Zero progress

[u/Cautious_Cut_4680]

I don’t know how to improve, and have considered quitting at times (or at least taking a break)

I’ve been drawing for around a year or two and I’ve made some progress since I started I think but I just feel like Im not yet good enough to make anything “good” or at least something I think is cool. Pretty much everything I’ve drawn has been these kinds of figure drawings and almost all of them are from reference. I feel like I know nothing bro.

Even if I am able to somewhat accurately copy a reference, I just feel like it doesn’t matter if I don’t know what I’m looking at and I’m just copying it line for line.

I feel like the only reason I’ve drawn for as long as I have is just the mindset of “be ok with being bad” which has been a pretty useful mindset for me most times, but sometimes improving feels impossible when I just know nothing. Especially when I see people who have been drawing for less time than I have and are literally three times better than me. Don’t get me wrong I love appreciating other people’s art, but there’s always the part of me inside that’s like “there’s literally no way I’d be able to draw something like that, how the frick do they do this.” And it’s so discouraging. I’m also just have such low motivation do draw a lot of times, and drawing for me recently really feels like kind of a burden.

If anybody has anything to say that might help with anything at all I’d really appreciate it, or if anyone just has similar experiences to share. Thank guys :]

[u/Top_Membership7876]

Can I just say, yes all these other comments are great advice. BUT, have you considered your practice is becoming somewhat one dimensional? Try something different! Try some architecture, some landscape, learn some hatching techniques, draw with pen! Practicing other facets of your artwork toolbox will instantly transfer to everything else. Working on perspective will instantly improve your figure drawings. Draw buildings, draw mountains, do things that are different from your usual. Draw from life, it will help you with your visual toolbox and ability to construct and understand objects. Bring a sketchbook with you everywhere and if you have time, take 10 minutes to sketch something in front of you. In order to draw from your brain with no reference you have to have a big visual vocab!!! Going back to what I mentioned before, drawing with pen. Drawing with pen with very little to no sketch beforehand will drastically improve your line confidence. It allows you to be fearless and decisive with your lines and composition. Also, 5 minutes of 30 second gestural drawings a day. Just don’t be afraid to get outside of your wheelhouse. Drawing something you are bad at or not used to is sometimes what opens new doors. Drawing should be fun, so let it be fun! It’s not about how much you are improving or how good you are at art, it’s about how it makes you feel to be inspired and creative. Also dont be afraid to use references for inspiration and kind of tweak them as you go. This can be a great way to shift towards being more creative in a non-reference drawing. Happy drawing!

[u/Cautious_Cut_4680 → u/Top_Membership7876]

Yes actually, I have considered this quite a bit, and I actually do carry a mini pocket sketchbook with me where I go, however I don’t use it nearly as much as I should. There have been times where I would just draw random stuff I see in front of my school like a flag or a trash can, but I usually just went straight back to my comfort zone. I’ll definitely try to expand what I do more, thank you very much :]