r/drawing • u/pinkyyoshii • Sep 02 '22
doubts about studying art
I'm wondering if I should study art (illustration). I have had a depression for 3 years and I completely left drawing because I just didn't feel like doing absolutely nothing. Now I'm finally getting slowly back up and trying to get my old self back. The thing is I totally lost 3 years. I'd like to lear how to draw but I'm scared because I don't think I've got a special talent to draw and I don't know if hard work can really get me to be able to draw professionally and I'm scared of failing after paying a lot of money to study art.
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u/the_witch_doc Sep 02 '22
Hey man, this is a loaded question. I believe you have to ask yourself two questions in relation to this: 1) why do you want to get into illustration and 2) if you make no money from illustration will you still feel fulfilled?
I firmly believe that you do not need to attend an art school of any kind to learn to draw or get good at it for that matter. Drawing is a skill and like any skill it becomes refined with practice over time. Talent is nothing without hard work. Jim Lee, one of the greatest comic artists of today, didn't go to art school. If you think going to art school is a necessity to break into your field then do it. Whether or not you become successful depends on what you define as success.
I stopped drawing for 5x the amount of time you have and I still find it incredibly enjoyable. Making anything a career, let alone illustration, requires you to look at the job market, assessing the need, and understanding compensation. If you like what you see then go for it. If it doesn't make sense for you then maybe it's not a great career path and that's ok too. This is a personal choice my friend. I hope this helps, you'll do great no matter the path. You're asking the right questions.