my greatness of drawing and become lazy about it. And the sad part is that I want to become an Animator, Illustrator, Writer, Producer and Director. I want to see my drawing come to life and be seen in comic books and cartoons. My whole family has full support in me and does my friends. But I don't want to have doubt in my heart in something I've loved to do.

What should I do? How can I break this doubt that I have?

I love to draw as well, but I definitely have my moments of "drawer's block" and things of that sort. Not exactly what it seems you have, and you seem to still have the desire to draw, which is good. Anyway, I highlighted a couple of the things that stood out to me. People are going to come along and flat-out tell you "This is no good." It's something you need to get used to. I remember my first life drawing teacher told me "This sucks" about a drawing of mine. Flat-out, just like that, and I'll never forget it or how my heart sank when I heard it. It tore me up for weeks, until I realized: I was getting all A's & B's in art school. Obviously I don't suck, he just didn't like one thing I drew, and you can't bat 1,000 at everything, no matter how good you are.

One thing I learned from that is how I cared far too much about impressing people with my drawings. Something to keep in mind is that what one person says is terrible, another could think it's their favorite drawing of yours. I've gotten to the point where if someone doesn't like it, I don't care, and if someone DOES like it...well, good for them. Glad they like it, but still - I don't care. I'm not drawing for them, I'm drawing for me.

Now - in a case where a client is PAYING me to design something for them, of course I care what they think - they're paying for it. If they don't like it, I don't get paid. But that's a slightly different situation.

If you love it, DRAW. Yes, there will be doubts and there will be times you can't get it right or can't figure out WHAT to draw, and that's ok. Maybe if you are drawing something and can't get it right, take it in a different direction. For example - say you're drawing a cat. You just can't get the eyes right. So draw the eyes in some crazy way and you might find yourself liking how the eyes turn out, then from there you may find yourself going over the rest of your drawing and turning it into something even more imaginative than when you started!

Good luck!

Tarkan · 11-07-2009, 04:59 PM

Hey Foxy,

First of all I'd like to say that I really like your kind of cartoonish drawing. I used to make comics for my class, back at the age of 12, so it's really something I respect.

Where to start ? You'd like to be an animator ? Well you could try to make flash animations. Your drawingstyle really fits for that kind of animations. The program is aviable for cheap money ( or free ? ) so that's not a problem normally. You should also get "simple" programs like Adobe Illustrator, Adobe After effect and Photoshop. The last one can be pretty expansive but I'm sure you know some people that could give you a free copy ! ( Not like the compagnies have a shortage of money anyway lol ).

You can then buy a book about how to work with these programs, look for free tutorials on the internet or just learn from people you know. I'll give you the link for the mothersite of all flash animations. It's a great place to watch movies but also contact animators.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

As for the feelings you have, well I can't really add anything else

Keep drawing, do it alot. Buy a sketchbook in a store and draw any interesting thing you see. At first, you'll feel frustration ( After many years even I still do ahaha ) but it will only harden your resolve to improve ! Don't let it take you down. How do you wanna learn if you never fail ? You'd have to be the perfect men. Even Leonardo Da Vinci used to be a failure at some point

Hell, Van Gogh never sold any of his paintings ( exept a few to his own brother ).

It's all one big trial-and-error phase.

Like the other's said: Just Do it ! Try new things ! Draw something that you'd never dear. God, you'll feel so good after it's done.

And also very important, something I still have trouble with myself:

Don't compare yourself with other's. Your art can be unique. That's how you can create something that has never been done.

Good luck !

bulletproof · 11-07-2009, 08:05 PM

You are at an amazing turning point in your life right now- I wish I had ignored all my self-doubt at 17 and worked hard on my art instead of letting it lie dormant for so long because I was scared.

I know it's easier said than done, but you have to forget about what other people think. This is crucial when it comes to things like art, which is extremely subjective. Practice as often as you can and take the advice of another poster who said to draw from life. This will give you technical skill and make you more confident when you go to draw purely from imagination.

It always helps me to look up stories about famous people who failed (and all of them have) before they finally succeeded. There are tons of artists, musicians, actors, who were told at some point by someone that they were terrible at their craft and should stop, but they kept going.

