So you want to be an artist?

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One of the most encouraging things for me, being a part of DA, has been the ability to see the improvement and progress in other artists. And most of all, realizing that great artists all started out like you and me! At the same lowly beginner status. Is that not encouraging?!

But maybe you haven't realized this yet? XD I am amazed at the amount of discouraged deviant comments I read on DA. Especially under the work of great artists. "I will never draw that good." "I might as well quit.""My work sucks compared to this." And the most common: "I wish I could draw like this!"

Well, the good news is... you can! Yes, YOU! But, here is the catch... It is going to take a lot of work, and a lot of dedication. Studying, drawing... and yes, failing too. You will put years of daily work under your belt. So how serious are you? Well, this is the history of your favorite artists!

"Practice is the key to becoming an artist--all good artists come from cruddy ones who refused to give up!" - Saimain


All my growing up years I had this horrible fear of failure. I would rather not try then risk failing. Only in the last 5-10 years have I realized how much this has cost me. Failure is not an end. Not at all! It is only a step on the road to success. However, quitting, or not trying at all is an end. But it is an end that you choose.

"It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all, in which case you have failed by default." - J.K. Rowling


Now, there is this little issue of talent. One of my most despised arguments with artists/writers is about talent. And my most despised point of view is from those that feel if you do not have the talent you will never learn. NOT TRUE! N-O-T! In my opinion talent speeds up the process. That is all. But even talent does not beat out passion. If you have a passion for art, you will learn, talent or no talent. Passion. Perseverance. Practice. The Ps to success! XD

And, lastly, never stop learning. NEVER! No matter how good you get, there will always be something to learn.

Alright! I am done with my ramblings! On to features! First though, an encouraging journal by the incredible artist RaSen
Advice for artists...While I don't know if I'm exactly qualified to give advice on the matter I was thinking about it while looking for tutorials on youtube and I can't get it out my head now. I've had alot of comments in the past from artists about them not being able to do things and I always tell them that they can but it seems like very few actually believe me. I notice that on other people's tutorials as well. People saying "I wish I could draw like that" and it stuns me that they don't know they can. I guess it shouldn't though...I remember thinking like that myself. I mean, if you asked me when I was 18 or 19 if I'd be able to draw/paint half the things I do now I would have laughed and said that there was no way in hell. I realize I've probably ranted on this before, maybe on some of the exact same subjects but...what the hell... one more time I swear.
Things I've learned about drawing:
* Unless you're just an incredibly fast learner, most tutorials are useless for beginners. Not saying you shouldn


:la: Improvement Memes to encourage you!! :la:
If you would like yours added in please let me know!

:thumb298318519:
:thumb363632613: 2000-2014 Art Improvement Meme by Saimain :thumb276104121: :thumb278296907: Improvement Meme by anikakinka
Mrinx - 1997 vs. 2011 by mrinx 2000-2012 color images by Maria-Sandary
2003 vs 2012 by Sheridan-J Draw This Again Meme by ThreshTheSky Draw This Again Meme by Radittz :thumb341888234: How Do You Measure A Year? by AlatusAquae

Mature Content

Meme:Before and After -Dedde by LadyDeddelit
:thumb308865273: Sparrow old and new by popChar :thumb325991492: Ivy Dream: Before And After by Isriana Draw this again meme by LittleKidsin :thumb320368183:

I hope seeing the improvement of these amazing artists (and where they have come from) has encouraged and inspired you! Never give up! :la:

:tighthug::tighthug::tighthug:


© 2013 - 2024 Gnewi
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grafnarq's avatar
you are the best one encouraging people!