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Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Hi there! If you’ve landed here, I’m guessing you’re ready to dive into the magical world of drawing. First of all, welcome! Let me tell you, drawing is one of the most rewarding skills you can learn. Whether you dream of sketching breathtaking landscapes, doodling adorable characters, or designing your own comic book. The journey starts the same: picking up a pencil and beginning.
I started as someone who could barely draw a stick figure. Seriously, my art was, let’s say, unique. But over time, with a lot of practice and a little guidance, I found my groove. Today, I want to share some tips, tricks, and advice that helped me improve my drawing skills. If I can do it, so can you!
When I first began drawing, I felt overwhelmed trying to capture all the details of what I saw. Here’s a secret: most things around you can be broken down into simple shapes. For example:
Once you can break things down into basic shapes, you’ll see the world differently. It’s almost like the basic building blocks. It becomes much easier to add details after you’ve got the big picture sketched out.
I know, I know—you’ve probably heard this a million times. But it’s true! The best way to get better at drawing is to do it consistently. The good news is you don’t need to spend hours every day. Even 10-15 minutes can make a difference. Here’s what I did to make daily practice a habit:
One of the biggest hurdles I faced was being too hard on myself. I’d get frustrated when my drawings didn’t turn out the way I wanted. But guess what? Mistakes are part of the process. In fact, they’re how you learn what not to do!
Here’s what helped me embrace imperfection:
One day, I was doodling a simple apple, and it looked… flat. At that moment I realised the importance of having a good shading technique! Learning how light interacts with objects is crucial. And will make your drawings look far more realistic.
Here’s how you can start:
It might feel tricky at first but keep at it. Shading adds depth and makes your drawings pop! Drawing is a sort of illusion. And within it, simple techniques like shading will make the magic happen.
When I first started, I used whatever pencil I could find lying around. But experimenting with different pencils opened a whole new world for me! Here are some of the basic pencil types and other tools you might want to try:
H (hard) Good for precision and fine lines, Lighter in colour. These pencils are good for sketching and intricate drawings.
B (soft)
Good for shading and covering large areas. Softer and darker the higher the number. With more graphite in the lead. HB (medium) Good for sketching and writing.
F A special formulation to maintain a fine point.
You don’t need to spend a fortune. Start small and see what feels good in your hand.
6. Draw What You Love
This was a game-changer for me. When I drew things, I genuinely cared about. For example, my favourite cartoon characters or my pet cat—it didn’t feel like practice. It felt fun! And the more fun you have, the more likely you are to stick with it.
Think about what makes you happy. Is it animals? Flowers? Fantasy worlds? Start there. Trust me, your passion will shine through in your art.
7. Use References
For a long time, I thought using references was cheating. Spoiler alert: it’s not! Even professional artists use references to study anatomy, poses, and proportions. Here’s how I use them:
Over time, you’ll build a mental library of shapes and forms that you can draw without looking.
8. Watch Tutorials and Follow Artists
We live in an amazing time where you can learn almost anything online. YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are goldmines for drawing tutorials and inspiration. Some things I’ve learned from watching others include:
Find artists whose styles you admire and see if they share tips. And don’t just watch—try to follow along with your own pencil and paper.
9. Join a Community or Art Club
One of the best things I did was connect with other aspiring artists. Sharing your work and getting feedback can be incredibly motivating. You can:
It’s inspiring to see what others create, and you might make some new friends along the way!
10. Be Patient with Yourself
Last but not least, remember that learning to draw is a journey. You won’t become a master overnight, and that’s okay. Celebrate small wins, like drawing a straight line or shading a sphere. Each step brings you closer to your goals.
Whenever you feel discouraged, remember why you started. For me, it was the pure joy of creating something from nothing. Hold onto that feeling, and you’ll go far.
So there you have it—my top tips for getting better at drawing as a beginner. I hope these ideas inspire you to pick up a pencil and start sketching. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. Now go create something unique and amazing— The journey begins with just one step, or sketch!