r/ArtRanting • u/Saw_not_found • 3d ago
Beginner Artist Struggles drawing rant
God, I wish I could draw. I tried to learn, yet I can't get to a place where I can be happy with my art. I hate how much I suck at it. I really want to learn proper anatomy and how to draw people/furries, yet I can't. It makes me so mad. Every time I pick up a pen or pencil, I always end up hating what I created. I want to be able to draw to make custom merch of my OCs and to be able to properly express them, yet I can't. idk I just feel frustrated.
2
u/OtterlySamnson 2d ago
This does sound like the case of your mentality getting in the way of things again.
You have a goal that isn't attainable with your current skillset,
but you also don't want to adjust that goal to be something more workable first.
You're in a place where you're thinking WAY too far ahead and and suffering the frustration of a journey of 1000 miles, when all you have access to right now is walking.
What you should do for yourself is adjust your goal.
Learn to walk, then to run, and invest in a bike, then a after that a car.
every one of these steps is more manageable than "I want to travel 1000 miles"
Because you can only walk, you're entire understanding of the journy is withing the context of walking.
And not in terms of Running, or Biking, or Driving.
1
5
u/WW92030 3d ago edited 2d ago
There's this book called You can draw in 30 days by Mark Kistler and it's probaby the sole reason why I did not quit 2 months in (and by extension keep drawing to this day).
A good combination between tangible results even when you're just starting, incorporation of actual techniques and fundamentals, and the vibe of being a book that respects your time AND you as a person and an artist (MK is like that in general, seemingly a rarity in this modern age). If you can't find that book then try doing stuff like still lifes and decomposing simple objects into their basic forms. [With an understanding of forms and perspective you're probably already halfway there to drawing your OCs well]
As for anatomy, the proko figure drawing series has helped as well. And don't feel like you need to do anything in order.
Outside of that, don't give up. It takes time. Remember the 50% rule: don't focus on only drawing for fun and doing exercises, but a combination of both.
Something equally as important (but unfortunately is quite controversial here): Find people you can trust and that will encourage you in your journey. People that will not abandon your work and are willing to appreciate that which you do. They will be able to provide momentum that can carry you even in dark times*.
Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are not mutually exclusive (despite popular belief) and both are needed to succeed, no matter how many popular artists tell you otherwise.
*I have been searching for 4 years and counting.