How to Start Learning to Draw—Tips for Beginner Artists

So, you’ve decided to learn how to draw—or maybe you’ve already started and are feeling a little stuck. Either way, welcome! You’re in the right place. 🤗

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Anyone Can Learn to Draw

Let’s clear something up right now: drawing isn’t some mystical talent you’re either born with or not. It’s a skill—one that anyone can learn with the right mindset, a little patience, and consistent practice. Whether you’re starting from scratch or picking up where you left off, you can improve. And this guide is here to show you how.

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About this Guide

Before we dive in, let’s set the stage. We’ll briefly cover what this guide is about, what it’s not, and who it’s for. After that, we’ll jump straight into the essentials of learning to draw. Let’s get started! 🚀

What’s This Article About?

Starting to draw can be incredibly rewarding, but let’s be honest—it can also feel overwhelming. With endless tutorials, techniques, and styles out there, it’s easy to get lost before you even make progress. That’s why I created this article: to cut through the noise and give you a clear, structured starting point. Think of it as your friendly roadmap to learning how to draw—without the frustration.

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Who Is This Article For?

This guide is for anyone looking to take their drawing skills more seriously. If you simply enjoy drawing for fun and relaxation without worrying about rapid progress, that’s absolutely fine! Drawing is a wonderful way to unwind, and there’s no need to overthink it. But if you’re committed to improving—whether you aspire to sketch portraits, design characters, or anything else—you’ll need some structure. That’s where this guide comes in. It’s designed to help you build a strong foundation and develop your skills over time.

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What This Article Is—And What It’s Not

This isn’t a step-by-step tutorial on how to draw a specific thing (like a face, a tree, or a cat). Instead, it’s a beginner’s guide to learning how to draw anything. It’s about setting yourself up for success, understanding the fundamentals, and creating a practice routine that works for you. If you’re looking for a quick fix or a magic formula, this might not be the right fit. But if you’re ready to put in the work and see steady progress, you’re in the right place.

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There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Way

Before we finally dive in, I want to make something clear: there’s no one-size-fits-all way to learn how to draw. Keep in mind, everyone is different. We all have unique interests, strengths, and weaknesses. For example, some people grasp perspective easily, while others excel at shading or have a natural sense of composition. Your background, experience level, and artistic goals will also shape your journey.

That’s why I want to emphasize that this is your journey, and it will look different from anyone else’s. However, there are universal principles and common pitfalls that apply to everyone. My goal is to give you a solid foundation, practical advice, and a sense of direction so you can confidently explore the art world on your own terms.

So, with that said, let’s get to the first tip!

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Alright, let’s get to why we’re here—to learn how to start drawing! Grab a cup of coffee or tea, get comfortable, and let’s dive in! 🍵

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The First Steps

Alright, let’s get to why we’re here—to learn how to start drawing! Grab a cup of coffee or tea, get comfortable, and let’s dive in! 🍵

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Two Keys for Success

When it comes to learning to draw, two key factors are essential for success. Without these, all tutorials, guides, tips, materials, or any other resources become virtually useless. First, practice regularly, and second, stay consistent over a long period of time. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Practice Regularly

   Make drawing an (almost) daily habit. I say “almost” because life happens, and setting rigid goals can sometimes create unnecessary pressure. But the best way to improve at drawing is to practice as often as you can—ideally every day. If you can’t draw every single day, no worries. What matters is that you keep going and make it a regular part of your routine. So, aim to make drawing a habit—but be kind to yourself if you miss a day or two. The important thing is to stick with it!

2. Stay Consistent

   It doesn’t help much to draw every day for hours over three weeks, only to take a year-long break afterward. Improvement comes from steady, consistent practice over time. Choose a pace and a daily time commitment that feels sustainable for the long haul.And by "long haul," I mean months—ideally, years. Start small! Focus on building the habit first, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. Once you’re comfortable, you can gradually extend your sessions and find a rhythm that works for you.

These two elements—regular practice and consistency—are the secret sauce to mastering drawing, or any skill for that matter. Progress isn’t about cramming in hours of work all at once; it’s about showing up, day after day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Think of it like planting a seed: you water it a little every day, and over time, it grows into something amazing. Stay patient, keep going, and trust that your efforts will pay off!

