Design Cinema - EP 89 - Just Draw!

Going back to the basics - just draw!
Subscribe NOW to FZD School: bit.ly/2rF25ao
Visit FZD School: fzdschool.com/
Watch All Episodes of Design Cinema: bit.ly/2r2XFJR

[@ignatkomitov1091]

Hey! I started watching your videos several years ago, when I was still in university. They motivated me so much that I dropped out and spent days and days watching and drawing. Today I'm a concept artist at Ubisoft (albeit a junior) and I've worked on ACO, its DLC and several other big projects. I just want to thank you, because all that I can and all that I have achieved by now is mostly due to your tutorials and your words of encouragement. PS: Don't worry about the length of the video.

[@vagizz]

cool story brah

[@kabelus4557]

Hello Ignat, can you explain more your journey to get this kind of job and your exercize routine for example ? Thanks !

[@florianheroldart]

same story here :)

[@arjenbergsma4781]

Can you explain your story either?

[@benparker2522]

Same story here, just I went to FZD for a year

[@redeye998]

I started drawing almost 3 years ago, from ground zero, without no knowledge or education in art. For these past three years I started learning and you were one of the best resources out there. Last month I made my first money and I'm proud of it. So thank you, for everything you have done for the art community.

[@DanPeal1]

Congrats man! That's a amazing achievement!

[@critstixdarkspear5375]

Don’t even know you and I’m fkn proud of you man. Well done

[@Cyborg_Lenin]

well, how are things going?

[@saninmw3]

I dont think students understand just how important this guy is. He is teaching you amazing things. What a great human!

[@chelseayzel]

I'm glad you talked about confidence in drawing. I don't think many people realize how closely related results are with the amount of enjoyment an artist gets during the process. It shows. I have experienced it first hand. I've put so much pressure on myself to make my drawings look like a certain way, match someone else's style, get stuff looking perfect and it made me feel like maybe I just don't have the 'talent' for it. It makes you afraid to do it and that's just not helpful. And I agree with what you said, your drawings will develop over time, coupled with knowledge and practice, and your 'style' will come out on its own as long as you keep doing it. So just draw, let your mind wander ... enjoy it.

[@marvinoroch]

I come back to this video whenever I feel stuck and a little lost with my studies. It always put me right on track to learn and enjoy doing studies again. Thank you!!

[@oahola237]

I love how enthusiastic he is about the reference material. Cool, awesome, badass rocks skulls, and huts. 😀👍

[@thoughtsinc6345]

Maybe this might help, and I am probably late saying this but for beginners out there whether you’re even 27+, and you’re interested in drawing. Just draw. Keep it loose and rough, use a small book, and draw either some individual bits or scenery. Don’t aim for the whole outlook. The main thing is just putting pen on paper. I’m gonna tell you, it will look whack, especially any 3D drawings you try 😂. But trust me, Iv been doing this on and off for 1-2 years and I can assure you my drawing is still bad but I can make sense of it and it’s getting a better.

[@dsafsfa]

oh man Feng, these videos bring me back to when i first stared. I'm working as a studio concept artist now, switched over from engineering, all because of the journey i started with these videos.

[@terrydrain]

Do you have an artstation or the likes where we can see progress? Love motivational stories like this :)

[@moderndayjames]

awesome video!

[@jimmyrochette7536]

Hi james =P

[@superbob8791]

It's you!

[@giogalindo4104]

Man everytime I need motivation I com here again, over and over, please keep going with the videos, make a video about fundamentals make something, you are my favorite teacher online.

[@Alumx]

HE'S BACK

[@jdlizzard62]

This was the first video of FZD I watched and because of this video, I became the artist that I wanted to be and would have never gotten where I am if I hadn’t found this video and channel. This video is what made me want to draw more. Thank you Feng!

[@Mulnader]

I watched 70% of videos on this channel and all your Gnomon tutorials. I think this video is the most valuable you ever made for beginners or people who are not happy with their skill level. You just killed all my excuses for not being good enough and you gave me tools on how to improve myself. This video is so valuable that it feels like it shouldn't be free :D

[@Joysticknerd]

Hit me right in the gut with the statement of 'excuses'. It was something I have always been doing my entire life and never admitted to myself that I was procrastinating till I have started watching your videos. Thank you!

