Forgot how to draw... It happens.

Have you ever had days when you feel like drawing is not fun at all? No matter what you do it feels like you can’t draw that hand properly, or those eyes correctly, or that circle makes no sense. It’s almost like your hands have minds of their own and no matter how hard you try you can’t force them to do what you want (when drawing that is).

I think this happens to most artists at some point, but some artists are better at getting around that problem than others. When this happens what can you do to get back on track?  Now I’m not saying I have all the answers or that theres a cookie cuter approach for all artistic blocks, but I want to share a suggestion that helped me whenever this problem occurs. 

A few years ago I was taking a design course and one of the assignments was to create an anthropomorphic character. It wasn’t the best assignment and I was frustrated because I had never done character concepts before. The assignment had three parts; draw the animal, create a black and white silhouette using paper and finally create the actual character. The first two parts I was able to finish on time, but the third part had me confused. 

I didn’t know what to do. I went online to see you tube videos on character development. I went to websites to see how animators create their characters, bit nothing was helping. The day before the assignment was due I was sitting with a friend and she walked away from her sketchbook. I really admired her drawing talents and took the opportunity and sneak a peak inside her sketchbook. When I saw her sketches for her character it was as though the lights finally came on and I understood how to tackle the problem. All I needed was to see first hand and up close the process. Visualizing the process first hand from someone I respect ended up being more useful than online sources.  BTW she’s still mad about me taking a peak, but were good friends.

What I’m getting at is that you can read all the books in the world and see all drawing videos on you tube (and while this is helpful for inspiration)  seeing the process first hand in my opinion is better because then you can relate to the person doing it. It affects you and helps you to know that you can also do it to if you are sincere in developing your talents. 

Are you stuck on a project or having trouble overcoming artist block. Do you have friends that draw; draw together observe them and feed off their creativity. Discuss your strengths and drawing weaknesses and help each other to succeed.  As artists and designers we have a wealth of resources through our profession that we can access for help. Surround yourself with like minded creative individuals and it will rub off on you and you will become a better artist because of it.

BTW. Here are the drawings from the original project.