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Just start

If there’s one piece of advice you take away from this article, let it be this: just start.

It sounds simple—maybe even obvious—but whether it’s your first step into the world of drawing or the beginning of a new sketch, the hardest part is often getting started. Overthinking can be your biggest enemy. You don’t need a perfect plan, flawless execution, or even a clear idea of what you want to draw. All you need is to pick up your pencil (or stylus) and put it to paper (or screen). Here’s the truth: your first attempts don’t have to be perfect. In fact, they won’t be perfect—and that’s okay. What matters is that you begin. Every time you show up and start, you’re building momentum. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to take that first step.

So, don’t wait for the “perfect” moment, the “perfect” tools, or the “perfect” idea. They don’t exist. The magic happens when you stop waiting and start creating. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

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Get Your Tools

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Keep it Simple

When it comes to your tools: keep it simple, especially in the beginning.

There are countless articles and tutorials about the "best" pencils, erasers, sharpeners, sketchbooks, and so on. Even with just paper, you could spend hours researching the perfect thickness, size, color, and texture. Sure, those details might matter if you’ve been drawing for years and are looking to squeeze every bit of quality out of your work. But when you’re just starting out, you don’t need all that.

When I first started drawing, my work looked like something a 3-year-old might proudly tape to the fridge! No fancy paper, high-end pencils, or a $3,000 tablet would have made a difference back then.

For traditional drawing, all you need is a 2B pencil, an eraser, a sharpener, and some plain printer paper. That’s it! No frills, no fuss. I admit, digital drawing can be a bit trickier because tools can affect the experience. Maybe I’ll make a guide on picking the right tools someday, but for now, you can find plenty of great advice on YouTube. One more thing about digital drawing: a common beginner mistake is falling into the "ultimate brush pack" trap—spending hours searching for the perfect brushes. Trust me, a basic set with just a few brushes is more than enough when you’re starting out. Less is more.

And if you’re wondering whether to draw traditionally or digitally, there’s no right or wrong answer. If you have the option, try both and see which feels best. Want to start as cheaply as possible? Go traditional—printer paper and a pencil are all you need to dive in.

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Tools for Traditional Drawing

Note: I have a Focus on Classic Drawing

Paper

Pencil

H HB B

Sharpener

Regurlar

Long Tip

Electric

Eraser

Exploring further

Charcoal, Marker, Watercolor, Coping, Oil, …

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Tools for Digital Drawing

Hardware

Tablet with Screen

Tablet without Screen

Software

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Building Your Skillsets

Here has to follow a text. 🎯

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Intentional Studying and Practicing vs. Just Drawing

So, here we are—you’ve started drawing and are showing up regularly. Great! But now you might be wondering, What should I actually do during my drawing time? This is where it helps to understand the difference between intentional studying and practicing versus just drawing for fun. Both are valuable, but they serve different purposes.

When you’re “just drawing,” your goal is to enjoy, relax, or whatever feels right for you—and that’s super important! This is the time to let your creativity run free, explore your ideas, and have fun with the process. But if you want to improve specific skills—like proportions, shading, or anatomy—you’ll need to balance this with intentional study and focused exercises.

Intentional studying means practicing with a clear goal in mind—your building your skillsets. For example, instead of simply sketching a character, you might spend time learning how to draw hands or practicing perspective. It’s about breaking things down into smaller challenges so you can improve step by step.

But don’t worry—you don’t need to turn every drawing session into a study session. A good balance is key. Spend some time practicing specific skills, but leave room to draw just for fun. The two work hand in hand: studying gives you the tools to level up, and drawing for fun keeps your passion alive.

So, mix it up! Draw what you love, but also take time to focus on areas where you want to grow.

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Technical Skills vs. Knowledge Skills

When it comes to drawing, two core skill sets work together like best friends: technical skills and knowledge skills. Understanding the difference between the two can help you focus your efforts and improve more effectively.

Technical Skills

These are the physical abilities that come with practice and repetition—what people often call “mileage.” They include:

• Hand-Eye Coordination: Mastering the connection between what you see and how your hand moves.

• Smooth Lines: Drawing clean, confident strokes without hesitation.

• Seeing (A-)Symmetry: Spotting balance—or purposeful imbalance—in your work.