[@AjiMaho91]

Thanks for a new episode! I personally wouldn't mind watching 3- 4 hours long episodes if you happen to record these in the future ^^

[@sharkerslingshots]

yeah, its just good to see and listen, it helps alot :)

[@genkikai9992]

I second this

[@riteasrain]

Don't think he'd make them that long. You may as well go to his school then and pay :D

[@AjiMaho91]

Hi said couple times that he kind of did that already, but thought it would be too long and started over, I merely wrote that there are people here who don't mind long videos at all. As for the second part, I live in Poland; I couldn't afford going to FZD, or any other school (we earn couple times less than people in US do) when I was learning concept design. On top of that Design Cinema is not meant to replace FZD School, Feng himself mentioned that many, many times.

[@AjiMaho91]

So do that :)

[@chrisddawson]

I have been a visual effects person since 1985. Started out on stages shooting models and matte paintings, live action, now into compositing and 3D generalist. Have a BFA from USC. I am watching your videos and they are AWESOME! Every so often I go back to basics. I take time to just go over basic knowledge and find those little things that keep one inspired. I ll never consider myself “senior” despite my experience. I stay open to learning. Your videos are helpful and I think you present well. Just draw is the right thing to do and I appreciate how you tell about not being afraid of making mistakes and just get drawing. Thank you for doing these and making it available! I m going to (slowly) get through all your videos.

[@cometpty]

Glad to see you back! The topic of just drawing and not worrying about skill level, equipment, or social media is all too important. People make it more complicated than it is. Like they have to be DaVinci or Rembrandt on the first try or have to have the latest Cintiq to draw. That's no way to approach anything yet art has this reputation of being something magical and only certain people born with this magical thing can do art. What I love about FZD and the concept design profession is that they show that drawing is a technical skill that anybody with a drive for learning can become competent and great at. It's all about that love of drawing regardless of anything else. Without the desire to draw and learn at the core of your practice, you'll be miserable and it will show. Stop worrying, get a bic pen, a cheap sketchbook and draw for yourself. Relax and have fun!

[@mm76.9]

When I feel stuck and lost I watch this. Always gets me drawing again. Thanks for this.

[@saph100]

I'm doing plenty of bad drawings and observing them not just to improve but i'm attempting to break my self worth towards things and place my self worth on just my imagination rather than the quality. Thank you very much FZD!

[@leonkastilyo7463]

I think everyone would be glad to see that 3hrs of you drawing

[@Millemmia]

This is so valuable. Every time I need some motivation or a reminder of what to focus on, I watch one of your videos. Thanks so much!

[@rumsto1]

Hey Feng, I wanted to express just how helpful Design Cinema has been in my development as an artist. I really loved this episode in particular because of the practical advice that I was able to implement right away. I really appreciate your time in creating these videos and giving me (and the rest of your audience) some really amazing information.

[@Tonykeiart]

This episode running about 1 hour, but I use this one a lot of times just to keep sure Sir Feng is speaking on background, while I draw. I was dreaming to study drawing in FZD School. I'm so so excited and happy by seeing this youtube channel full of brilliant study materials. Thanks a lot to uploaders and special thank personally to Feng Zhu. You makes me not to be scared off being bad at drawing and keep up doing. This is only the way to improve. I was so blind before... didn't seen really obvious things.

[@Tiagothx]

Thanks for this insight, I'm doing exactly what you said and I'm seeing more improvement in the last 2 weeks than I saw in 2 months, just by drawing Big Rock Formations, and trees, etc.

[@kmgenius]

You have no idea how glad I was to see a new video posted! Please keep them coming. They inspire me every time!

[@VHGisM3]

I'm glad I found this channel. What a hidden gem!

[@i-gotchu-fam]

Finally! Really missed your episodes sir Feng! Just wanted to say that your videos really helped me a lot back then(and even now!) on growing up, and finding who I am as an artist, so for that, I'm really really thankful sir.

[@MadDash84]

Omg, so many nuggets of wisdom from Feng. Every time nailing it on the head with what he says! I myself am guilty of a few of the things mentioned in this video. Thanks for the wake up call!

