Teaching Myself To Draw For No Reason

Unveiling the Child Within

I don't draw. I haven't drawn since I was a mere child, and here's a self-portrait to prove it. Admittedly, my childhood attempts at capturing skin color resembled a vivid display of red fire. Picasso, at 15, showcased prodigious talent, leaving me to ponder what could have been. Yet, I halted my artistic pursuits. But then, an idea struck me like a lightning bolt – what if I learned to draw again?

The Seven-Day Itch to Artistic Mastery

In a recent video, I embarked on a seven-day journey of learning something new each day. The experience left me yearning for more knowledge and skills. The itch lingered, pushing me to delve into the realm of drawing. My plan was simple: draw a different body part each day. Little did I know, the path I chose was laden with creative pitfalls.

The Struggle: From Elves to Manga

Day one brought forth a cascade of eyes, day two a chaotic doodle session, and day three, well, I was still trying to find my artistic footing. Frustration mounted as I attempted to draw a girl – a challenge that felt like navigating a labyrinth. Enter tutorials, circles, and a profound realization – drawing girls is an art form in itself.

Illumination in Anime Style

Amidst the turmoil, a YouTube artist named Chang became my beacon. His tutorials, devoid of anime clichés, offered a fresh perspective. Armed with newfound knowledge of circles and proportions, I ventured into the realm of drawing bodies, only to discover an unexpected struggle with head-to-body ratios. In a desperate quest for change, I turned to the intricate world of drawing feet and hands.

Breaking the Chains: Manga to the Rescue

As day 24 approached, panic set in. But then, a breakthrough – I decided to draw anime characters. Power, on the left, emerged from a tutorial, revealing a style that resonated with me. Suddenly, drawing became enjoyable, and by day 28, an undeniable improvement took center stage. The cringe-worthy sketches were slowly transforming into something I could appreciate.

From Cringe to Click: A 30-Day Evolution

By day 30, the artistry that had eluded me for weeks began to surface. Drawing anime, initially deemed cringe-worthy, now felt liberating. The joy of sketching surpassed the frustration, and my sketches, though imperfect, bore a semblance of accomplishment. Day 31 marked not just the end of a challenge but the beginning of a newfound love for drawing.

Reflections on a 30-Day Artistic Odyssey

In hindsight, this 30-day drawing challenge transcended my expectations. What started as a mere 10 minutes a day evolved into a transformative journey. As a new dad, time is a precious commodity, but dedicating a few minutes daily yielded significant results. The pain of initial struggles faded, replaced by the joy of creation.

Inspiring the Creative Spirit

Perhaps my artistic venture will inspire others to embark on their creative odyssey. Learning doesn't demand hours of dedication; sometimes, a few minutes each day can lead to remarkable results. So, whether it's picking up a sketchpad or exploring a new skill, the journey of discovery awaits. Embrace the challenge, unveil your potential, and let the creative spirit soar.

In the end, what matters isn't the perfection of each stroke but the joy found in the artistic process. So, here's to the quirky, imperfect sketches and the thrill of becoming a perpetual learner. Cheers to the journey of creativity!