Q&A for How to Improve Your Art Skills

Anyone can learn to draw. It just takes the patience to train yourself. An important part of learning how to draw is learning how to see things as they are rather than how you think they are. In other words, instead of drawing the symbols for things, try to observe objects as they really are.

Everyone improves at their own rate, just keep in mind that nothing changes overnight. Try to be patient.

Learn to like your drawing or art style. Your style is unique, so don't compare it to other art styles. If you still don't like it, keep trying different art styles and techniques. No matter what, stay determined and keep drawing.

Practice is the simple answer. For example, if you're using a certain medium and you don't really want to change or try a different medium for a while, practice your techniques until you're ready to try another medium. If you're using watercolors, practice layering, shading etc.

You can try using a lay figure, which has bendable arms and legs and costs less than many dolls. This will help you draw the correct sizes and proportions of an average human figure.

If someone created and posted a tutorial, they mean for someone else to draw, it. As long as you do not say the entire thing was your idea and your technique, I do not think it would be copying.

Use bright/dark contrasting shades/colors. It really depends on what you like to put down. Landscapes? Animals? Plants? People? Pay attention to detail and it will really add another dimension to your work. Find artists you like and study their work, then create your own style. Pay attention to light sources -- the direction from which light is shining on your subject -- and practice until you're comfortable with what you're putting on paper. Be proud of your accomplishments and get some honest advice from someone who's artistic opinion you trust. Don't be afraid to show off the pieces you're proud of.

Anime is one way to draw to improve your art skills, but since everyone has their own art style and background, it is not necessarily the best for everyone.

You can cover the back in graphite or pencil lead, then stick it with masking tape to the canvas. Going over the lines will leave some on the canvas. Don't press too hard, though.

You might be doing the same things over and over. You would probably benefit from some art courses to learn technique, so enroll in one at your school or local community center.

You probably have improved without realizing. Try looking back at an old drawing, or even redrawing it. Also, keep an open mind, artists often hate everything they make, try stepping back and asking yourself why you dislike something and try to improve that aspect. As for cartoons, I would recommend figure drawing, it makes some people uncomfortable to draw from a nude model, but it will really help you get a grip on anatomy. Many cartoons look amateur if the artist does not have at least some understanding of the human body, as you have to know the rules before you can break them.

It's different with everyone. If you work on it every day, your art will improve greatly within even a couple of months.

Dragoart is one that helped me with drawing certain characters. I do believe they have Manga tutorials.

Use your pencil more lightly. Don't rush, and use the eraser if you think it's getting messy - not when you're done with the whole thing.

Take a drawing course at school or through your local community center. Spend a little time sketching each day and practicing the skills you learned in class that week.

That's a common feeling. Try to ignore feelings of self-doubt, but figure out your mistakes and learn how to fix them. Practice daily and you'll begin to see improvement.

Experiment with different drawing styles!

Start with simple changes, such as the way you draw a particular feature of someone's face. Explore expanding that style into other aspects of your drawings over time until you feel like it's become more natural for you.

Practice daily and try drawing upside down. It forces you to draw what you really see.

I have used many tutorials to help he with hair, anatomy, eyes, etc., but I still have my own art style. I think that a few tutorials will do you good. Don't be afraid to use your resources.

You should consider getting a stylus pen if you want your drawings to look better on a phone or tablet.

Not at all. Though more expensive supplies may be easier to use or of better quality, it's still you who makes the art. People have done amazing things with minimal resources! Try checking thrift stores, dollar stores, recycling depots, etc., to find items that you can work with for little to no cost.