[@samuelbanya]

Very minor thing but for anyone wondering, he is using 'Canson' sketch paper for the background. I mention this because it's a bit key for the sketch design portion of the demo.

[@JaredBass7]

Yes new episode! I haven't been consistently drawing for like 3-4 years and every time I see one of these episodes It immediately makes me want to draw and get better. Love the break downs and insight.

[@littlecurrybread]

I find myself coming back to this video constantly, just good motivation. If there’s anybody out there who keeps putting off learning anatomy like me, consider this comment the calling you need to start! You can do it, check out manga materials on KZbin if you need a roadmap.

[@phantomapprentice6749]

Same here , I also use the reference at 30:24 for drawing practice, reinterpreting and drawing them in my own perspective grid , so good and hard to find these refs otherwise. Good ref makes the process more fun.

[@EF5iris]

this is 2 years later. but i cannot understate how GOOD and DETAILED a resource mangamaterials is; despite its name, the anatomy diagrams they draw and the anatomy tips they give are so useful, detailed, and accurate; they draw each muscle group from several angles and perspectives, on different morphologies; they show the connection points (if i remember correctly) for each thing too. they also show simplified ways of drawing the bones and muscles!! another good anatomy resource is proko :)

[@nunezinkgaming]

I just want to thank you feng and the FZD I started drawing 3 years ago no background in art started drawing 3-6 hours every single day learning the fundamentals. Your podcast learning on your own completely opened my eyes. Now I am earning pretty decent

[@ProcrastiNate_B]

I've always enjoyed your videos and started watching them around 3 years ago. I'm so happy to see more content from you! Watching the original Design Cinema videos is what lit the fire under me to pick up a pencil again and then onto creating my own digital art. Tonight I'm watching this whilst working on an art commission and I believe that the enthusiasm I have to do this started from watching your older videos so thank you!

[@theversatileartist6446]

Thanks Fang, I've been in a slump for over a year, I love watching your Design cinemas as it inspires me to get back to the basics every time. these videos are so important even for professionals.

[@Gabbafoo]

So glad that this channel isn't dead. It is motivational to see these videos for me. I used to draw a lot as a kid but nowadays I do more and more stuff in 3d - sometimes without any reference or concept drawing... I am still "ok" at drawing but kind of "progressed" to 3D. But lately I always think of my work as "stiff" or slightly amateurish exactly like you said... I will try to take your advice to heart and draw more (even if it is just a little bit to get the rust off)

[@IAmBackMan]

He's the number 1 guy to motivate. No one else can do it better! I love to see Design Cinema back

[@Krikario]

Hey Feng, you are such a wonderful and kind person. Your encouragement and wisdom made me push against very hard school projects during my time in the university and as I have recently graduated, I have confidence in my self and my drawings all thanks to you. Hopefully one day, I'll return back here and write down as a professional who works for their dream company, and I have a feeling that it will happen soon : )

[@MrKubahades]

Man this comes at a perfect time for me. I feel like I left sketching alone for too long focusing on digital art, and now that im very satisfied with my painting skills Im focusing on learning the fundamentals to perfection. Anatomy, sketching studies and all that jazz.

[@MrHumunuk]

You have really pinpointed the mentioned problems so good! Though it is a huge blessing that there are so many videos and information available nowadays there also comes a great deal of confusion and not knowing what to do with all of it. Thank you so much for taking time and summing up your knowledge for this matter in such a well done way.

[@imranq9241]

I’m a long time watcher but wanted to say that Feng’s videos are always on point...it’s amazing how much I can learn from them. Wish I could attend his school, but not enough time or money :(

[@nomadic-mind]

I started over a month ago and drawing on photo-copy paper attached to a clip board is the best way for me. Ideas flow much more freely because I don't care about the paper as much as I would if it were a sketchbook. At the end of each month, I use a three ring hole punch and put the finished sketches in a D-Ring binder.

[@aquatol6227]

I think the whole rock and progressing from easy to hard hits the nail on the head for most learning students. I've been having the same, problem with a few students i was teaching.