Read artists' biographies and watch documentaries and really immerse yourself in everything about art and you will just find yourself getting better and better and more and more inspired.

11-07-2009, 01:11 PM	#1
Foxfire21 Offline Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: I live Somewhere... Gender: Female Age: 17 Posts: 25	Help with drawing As you can see I'm 17 years old and I love to draw and write, but right now my problem is not writing. I started to draw since beginning (like 6 or 7) and I loved it. It wasn't special, you know doodles of my parents, teachers, animals and so on. I didn't officially started to draw until the 5th grade. I found a how to draw book of animals, people and anime. I would trace but eventually branch off from that. I really loved to draw all my characters that I created and I made backgrounds for all of them. I then at the age of 12 joined an art site called DeviantART( my site --> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] ). I drew simple stuff and not a lot of people flocked to them. It was hurtful but I kept on drawing. I would draw things just like that, i did have my stressful times but i got through it. now 5 years later, it takes me a miracle to draw something. When I have an Idea I hesitate and procrastinate to the drawing having a what if in my mind. Like "what if it's not good?" or "What If I it doesn't come out how I pictured it?". This leads to unfinished drawings and Idea not yet to be seen. I've started doubting my greatness of drawing and become lazy about it. And the sad part is that I want to become an Animator, Illustrator, Writer, Producer and Director. I want to see my drawing come to life and be seen in comic books and cartoons. My whole family has full support in me and does my friends. But I don't want to have doubt in my heart in something I've loved to do. What should I do? How can I break this doubt that I have?

11-07-2009, 01:20 PM	#2
ResonanceTheory Online Gold Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Florida Gender: Female Posts: 872	The solution is just to do it. If you have an idea about a drawing, sketch it out. That's why artists have sketchbooks. It doesn't really matter whether or not people like it, because your art should be for you, something you enjoy doing as a release. If your goal is to become famous, then you're not really doing it for the right reasons. __________________ "The Ghost made a sound something between a sob and a snarl. " I wish I'd never been born" it said. "What are we born for?" "For infinite happiness," said the spirit. "You can step out into it at any moment...." -C.S. Lewis, "The Great Divorce"

11-07-2009, 01:23 PM	#3
Tetsuo_Shima Offline Bronze Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: ontario Gender: Male Age: 24 Posts: 100	HEY! now this I can identify with, all through elementary and high school I was always found with a drawing kit hanging from my shoulder like a big man purse fiddling away drawing just about everything. Now 'days that kit sits by the wall and i hardly draw but I do on the odd occasion. It's hard to find inspiration isn't it? Things that help me are taking walks on nice days and just watching people do what they do. Or go to an art museum or movie with artistic abundance. Music helps too if you jump outside the normal box. Instrumental music does this really well as it's entirely up to the imagination what the song is about. Whilst I don't have a deviant art I do have a few pics online. If you'd like to see some of my work I'd be glad to show you some. As for the fear of others not liking it. I had to get over that as well just like all art mediums. Do it in small doses, first draw what is on your mind, and show it to a friend or two, then work your way up to the bigger scales like online. As an artist you'll draw about a thousand crappy pictures before you draw that one great one. WE are our own worst critic. Utter Perfectionists. The key here is to realize that some will like it some will hate it. But what it comes down to is DO YOU LIKE IT? If you do what difference does it make about others. Art is just our selves trying to convey our thoughts and emotions where words fail us. SO let the soul speak. Put your heart in to it and it will never truely be a failure. __________________ A name doesn't define us, it is merely words floating on crimson winds..."-can ya beleave i made that one myself? "He who walks with out a scar upon his heart is not yet a man, but a shallow soul indeed"

11-07-2009, 01:30 PM	#4
KG Online Platinum Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 2 miles east of Hicksville Gender: Male Posts: 4,905	My son will write down his idea of his drawing, then elaborate on it, until in his mind he is seeing it, the way he wants. Then he will rough sketch a few times, and finally gets the goods. He had an A in Art, and his work was used in an exhibition. He's 14 __________________ Life is just a word until you go through it. I've got the scars to prove it.