• Perceiving Space and Distance: Judging proportions and spatial relationships with accuracy.

You build technical skills by doing. It’s about putting in the hours, drawing consistently, and letting your hand and brain learn to work as a team. The more you draw, the more natural these skills become. This skill set develops naturally, even through “just drawing,” although you can speed up the process with targeted exercises (more on that later).

Knowledge Skills

These are the theoretical foundations that guide your work—the "why" and "how" behind what you’re creating. Knowledge skills include:

• Perspective: Understanding depth, vanishing points, and spatial relationships.

• Light & Color: Learning how light interacts with surfaces and how colors harmonize (or contrast) effectively.

• Anatomy: Knowing the structure and movement of the human body—or whatever subject you’re tackling.

Building knowledge skills means studying. Dive into tutorials, books, and other resources to learn the concepts behind your art. It’s about gaining insight so you can apply it intentionally in your work. However, knowledge alone isn’t enough. To truly improve, you must apply what you learn through practice.

By combining technical and knowledge skills, you’ll grow as an artist in both ability and understanding. So, keep practicing, keep learning, and watch how the two come together to transform your art over time!

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Focus on Improving Your Skills, Not Creating Masterpieces

So, you’ve learned about the different skill sets, which brings us to the next tip:

In the beginning, don’t stress about creating perfect artwork (you should never stress out about it anyway). But seriously—your focus should be on learning and improving, not on making your drawings look “good.” Trust me, your work in the months and years ahead will definitely look better than what you’re creating today, and that’s the whole point!

At this stage, the goal is to build skills, experiment, and understand the fundamentals. You’re learning, and that’s where the magic happens. Over time, your drawings will improve, and you’ll naturally develop your own style and rhythm.

Oh, did I say fundamentals?

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The Fundamentals

Here has to follow a text… Now more Guesswork ⁉

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Intro to the Fundamentals

Yeah, yeah, the fundamentals... sounds boring, right? But hear me out—they are everything. Seriously, if you want to get better at drawing, these basics are the building blocks for everything else.

It might not sound as exciting as mastering your own unique style or creating your first masterpiece, but trust me, getting the fundamentals down will make a huge difference in your art. Things like line quality, shape, proportion, perspective, and shading might seem simple, but they’re the foundation of all your future work. Without a solid grasp of these core concepts, it’s like trying to build a house without a strong foundation—it just won’t hold up!

So, while it might not feel as “fun” in the moment, take the time to focus on mastering these basics. Once you do, everything else will fall into place more easily, and you’ll find yourself improving much faster than you thought.

If you ask me, the most important fundamentals for beginners are:

• Lines: The foundation of any drawing. Mastering clean, confident lines in any direction or form will make everything else easier.

• Perspective: Understanding how objects exist in space and how they interact with one another will instantly elevate your drawings.

• Structure (Construction and Deconstruction): Breaking down objects into simple shapes and understanding their structure makes drawing anything far easier.

It’s also helpful to develop a good understanding of light & shadow and, if you’d like to, color theory.

As you progress, you’ll encounter advanced concepts like shape design, edges, texture, composition, space, balance, flow, and more. These are important, but trying to tackle them all at once can be overwhelming. My advice? Start with lines, perspective, and structure. Once you’re confident in those, you’ll have a strong foundation to dive into the more complex topics as your skills grow.

Lines, Perspective, and Structure

Now that we’ve chosen our top three fundamentals—lines, perspective, and structure—let’s dive into how to improve them. I’m going to give you some short tips to get you started, but keep in mind that each of these fundamentals could easily fill an entire article or tutorial (maybe I’ll do that later). For now, here are some ideas and strategies to kick off your improvement journey. You might want to do some extra research on YouTube or other platforms to really dig deeper into each one!

Lines

To improve your line work, it’s all about finding the right balance between control and confidence. This can be tricky at first, but here’s the deal: control means you can guide your hand to draw the line you want, while confidence means your lines aren’t shaky or hesitant—they have a bit of flow and tempo, resulting in smooth, bold strokes.

The key to improving line work is, unsurprisingly, practice. There are tons of line exercises out there, but don’t overthink it. Start simple: draw straight lines, curves, shapes, circles, ovals—you name it. Then move on to exercises like connecting two points with a single stroke or repeating the same line as accurately as possible. Maybe I’ll put together a collection of line exercises for you in the future, but for now, just focus on building those foundational skills.