[@bloodsord9]

I know exactly what you need to start drawing. A reason. See, I went to an art school for 5 years. I went from the bottom to the top of the class in design, advertisement, illustration, digital, concept. I spent most of my time working on school projects. Never gave myself time to go out, spent my nights painting. But I didn't really care about a diploma. Later on I took up a tattoo apprenticeship. Once again I busted to get better. But I didn't really get a reason for doing it until I quit my apprenticeship. I realized that I need to learn and I need to learn fast. I spent almost all of my time one way or another investing in it. That is because I had a reason. It was progressing or being a no one for the rest of my life.

[@kibatsuki]

I have a very similiar experience and it is true, you need a reason to make it work. Motivation and determination is everything...and a load of patience, hard practice..

[@DanPeal1]

That's a powerful story man! Thank for sharing

[@DorasVideoLog]

This was so useful. I'm ashamed to say I've made virtually every one of those excuses. Giving these ideas about what to start drawing first, is such an eye opener for me. Thank you.

[@takavar2]

If anyone is interested in those rock houses in Iran: They are in a place called Kandovan. You can google image search it.

[@etwrnity]

6 years later, thank you!

[@nishi704]

We love you man, you dont just know it but you're a ray of hope for us artists who both want to express our art and make a living out of doing what we love

[@TheEleventeen]

Thank you so much for the new videos Feng ! It's such an honor to see you come back with new videos !

[@skeletonsoflove]

Thank you for this great insight!! I started the video convinced that I wasn't enjoying drawing enough until you started elaborating. I realized I keep doubting myself, so now I'm full of determination! I love the explanations on the levels of what to study- I think people jump into the hard stuff way too early and don't give enough time on each level.

[@HalikBun]

Man, it's so nice to have some new Feng Zhu talking about drawing. Basically impossible to not want to draw while you're talking about it. Thanks a bunch for this, it really helps with the motivation when I'm busy with work and usually spend my downtime relaxing with games.

[@BT-nv4ck]

I cant thank you enough for your video today, let alone the others that have come before. Usually when I would sketch I always would pick things that are WAY too ambitious for me to do because I wouldnt go over the fundamentals, which really has hurt me in the long term. This makes me feel a lot less stress now, so thank you.

[@drunksatan6075]

Nothing excited me more than hearing advice on drawing rocks to get you started cause damn... I love drawing rocks.

[@teinili]

I'm so glad I started drawing when I was very young because it's so much easier to accept that something doesn't look good (because you don't even care or realize it) and you just draw because it's fun and I think I have to find that mindset again a little bit

[@lonelinessdestroyedme624]

Thank you a lot sir! This is exactly what I need. Im procrastinating a lot since i have most of those excuses. I'm in love hate relationship with art since my skills are inferior. I never knew where to start. Who ever i asked,they just said start drawing...while you put example of how much to do studies and such. I have problem with starting myself but once someone explains it to me i can move on freely. Thank you a lot!

[@kavereon]

Thank you so much for your advice. This video is invaluable for students like me learning on their own because we often become a victim of the excuses and there aren't any teachers around to 'snap' us out of our erroneous ways...except for Feng Zhu! I feel so inspired and grateful.

[@oliverdanielsiv2169]

Love that your back!!! Please don't leave for another year!

[@chompdesign]

Broke my art block with this, I can't thank you enough. A+ video, excellently explained and worded.

[@Dunduckuty]

Feng is back! Thanks for the effort you put into this channel! I have enjoyed these videos for years.

[@melonbread767]

Sir how is this information free and as a student I am so thankful that this channel exists. Great job !

[@HighTechPictures]

Exactly, I what I needed to hear! Thank you Feng for "slapping my face" with the cruel truth!!!

[@alatriste2222]

The best drawing video on the internet

[@reee0plb465]

I am very grateful for these podcasts you put out there, I really needed this one in particular. Thank you and keep up the great work.

[@13igorsm]

this video is just GOLD , and it definitely will make me revive some old good habits

[@sissonor]

Hey :) Thank you so much for repeating "just paint" :) It´s like mantra and it helps. I have spent this episode watching/listining and instantly painted along. Your instructions are so simple but way to powerful. Gonna keep on watching your channel and paint. Like you said: 2start simple and grow" . I wish you the best!

