The Attitude Behind Learning to Draw

Okay, so this is a topic that has come up a couple of times over on Facebook, and something I thought worth mentioning.

I remember back when I was in high school and I had those really artistic friends that could draw pretty much anything. They were amazing. Absolutely incredible. And I knew I would never be able to accomplish the kinds of art that these wonderful people could produce. I know people would ask them (and I was probably included in this group) questions like "How do you get good at drawing?" or "How can I learn to draw like that?" Little did I know that after walking the road to becoming an artist I would end up receiving the same questions. There are a couple of trends I've heard lately, however, that tend to go the same way over and over with different people. Here's the way some conversations go these days...

SCENE: Me sitting at a local artist meet-up or sketching someplace like a coffee shop or library... or even just random messages on internet IM...
ACTION: A Random Joe appears.

Joe: Wow! You draw really good!
Me: Thanks! I'm glad you like my work!
Joe: I've got this idea that I really want to produce myself. It's a really cool story!
Me: Oh really? What about?
Joe: [Proceeds with complex story]
Me: That's an interesting concept. Are you planning on making it into something?
Joe: I'd like to...
Me: You totally should!
Joe: Yeah... I don't know how to draw though.
Me: Well you can always find an artist, or learn how to draw yourself.

Often at this point someone might pitch me to see if I'll draw their project. They're actually trying to find an artist, which is great! Writers always need artists, and I'm always very flattered when people ask me to help them on their projects. Sadly, though, I have to decline on this kind of stuff, since I have tons of my own projects that I need to work on. After all... you guys need more Minions! But I usually offer to provide advice or critiques on work when people produce it. Sometimes, however, the conversation might go a different way...

Joe: Well I'd like to learn to draw... but I don't know how.
Me: That's easy - just get some drawing supplies and a book on basic technique.
Joe: But I can't afford that.
Me: What? Why not?
Joe: It's too expensive.

Okay. This is where I start looking like this --->

You don't need expensive art supplies to learn how to draw. You're learning. This is where I often explain that for the price of a couple cups of coffee, you can get enough art supplies to learn how to draw. Don't believe me? It's true! Some blank copy paper, a pencil and a clipboard are really all you need. And you can even do without the clipboard as long as you can find a flat table. And if you can't find a flat table or cant afford the $0.15 for a pencil and $0.50 for some blank paper... well that's just kind of sad and I don't know what to do for you.

Joe: Well... I'd like to learn to draw... but I never get any better...
Me: How often do you practice?
Joe: Um... a drawing every couple months?

Come on Joe! Practice is vital! If you don't practice drawing you'll never get better! Even if it's just a five-minute sketch a day, or doodling in the margins of a notebook, any practice is better than no practice. And honestly... practicing is the biggest way to improve your skill. Professional artists draw for several hours a week - often several hours a day. I feel like I don't get enough time to practice sketching and drawing as much as I'd like... everyone can do with more practice. Having difficulty finding time to practice regularly? Force it into part of your schedule. Do a doodle before you go to bed at night. Sketch something when you get up in the morning. Or when you take a break at work. Or during lunch. If you can't find time to do a simple sketch every day... well that's just kind of sad and I don't know what to do for you.

Joe: Well... I'd like to learn to draw... but it's to expensive to learn...
Me: What do you mean?
Joe: Classes are pricey.
Me: Well you don't have to go to a class to learn. What about getting a book on how to draw?
Joe: Books are pricey. I can't afford that.
Me: Oh yeah. You can barely afford the $0.65 to get a pencil and some paper. What about getting a free book online? There are lots of free, public domain books on learning to draw that you can download.
Joe: I don't like reading books online.
Me: What about watching free YouTube videos on how to draw?
Joe: I don't watch YouTube.
Me: How about... never mind.

There are a lot of good, free resources online. You don't have to pay to get a decent beginning art education. Sites like www.ctrlpaint.com have excellent tutorials for both digital and traditional art alike. No fancy setups required for many of the tutorials. Just... well... that pencil and paper is kind of a must. But not much else.

Me: Let me ask you something, Joe...
Joe: What?
Me: Do you really want to learn how to draw?
Joe: Well... yeah.
Me: I've given you options and you've shot them down.
Joe: It's not my fault I can't afford any of the crap you've suggested. It's all too pricey and too hard.
Me: Then I'm sorry to say it, but you're never going to learn how to draw.
Joe: What do you mean?! I'm asking you for advice, aren't I?
Me: You are... but that's only the first step. It's all about your attitude. I'm sorry, but it's just kind of sad and I don't know what to do for you.
Joe: You artists are all alike. Lording your skills and never trying to help out the little guy! You're just a jerk! *grumbles and storms off*
Me: *sighs and continues sketching*

If anything else, take this message home... don't be like Joe, always the victim of circumstance and never the person to take a role to improve himself. Instead of hiding behind the reasons why you can't do something, try figuring out ways that you CAN.

In this example, all Joe could do was make excuses. He really didn't want to learn how to draw, he just wanted to complain about his lack of ability and the fact that there was no possible way he could fix that problem. In this case... he really is kind of sad and there's nothing anyone can do for him. If he really wanted to learn how to draw, he would apply himself somehow, and figure out a way. It's not a secret. Get some basic materials and practice. If you need examples, there are plenty of free resources available. If you ask me, I will suggest them.

And as always, take care my friends!

Cheers!

Droakir