This article will show you the basic instructions on how to improve your drawing skills. Drawing is more than putting a pencil on a paper, and this wikiHow will explain that.

Steps

  1. 1
    Express yourself. The best art comes from conveying your genuine, personal self. However, there are notable benefits from drawing "fan art" (original art based on an established work). Many artists begin by emulating other styles or even tracing professional work. Keep in mind that you should never claim traced/copied work as your own; it should be for practice purposes only. (Practice makes perfect!)
  2. 2
    Look at the work of other artists. You can draw inspiration from the work of others.
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  3. 3
    Learn basic drawing practices. It is likely that you know about drawing the "base shapes" of your drawing while continually adding more detail. This is a commonly used method that will probably aid you.
  4. 4
    Draw different versions of what your idea looks like. This could mean drawing it in different styles or with different tools or from different perspectives.
  5. 5
    Create scenes: a bedroom, a farm, or a school with kids in it. The possibilities are endless.
  6. 6
    Do not let anyone tell you what not to draw. A common criticism is that "it has been done before". If you want to do something that has been done before, then great! Do it, make it your own, and improve. The only time this criticism is valid is when you create something "clichéd" for the sole purpose of gaining attention. (There is an exception to this: do not draw pornographic or violent material at school or a public institution.)
  7. 7
    Draw a lot. Draw in your notebook, on a whiteboard, in the dirt, with chalk, with charcoal, on the computer, with Photoshop, with MS Paint. Draw with your eyes closed, with your off-hand, or even with your foot (Warning: this is hard). Draw the same thing over and over again; it is your work, do whatever you want!
  8. 8
    Do not get discouraged. Believe in yourself. Go out of your way to admire what you like about your drawings. Do not compare yourself to others, only to your previous work.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    What are some suggestions for drawing inspiration?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Draw things you love. When you're studying, you can draw what the subject is all about, and you'll enjoy revising.
  • Question
    What are some basic pictures that you can draw?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Draw pictures based on simple lines and curves, like apples, clouds, the sun or stick figures. Keep practicing simple figures until you are comfortable moving on to more advanced work.
  • Question
    How can I draw a picture with intricate details?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Practice by copying another picture. Look at it and try to separate it in your mind into different shapes. Start by drawing the outline and gradually add in more detail. Pictures with intricate details depend as much on time as on ability. Spend time working on the picture and adding details.
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Warnings

  • Do not plagiarize; plagiarism is copying other artists' work and not only is it illegal to copy, but it also deprives artists of a decent livelihood.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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Things You'll Need

  • Paper (thick, slightly rough sketch paper is good)
  • Pencils
  • Markers (optional; for colors)
  • A good imagination

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 64 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 169,744 times.
319 votes - 77%
Co-authors: 64
Updated: November 8, 2022
Views: 169,744
Categories: Drawing
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