[@def_leppard_junkie]

Welcome back Feng!! Thanks for taking the time to share your process. :D Love what you are doing.

[@Barely_Here]

I started drawing very late into my teens. 18-19. Had to figure out that I didn't have to cram to get good, just had to enjoy it, and discipline myself to do it, at the very Least, every day

[@anthonywhite9341]

So glad you're back and i caught this on my feed for new vids to watch. I've fallen off the wagon for drawing in pursuit of other hobbies but would love to go back into it. This was great advice for someone like me who can draw from reference but severely lacks in foundation when drawing on my own. Looking to practice again. Thanks again for the vid!

[@saem901901]

Damn feng always bringing valuable content. Just when you think there’s enough out there. feng always comes back like “but have you seen this!”

[@SeaSerpentLevi]

1 hour video, so freaking many life changing useful tips! I cant tank you enough man, i was so lost before coming here and finding your channel. Your content is a amazing gift ❤ I would love to study with you guys, but sadly i cant do it for budget reasons. But thanks A LOT for your videos you are really helping me a lot.

[@hodysecond5909]

finally back!!! pls Feng dont stop doing these videos... you are the greatest concept art teacher on the internet. Really like your videos #awesomecontent

[@BrunoDMP98]

I have to say, a friend of mine showed me this video, and i've never been so glad for seeing a video, very inspiring, now i'll just start drawing like ai should have done before, and,of course, watching all of your videos. Thank you!

[@ChindoEnyidah]

I enjoy all of these design cinemas. Thanks for all of the great advice and inspiration!

[@flowerbloom5782]

Thanks! This helps with my frustration not drawing enough and giving me a new perspective on practicing drawing. I kept thinking that I must understand the fundamentals like perspective to draw "properly" but I realize how can you understand the fundamentals if you don't put them into practice.

[@yoms994]

Glad to see you back! I personally wouldn't mind a 3-4 hour video, I draw along and your content is always inspiring and motivating

[@Protokjax]

Art videos always come at the right time 😂. Thx man! Been following your channel for 6+ years and I've learned so much in that time.

[@ionflux_]

Great advice, as always. :) There is so much stuff to draw actually that I wonder how it is even possible to not know what to draw. But I still fall into that trap sometimes, maybe because I am looking for what will give the most benefit in terms of learning, when actually I just need to start drawing. Also great idea to order studies by difficulty and start with some simple stuff first! Thanks so much for putting up these videos!

[@MakiNoAtorie]

So nice to see you again, Feng. I really enjoyed this chapter. I usually draw people, persons and stuff, but as you say, for concept art you have to be able to draw so different things. So I think I'll be back to polish my drawing skills and take some book again to complement it. thank you!

[@dabouye]

Loved this video Feng Zhu! It's so good to see a master professional from the industry breaking down the importance of drawing/painting. I think the "newer generation" is so focused on getting likes on social media, that they forget to practice the art of having fun and doing studies. 10/10

[@Valkyrieyabi]

I enjoy watching your videos. I know I personally struggle when it comes to drawing, which is why I've gone so far to try not to do it because I'm awful (which is fair).. Though I want to improve, I just lack confidence in it. I also have crippling levels of self-loathing and depression so it's very easy to think everything is crap and to stop doing it because I'll never get anywhere. I'm about to graduate (today, actually) from school for animation where my primary focus is 3D modeling, but I'm starting to slowly go back to learning how to actually draw and actually try to put pen to paper because I know it's important, even if I don't do drawing necessarily for a living, mostly because I absolutely love doing 3D modeling. Thank you, for allowing us viewers to see videos like this in order to try to learn and improve. And also, thank you for trying to promote and provide confidence for the people struggling at this. I know one of my teachers never stops recommending you and one other artist that does videos like these as well. He actually spent a class period with us sitting and watching a few of your Design Cinema videos in class and talking about it, which is how I found this channel and have followed it since.

[@Ex7aSzY]

Oh my god...man I love you!! This channel is giving me all the pieces missing from the puzzle !! Thank you so SO much

[@quiquegaros3303]

Thank you sooooo much! I am learning by myself and been trying to study so many things that I was starting to feel really bad and wondering why am I not enjoying studying how to draw if I like drawing but I guess I just needed to relax and JUST DRAW :)

[@jimmyrochette7536]

That because you don't allow yourself to experiment do to fan art or work on a personal project that need drawing.