The easiest way to integrate these tips into your routine is to use your line exercises as a warm-up. Spend around 10 minutes—or however long feels right for you—practicing lines at the start of each drawing session. Not only will this improve your line quality over time, but it’ll also get you into the drawing groove!

Here are some additional tips to help you draw better lines immidiatly:

• Have a Loose Grip: Holding your pencil or stylus with a death grip leads to tension in your hand and can make your lines stiff and shaky. Instead, keep a relaxed grip—this helps you maintain smoother, more natural strokes. A loose grip also prevents hand fatigue during longer drawing sessions.

• Draw from Your Shoulder: Don’t limit your movements to just your wrist or fingers. Instead, engage your entire arm—especially your shoulder—to create long, smooth strokes. This technique provides better control and stability for drawing lines of any length. It may feel strange at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature and drastically improves your line quality.

• Use the "Ghosting" Technique: The ghosting technique involves hovering your hand above the paper or tablet and practicing the motion of your line before committing to it. This allows you to plan your stroke, build confidence, and reduce errors. When you’re ready, draw the line in one smooth, deliberate motion. The more you practice ghosting, the more confident and precise your lines will become.

Perspective

Perspective might feel tricky at first, but trust me—with practice, it’ll click and become second nature!

The first step is understanding why we use perspective: we’re capturing the 3D world on a 2D surface. Think about how objects farther away look smaller than those up close. For example, a tree 100 meters away looks much smaller than one at 10 meters. Perspective is the tool we use to show this depth and make drawings feel believable.

Explaining all aspects of perspective here would be a bit much (maybe I’ll make a super-clear tutorial for you someday). For now, search for beginner-friendly tutorials about key concepts like the horizon line, vanishing points, and the three basic types of perspective: One-Point, Two-Point, and Three-Point Perspective.

Don’t be intimidated—it’s simpler than it seems once you start practicing. If you got an idea of the basics, practice by drawing boxes and cylinders. Lots of them. Especially boxes teach you how lines recede to vanishing points and how objects fit into 3D space.

Over time, you’ll develop what’s called intuitive perspective. This means you won’t need to set up grids every time—you will naturally understand how things should look in space. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s making your drawings feel believable (or at least not weird).

When you’re confident with boxes and cylinders, move on to more complex objects. These basic shapes are the foundation of almost everything you’ll draw—cars, buildings, furniture, and even people.

Which us brings to structure.

Structure (Construction and Deconstruction)

What means Structure?

When it comes to drawing, strucure is in my opinion one of the most important concepts. To draw something well, you need to truly understand it, not just copy what you see. Understanding means breaking an object down to its core structure—how it’s built, how it works, and how it can be simplified into basic shapes. This approach allows you to not only replicate what’s in front of you but also draw it from different angles and in various contexts.

Surprisingly, I learned about structure quite late, despite the internet being packed with tutorials on it. But the concept itself is simple: structure is about breaking down complex forms into basic shapes—think of it as the "building blocks" of drawing.

Let’s clarify some terms, as they can be confusing at first. While structure refers to how an object is built—its existing form—construction and deconstruction describe the processes of breaking it down or building it up:

• Construction: Using basic shapes like boxes, cylinders, and spheres to build a complex subject.

• Deconstruction: Breaking a complex object into simpler shapes to better understand its structure.

Ultimately, whether we talk about structure, construction, or deconstruction, it all ties back to the same fundamental idea: simplifying forms to gain a deeper understanding of what we draw.

Example

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So, if that explanation feels a bit complicated, here’s the takeaway: for drawing anything complex—like the human body—start with simple shapes. For example:

• a sphere for the head

• boxes for the torso

• cylinders for arms and legs

That’s just one example. Many artists might prefer to use an oval for the ribcage and a box for the pelvis—but you get the idea.

Practicing Construction and Deconstruction

Alright then, now we’ve talked about the concept of structure, how do you go about training it? This is where your perspective practice comes in handy. If you’ve been practicing drawing boxes, cylinders, and spheres in perspective, you’ve already got the tools you need!