11-07-2009, 04:59 PM	#7
Tarkan Offline Silver Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Somewhere in Europe Gender: Male Age: 24 Posts: 414	Hey Foxy, First of all I'd like to say that I really like your kind of cartoonish drawing. I used to make comics for my class, back at the age of 12, so it's really something I respect. Where to start ? You'd like to be an animator ? Well you could try to make flash animations. Your drawingstyle really fits for that kind of animations. The program is aviable for cheap money ( or free ? ) so that's not a problem normally. You should also get "simple" programs like Adobe Illustrator, Adobe After effect and Photoshop. The last one can be pretty expansive but I'm sure you know some people that could give you a free copy ! ( Not like the compagnies have a shortage of money anyway lol ). You can then buy a book about how to work with these programs, look for free tutorials on the internet or just learn from people you know. I'll give you the link for the mothersite of all flash animations. It's a great place to watch movies but also contact animators. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] As for the feelings you have, well I can't really add anything else Keep drawing, do it alot. Buy a sketchbook in a store and draw any interesting thing you see. At first, you'll feel frustration ( After many years even I still do ahaha ) but it will only harden your resolve to improve ! Don't let it take you down. How do you wanna learn if you never fail ? You'd have to be the perfect men. Even Leonardo Da Vinci used to be a failure at some point Hell, Van Gogh never sold any of his paintings ( exept a few to his own brother ). It's all one big trial-and-error phase. Like the other's said: Just Do it ! Try new things ! Draw something that you'd never dear. God, you'll feel so good after it's done. And also very important, something I still have trouble with myself: Don't compare yourself with other's. Your art can be unique. That's how you can create something that has never been done. Good luck ! __________________ I have never found anything perfect in life but sometimes we have to put up with the sxxt...the best roses grow in the rottenist sxxt. just dont breathe in too deeply. - Trezz

11-07-2009, 04:24 PM	#5
randomgirl59 Offline Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: one big dark room Gender: Female Posts: 162	I recently graduated an animation program, and to get into one (and I'm sure you know this already) you need to submit a portfolio. Its important that you practice, practice, practice!!! draw everyday, dont be afraid of making mistakes, because the more you practice and the more mistakes you make, the closer it will get you improving your work. Try not to think about it in terms of "what if someone doesn't like it" or "what if it doesn't turn out good" cuz that will always slow you down. Stay focused on your goals and forget everything else. While Deviantart is great, its also a bit of a popularity contest and a lot of people say the same. One thing that I was taught at school and is generally advised to aspiring artists: draw from life. Draw people, draw animals, draw objects, draw places, draw bulidings, etc. Dont just focus on drawing from your imagination. I know how tough it is if you dont like doing it, I dont like doing it to this day, but I wish I had done it more because it would have made me a better artist. I can tell you though, your work is a lot better than mine was at 17. I can relate to what you're going through though, especially with painting digitally..I've started so many paintings but dont finish them because I'm scared of the same things- what if I screw up? what if people hate it? etc...but..it doesn't really get me anywhere does it? I was always a traditional sort of artist, but everything is with computers nowadays. Persistance, hard work and constant practice are the 3 main things that will get you far as an artist, so keep at it!!

11-07-2009, 08:05 PM	#8
bulletproof Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,027	You are at an amazing turning point in your life right now- I wish I had ignored all my self-doubt at 17 and worked hard on my art instead of letting it lie dormant for so long because I was scared. I know it's easier said than done, but you have to forget about what other people think. This is crucial when it comes to things like art, which is extremely subjective. Practice as often as you can and take the advice of another poster who said to draw from life. This will give you technical skill and make you more confident when you go to draw purely from imagination. It always helps me to look up stories about famous people who failed (and all of them have) before they finally succeeded. There are tons of artists, musicians, actors, who were told at some point by someone that they were terrible at their craft and should stop, but they kept going. Read artists' biographies and watch documentaries and really immerse yourself in everything about art and you will just find yourself getting better and better and more and more inspired. __________________ A lot is two words. Prolly is not a word at all. Immerse your soul in love.