Have you ever wondered how to improve drawing skills for beginners fast?
Did you see an awesome drawing somewhere on the web or have a friend who is amazing at drawing, and now you want to learn?
You are in the right spot!
When you implement the 7 steps on how to improve drawing skills for beginners – you will see major improvements in no time!
Just picture sitting down and enjoying quality time with yourself while creating something beautiful that you can show off!
Sounds awesome?
That’s what I thought!
How To Improve Drawing Skills: 7 Steps
1. Get the Right Supplies
Picking the most expensive or trendy art supplies won’t make you a master at drawing, but you still need some, right?
First of all, you don’t need anything fancy!
A pencil, an eraser, and a sharpener will do (or a mechanical pencil).
Also, if you want to go for it – get markers! They are comfortable and fun to use.
When I was starting out – I would first draw everything with a pencil (lots of erasing, trust me), and then I would go over the lines with a pen or a marker! It’s really fun and looks great at the end – I still do it! 🙂
Now I also enjoy drawing with red or blue colored pencils, then regular graphite pencils on top, and ink pens last.
If we disregard the ink, that’s how animators have been working for a while. The results can turn out very aesthetic if you are into the look.
2. Don’t Treasure Paper, but Have Lots Of It!
A common mistake I see many beginner artists make is buying new expensive sketchbooks and treating every page as a space for your next masterpiece.
The truth is, we all have a lot of “bad” drawings inside our brains that we HAVE to draw! To make space for the good ones.
So, don’t buy expensive paper, and cherish every sheet. All you need is A4 Printing paper that you can buy for cheap considering how many sheets there are!
If something doesn’t work out, just throw out the paper and start again. Being messy and chaotic is fun and boosts creativity levels !)
- Note: If you prefer sketchbooks to loose sheets of paper, check out the “36 Best Artist Sketchbooks To Buy“
3. Find Reference Images
You imagined something great in your head and want to put it down on paper… After a few hours, you realize that it doesn’t look how you expected it, and you give up, saying, “I don’t have talent.”
Oh, but you don’t know that even experienced artists use reference images ALL THE TIME!
Before you learn how to draw from your head, you must pick it apart by studying. There are many FREE great websites with stock images you can use! Just to name a few:
- unsplash.com
- pixabay.com
- stocksnap.io
- and many more!
Also, you can just grab a camera and take a few pictures yourself – then use them for learning 🙂
And if you plan to sell your artwork after, you can also check out the DepositPhotos website for many great choices available for commercial use.
Check out my video below on how to use references for art the right way.
- Note: If you are looking for pose references for your drawings, check out the “Best 9 Free Pose Reference Sites To Practice Figure Drawing Online”
4. Break Down the Image
You’ve got the supplies and the reference photo – what now? Where do you start?
The 1st thing you need to do is to break down the image into a few simple forms! It’s easy – whatever shape you see – draw it. Squint your eyes if you need to – we are not here to look at all the curves, but just straight lines and right angles.
Then after you are sure of the proportions, you can slightly erase the shapes and go over with more defined lines now looking at curves and more details!
Here I’ve created a little image just for you to show you exactly what I mean by it:
By working through any complex object or person in this simplistic way, you’ll easily draw anything you want.
If you can draw a few simple shapes – you can draw it all.
- Note: In need of a longer tutorial? Check out my “Tutorials” section to find the right one for you!
- Skillshare, Proko, NMA are all great platforms for learning about art and keeping you motivated!
5. Learn Shading Techniques
Shading is important as it defines your art’s volume, lighting, and texture!
There are a lot of videos and articles about it, so I won’t get into details, but instead, I will embed a video that I think explains this subject very well:
There are various shading methods, and you’ll have to decide for yourself which one looks best. You can also avoid shading your art at all and keep it simplistic, like minimalist art, anime, or Disney art.
- Note: “14 Best Figure Drawing Books for Beginners” an article full of amazing books to get you started if you are interested in drawing people
6. Consistency is the key to success!
To become good at anything, you have to do it consistently! Working out, cooking, singing etc. Art is no different!
If you want to see results – put away 15 minutes a day and just draw. Every day. For 15 minutes.
Can you do that? If yes, then it’s the beginning of your mastery of art <3
You can practice drawing from imagination, creating awesome character designs, or anything else your heart desires. You will improve in general and in that specific area.
It took me years of drawing to get better at it. Then, I moved on to painting, and although it took me less time than with drawing, it still took years as it’s an entirely new skill.
Consistency is key.
7. Don’t be afraid and Have Fun
Every amazing artist starts out as an amateur!
Don’t compare yourself to your favorite artists, but compare your skills today with the ones you had yesterday – do that every day, and you will see your improvements!
Keep in mind your artists as a goal that you can reach and then get even better than they are.
You are starting off on an amazing path! Good luck to you all 🙂
I hope you enjoyed these How To Improve Drawing Skills tips. Feel free to Pin these images to your Pinterest boards for future inspiration!
4 Responses
I just want a space to paint in. Thanks for the motivation.
Any space is fine to be honest! When I just started out I was painting on the floor(not recommended) of my small room I shared with my sister!! Now upgraded to my own room and bought an easel!
The point is, as long as you are motivated – nothing will stop you!
Thanks for stopping by,
-Your Art Bud 🙂
I have ALWAYS wanted to draw. I made a new years resolution to draw every day. I am not very good . Do you think at 70 years young. I am too old to learn ?
Glenda, you are never too old to learn art! It’s a part of us since we are kids. I know you can make it happen and will have a lot of fun in the process. Good luck! 🙂