From here:

1. Watch tutorials or process videos to see how artists break down complex forms, like the human body or various objects, using simple shapes. You can also explore books or find reference sheets on platforms like Pinterest to deepen your understanding

2. Practice applying what you learn—start with simple objects, and gradually take on more complex subjects.

Over time, you’ll get better and faster at breaking down and constructing forms, making it easier to draw more subjects with confidence and accuracy.

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Study Tips

When it comes to practicing, there are some common things worth paying attention to. But remember, simply sitting down and showing up to draw is an achievement in itself. Be proud of yourself! The following tips are here to give you some advice on how to make the most of your practice time and get the maximum benefit from it.

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Balance watching/reading and applying

At this point, I know I’ve suggested watching tutorials a few times. But before you get lost in a sea of tutorials on YouTube and start drifting off into watching funny cat videos (we've all been there), let me hit you with one more important piece of advice: Balance watching/reading and applying.

It’s easy to get caught up in watching endless tutorials and reading articles. Trust me, I get it! It’s so tempting to gather all the knowledge before diving in. But here’s the thing: you need to actually apply what you learn.

Watching tutorials and reading tips is awesome for building your knowledge base, but if you don’t practice, nothing will really stick. It’s like trying to learn how to ride a bike by reading a manual—you’ve gotta get on the bike and start pedaling!

Here’s the best approach:

1. Watch or read a tutorial or article to get a solid understanding of the concept.

2. Pause and give yourself time to digest the information.

3. Apply it! Grab your pencil (or tablet) and practice what you just learned.

You’ll notice that practicing right away helps you understand the material better and spot areas where you might need more focus. Plus, it’ll help you stay engaged and avoid the rabbit hole of endless “knowledge acquisition” without taking action.

So, balance your time: watch, learn, and then do. The more you apply what you learn, the faster your skills will grow.

45 to 90-minute sessions are usually ideal

When it comes to studying and practicing your drawing, keeping your sessions between 45 to 90 minutes is usually ideal. This length of time allows you to stay focused and engaged without feeling exhausted or burned out. It's long enough to dive into a topic and make real progress, but not so long that your concentration starts to fade.

If you can, try to aim for these time frames during your focused practice sessions. And if you feel like you need a break, it's always okay to take one! Consistency over time is key, even if you're working in shorter bursts.

That said, not every drawing session has to fit into this time frame. Short drawing sessions, like sketching while waiting for the bus or doodling for a few minutes between tasks, are absolutely okay too!

The goal here isn’t to give you strict rules. In the end, it’s your hobby, and it’s your journey. It’s completely up to you. Do whatever feels best for you—whether that’s long study sessions, short doodles, or a mix of both. As long as you’re drawing and having fun, you’re on the right path.

Give you some time to warm up

Just like any physical activity, drawing requires both your muscles and your brain to be primed and ready to perform at their best. That’s where warming up comes in.

Before diving straight into your drawings or study subject, take a few minutes to warm up. Simple exercises like drawing lines, circles, or loose sketches are perfect. They don’t have to look great, and you can even toss them in the trash when you’re done. There’s no pressure at all—just a chance to loosen up and get your hand moving.

This approach has a bonus too: You’re not only warming up, but also practicing essential line exercises at the same time—so you’re getting two things done at once.

Using references is smart, not cheating

Let’s settle this once and for all: using references is not cheating. In fact, it’s one of the smartest and most effective ways to improve your drawing skills. Artists have been studying from real life, photos, and models for centuries—that’s how you learn and build your mental library!

Here are some great sources for references:

Real Life: Drawing from life is probably the best option out there. Observing directly from your surroundings helps you notice details that often get lost in photos—like subtle lighting or textures. Just don’t stare at people on the train too intensely (you don’t want to scare anyone, haha). But seriously, try to sketch from life as often as you can. I’ll admit—I personally don’t do it as much as I should, but hey, I’m working on it... no promises though!

Photos: Photos are an amazing resource for practicing. Head over to Pinterest or any platform you like, search for what you need, and you’ll find endless options to work from.

3D Models: 3D models are incredibly useful, especially for tricky angles or objects that are hard to find elsewhere. Free apps or tools like Sketchfab are great for exploring 3D references. You can rotate, zoom, and analyze the subject from different perspectives, which can really help you understand form and structure.

