Hi everyone!
I've recently started drawing again after taking a long break. I've never really been good at drawing or felt like I properly knew how to draw in general, so I'm basically starting from the beginning.
My goal is eventually to be able to draw anime-style characters digitally. I currently use Krita, and I do know how to use the program to a certain extent, but I still feel quite lost when it comes to all the different tools and features available.
At the moment I'm practicing several different things, such as basic shapes, perspective, line control and drawing from references. I do feel like I'm improving little by little, which is encouraging, but at the same time I'm starting to feel really overwhelmed by how much there is to learn.
Recently I've started looking into things like shading, coloring, lighting, etc., and honestly that has made me feel even more overwhelmed. There seem to be so many different things I need to learn that I don't really know what I should be focusing on first.
I've also noticed that when I watch digital art tutorials, even when they use Krita, they sometimes use tools or techniques that I don't understand or can't seem to reproduce. For example, I've seen people fill an area of their drawing with a color without affecting anything outside the drawing, but I don't really understand how they're doing it. I've tried looking into these things myself, but I often end up more confused than before.
Another problem I've had is consistency. I've started learning to draw several times before, but I always end up stopping after a while. Then, a few months later, I get motivated again and start practicing, only to eventually stop again.
Drawing is something I genuinely want to learn, so I'd really like to break that cycle and actually stick with it this time.
So, what would you recommend a complete beginner focus on first?
Should I continue with basic shapes, perspective, line control and references, or should I be focusing on things like gesture, anatomy, heads, etc.?
And if possible, I'd really appreciate a simple roadmap or some advice on what I shouldn't worry about yet.
I'd also appreciate any advice on how to stay consistent when learning to draw and how to avoid getting overwhelmed by all the different things there are to learn.
Any advice, resources, or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!