Art help; Tips for a horrible artist?

dreamer • 27 August 2012 at 4:27 PM

I am a NIGHTMARE when it comes to drawing. When I'm painting a picture, it's always in my mind, and it never comes out the same way on paper. I'm more of a writer; I can perfectly describe something with words, but I definitely can't do it with a color. My mind is my canvas. 8D

But I REALLY want to draw something; I'm horrible at drawing, so is there anything I should do to help improve my skills? Of course, I only have an hour, so nothing too long and drawn-out. 😋

lonewolf • 27 August 2012 at 4:38 PM

@dreamer

I'm sure you're not a nightmare. 😋 And I know how you feel- I'm the same way. I'll see the picture and how I want it to look like in my head and then it'll turn out differently. Start out with drawing things that are simple- don't get into detail until you can draw simple things.

Try drawing an Egg Cave creature or two- they're simple and don't require a lot of work and detail. Another tip, is to practice. Yes, it's cliche but it works. I never believed it until I started drawing more often and practicing and I saw my improvement. Just keep practicing! You don't need to use a professional expensive art pencil or pen- just use what you have. Those don't really make any difference- you can draw just as good with a regular #2 pencil.

And you only have an hour to draw? What-?

cherryish • 27 August 2012 at 4:40 PM

@dreamer Try new things. For example, I saw a lot of people drawing sc (sonic characters) and I thought it would be fun to try it. It turns out I can draw sonic characters pretty good! There is one thing that you can draw that looks amazing, you just have to find it. 😊

lily- • 27 August 2012 at 5:00 PM

@dreamer
I'm sure you're not a nightmare in drawing. Everyone just needs a little practice and I'm sure you'll get better if you do some practice too 😊
To help in your drawing you could always use the help of tracing paper. It can be a lot of help to see how a picture turns out with the help of it and both beginners and advanced artists use it alike 😊
You could also enlist the help of drawing guides on simple and complicated things to understand proportions and sizes.
Anoher thing you could do is when drawing something start on tbe most simplest part of it and add on more details as you advance on your drawing 😊

I hope these tips help and if you need anymore help don't hesitate to ask 😸

karamel • 28 August 2012 at 10:39 AM

@dreamer No one is bad at drawing, we just draw differently!

I used to be the same - I'd create a beautiful creature or idea in my head, then it would be some scribbly mess that looked like a nice monster rather than a gorgeous dragon or something xD

And now, I've practised drawing nature-like things. *pokes status* ow.ly/ddVQl
It's still not completely perfect (nothing is), but seriously, I know EVERYONE says this: practice. Keep in mind that your first few drawings won't be like Mona Lisas.
Also, if you have time to spare, try drawing the body/main part (basic), then adding different parts (still basic), then edit them. I usually sketch things first, then when I've completely finished ALL the sketching and it looks neater, I outline it.

Start with the lining (lineart) first 😉 (Kind of common sense, but just reminding you.)

chapus • 28 August 2012 at 2:11 PM

@dreamer Don't say that! I'm sure you are good at drawing. ^-^

Well, since you asked for tips, here are a few:

-Try copying simple things, like a drawer or landscape! Just don't copy something too complex. Why? This is a good technique to get used to drawing different forms.

-Take a blank paper and draw multiple lines and forms. NOT objects, just things like squares, waves, circles, ect. Like copying, this will make you see many different forms and practice them.

-Practice! This is what EVERYONE does. Start by practicing shapes and forms, then move to continuing to draw different items.

takaedakumi • 28 August 2012 at 2:19 PM

@dreamer Everyone has pretty much told you everything I would have. ^^

So, I'll just tell you something I do that helps me try harder. Not to mention it's totally easy to do!

Just take one of your first drawings, one of the ones you think is a horrible picture, and just look at it. You'll be motivated to draw better~ you might even redraw the picture itself! I could show you my own improvements sometime if you'd like. That will take a lot of guts though, my older drawings are crap, no lie.

candyluver6789 • 28 August 2012 at 8:06 PM

@dreamer I'm not a very 'Professional Artist', But I know when I see art. I've always, And still is, jealous of my big sister's drawings. She draws cartoons amazingly and kind of realistic drawings really good, too.

My tips are to keep practicing with what your good at, (Cartoons, Realistic characters, etc.), Sometimes even try redrawing your old drawings and it might come out even better!

My other tips is to try and draw something easy, first. And always NEVER rush your drawings! It always turns out bad if you try and rush.

Also, try and feel confident in yourself, Don't say "I'm horrible at drawing and I'll never be good." because, It's not true!

Always note, No one is perfect the first time. Also, if you try and look at the room your in and try to do everything in there in one big rush, it's never going to turn out perfect.

Sometimes even try to listen to music, That makes me calm down and not try to rush. And if your good at writing on paper, You'll be good at drawing, too!

I hope this helps! 😊

cat • 28 August 2012 at 8:11 PM

@dreamer Observe things. I used to draw terribly too, but then I just sat and looked at my cats, and now, I think I draw them well.