What About Tracing? Tracing is totally fine as a learning tool. It’s a great way to study proportions, practice linework, and understand shapes—especially when you’re just starting out. Just remember: it’s not okay to trace someone’s work and post it as your own. Tracing for study: good. Tracing for credit: not cool.

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Observation

Uh, oberservation got its own part—so it have to be something important, right? 👀

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Obersvation—Your Most Important Skill?

You can find endless tutorials on how to draw specific things, whether it’s a cat, a car, or a castle. But if you really want to be able to draw anything (and that’s what learning to draw is all about, isn’t it?), the biggest advantage you can have is learning to analyze things for yourself. That’s where observation comes in.

Observation isn’t just about looking—it’s about really seeing and understanding. And the best part? You don’t even have to be drawing to practice it! You can train your eyes anytime, just by paying attention to the world around you.

Take Your Time

So, when you want to draw an object, say a teapot, don’t rush. Instead of glancing at it for a few seconds and jumping straight into drawing, slow down and really take your time to observe.

• What’s its overall shape? Could you simplify it into basic forms like a cylinder, a cone, or a sphere?

• How many edges or curves does it have? Are those edges straight or rounded?

• What about its texture? Is it smooth, rough, or reflective?

• How does it look from another angle?

This practice of breaking things down and really noticing the details will improve your drawing dramatically.

Observation in Everyday Life

You can train your observation skills anytime, not just while drawing. When you’re out for a walk, notice the colors of the sky, the way animals move, the shapes of plants, or the texture of the street beneath your feet. Look at buildings—how their angles create perspective or how light hits their surfaces.

Sitting on a train? Observe the people around you—their posture, the proportions of their body parts, the way their hands rest, or the folds in their clothes. Study the interior design around you: how patterns play off each other, how light interacts with materials, or even the reflections on a shiny surface.

The more you train your eyes to notice these details, the more naturally it will get.

This might sound overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Think of it as rediscovering the world with fresh eyes, like a curious kid seeing everything for the first time. You’ll start noticing details that you never paid attention to before, and suddenly, the world becomes a lot more fascinating.

That said, don’t feel like you have to be in observation mode all the time. Life gets busy, and some days, you just want to relax without analyzing the texture of the couch you’re sitting on. And that’s totally fine! Observe when it feels natural, and let yourself chill when you need to.

Remember, drawing should always be about fun and enjoyment. Take your time, have patience, and most importantly, enjoy it. That said…

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Staying Motivated

Here has to follow a text. 🤗

Keep having fun!

Okaaaay, slowly but surely we’re coming closer to the end. Ive talked so much about learning and improving, that im feel we have to talk about a very important: Keep having fun!

Want to get better and seeing results is very satisfiying—and for me fun. But only drawing for improving can very fast leads to frustration, if you have time where you not that fast improving as you wish. So keep having fun. Integrate session where you just drawing for chilling and relaxing. Look a favorite anime or a eries beside, listen to a podcast or music your like. Draw with friends. Have a cup of coffee or tea. Or when it feels the best for you—draw by silence and enjoy.

But yeah I know and didn’t forget what i said—when we want to improve we can’t always just do these sessions. We have to have also focused and study sessions. But even then, there is a way—or better a key factor—to enjoy and having fun even when we learning and ore goal is to improve. And here it comes.

Key number three for success: The Right Mindset

Do you remember the first and second keys? That’s right—practice regularly and stay consistent.

But there’s one more key that holds everything together: the right mindset.

This is something many artists overlook, but it’s often the most important piece of the puzzle. A lot of artists don’t fail because they don’t practice enough or lack talent—they fail because of the wrong mindset.

The wrong mindset can make learning to draw feel frustrating and even painful, while the right mindset is a game-changer. It helps you stay motivated, keeps you from giving up when things get tough, and makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable. With the right mindset, you’ll approach every drawing session with confidence and a sense of curiosity, rather than frustration.

So, if there’s one thing you take away from this, it’s that mindset is just as important as practice. And that’s exactly what the next article will dive into.

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Thanks

Alright then—thanks for reading, and happy drawing! Ciao cacao!

Make sure to check out the artcile on the right mindset!