1. Step One: Identify What You Want to Draw
Do you want to draw a beautiful landscape or a picture-perfect portrait? Maybe you have a dream of creating your own comic book character. Whatever you want to draw – a cartoon, an animal, a person – the first step is to identify it. This can be done by examining the reference image, finding inspiration from the environment, or simply by dream-doodling on the page until something takes shape.
Once you decide what it is that you want to draw, you can then move on to the actual steps involved in the process.
2. Step Two: Find a Reference Image
A reference image is a great way to begin your drawing journey. It is much easier to draw something that already exists, and it helps to create a visual representation of what you would like to draw. Whether that’s an image of the animal you’re trying to draw, or a real-life person, having a reference image allows you to practice and perfect its details.
Once you have your reference image, it’s time to start sketching!
3. Step Three: Start Sketching
This is the fun part. Start by lightly sketching your subject on paper with a pencil. Don’t worry about getting it perfect in the beginning – this is just the starting point. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and experiment with different shapes and lines – this is how you’ll be able to find the style that works best for you.
Remember, practice makes perfect so don’t be hard on yourself if your sketch doesn’t come out exactly as you imagined. With time and practice, your drawing skills will improve.
4. Step Four: Add Details and Shading
Once you feel satisfied with your sketch and have achieved the basic shape and structure of your drawing, you can slowly add details and shading. This is the part where you can really bring your drawing to life – use different shades of pencils to show the depth of your drawing and create shadows and highlights.
This is also the part where you can really showcase your artistic flair and get creative. Have fun with it and be playful – let your imagination run wild and add anything you find necessary.
5. Step Five: Final Touches
Now it’s time to give your drawing the finishing touches. This is where you can think about erasing sections of your drawing to make it look professional, adding texture and structure, or emphasizing certain parts of your drawing. If you find the drawing isn’t looking the way you want it to, don’t be afraid to start over, but this time with a much clearer vision.
Once you feel done with your drawing, sign and date it and give yourself a pat on the back – you’ve just created a masterpiece!
6. Step Six: Perfect Your Technique
It takes time, patience, and practice to master any technique. Draw every day, challenge yourself to draw from different perspectives, and experiment with techniques shapes, shadows and lighting. With each drawing, you’ll get better and better until eventually, it will start to become second nature to you.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to drawing, so experiment and play around with different techniques and find one that works best for you.
7. Step Seven: Have Fun and Enjoy the Process!
Finally, remember to have fun while drawing! Yes, practice is essential, but your drawing journey should be something that you enjoy as well. Allow yourself to step away from perfection and just embrace the process. Draw whatever you feel like – landscapes, characters, patterns, abstract art – and don’t take it too seriously! Enjoy the creative expression and allow yourself to experiment.
8. Step Eight: Share your Art
Once you feel confidant enough with your artwork, it’s time to share it with the world. Publish your artwork or gifs on your socials for friends and family to see. Start your own website, submit your work for competitions or local exhibitions – the possibilities are endless. And remember – no drawing is too small to be shared so don’t be afraid to show off your creations!
9. Step Nine: Take it to the Next Level
Once you’ve mastered the basics, why not take your drawing skills to the next level? You can learn how to draw digitally or try out a new medium like charcoal, watercolour, or even acrylics. By pushing your boundaries and challenging yourself regularly, you’re sure to become a master artist in no time.
10. Step Ten: Keep Drawing!
Drawing is an incredible form of self expression and it can be really therapeutic. So don’t give up – keep challenging yourself and exploring the exciting world of art. Who knows, you could even become the world-renowned artist you always dreamt of being!