[@DanPeal1]

I payed attention, that finding inspirational stuff you want to draw, or let's say practice is very important. Feng mentions this couple of time. For instance when I go back home I always go to nature, and sometimes I don't have time to do plein air painting or sketching, I just snap a picture of the location, but make sure to anchor and remember the feeling it aroused in you. Get back home take whatever medium you love, pull out the picture and do it, you will see it, it will be relaxing and extremely pleasant.

[@17th_Colossus]

This really struck a cord with me! Gonna spend less time worrying about my "40 hour" pieces and start to enjoy "Just Drawing" again! Great to see you back!

[@fleyman]

Good to hear your voice again Feng! I started to draw years ago with your first videos, so this bring me some good memories.

[@oOOo-mf3oe]

oh my god I've been checking your channel for days now hoping you'd upload a new video, so happy to finally see you back!!

[@niacherryblossom]

I'm now interested in medical illustration I'm a vet student and would like to document my learning especially for pathology see so cool stuff in there and these videos are helping me to map the structures as much as accurately as possible. İts so much fun now.

[@westleywood1553]

Always inspired when I watch your videos. So glad you're back!! Looking forward to more videos from you, Feng. Thanks!

[@charmainelee5085]

"I hope you guys enjoyed this video" Yes! Yes I did enjoyed it very much. Thanks for taking your time to make this video, because it inspired me to draw for the sake of drawing again. Somehow lost the simplicity of drawing just for the sake of it. God bless from Malaysia!

[@obsidanite135]

I've been putting in the hours, but the content I was drawing was pretty unguided and unstructured. I'm really glad I stumbled on to this video because I finally see what I've been doing wrong this whole time. Going to have to watch more of your vids, thanks for the great content!

[@florianhaeckh4113]

Really cool video! I love your respect for the basics, there is so much confusing concept being thrown around now. Yours is easy to understand and makes a ton of sense. Thanks for this.

[@SamReevesWrites]

Thank you Feng. I love the idea of the digital sketchbook. In fact, I just took a picture from one of my nicest looking sketchbooks and am using this for a blank template.

[@hasancingoz1911]

I would watch a 3 hours (frankly even 10 hours) episode. love your work

[@afuras2534]

Thank you for this video. I related so much to the excuses and makes me realize I forgot the most important factor, to just draw. I spend too much time overthinking when I draw and I stare at the blank page. I feel afraid that I'm not practicing the right way so I end up not drawing which is just counterproductive. I spend more time trying to learn and find information rather than drawing. I worry too much about quality. Thank you for this wake up call.

[@PATWO]

One book really good to train drawing it's DK's SMITHSONIAN MILITART HISTORY, because is begin with stone age weapon to our days. A great leveling up book :)

[@MrBurgerphone1014]

Ohh, will take a look

[@cuac5869]

Thanks man! I found a page with PDFs of two of the volumes plus warfare history and weapons. These references are amazing.

[@maqhem]

What a comeback. I had to look again when I thought I saw FZD in my inbox. Yep, sure enough. Welcome back.

[@e9h9hoho]

So happy to see this video! I've been checking regularly to see if I missed an update or something. Glad to see you back!

[@_jmgomez_]

Knowing that you're back just made my day!

[@kentarcajuan]

Thanks much! It is amazing how many things, concepts and the great motivation that you give with your videos. The think I like the most is the concept development that you give, this help me a lot to put in order my ideas. I am starting with illustration, I come from the design and photography area, but my big dream is become a good illustrator and a capable drawer and your video series motivate me a lot and give me the chance to understand the steps to go from 0 to skilled. Thanks much again you are the best!

[@annawaiq6360]

So happy to see a new video up. This will be my Reward After work

[@UnusGrunus]

Oooooo baby it's DESIGN CINEMAAAA love love love you Feng for making these ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! !

[@johnbuster4268]

I didn’t realize how old this was until you talked about the people who said they don’t have time to draw and that they are playing new games and said “Bloodborne”

[@etwrnity]

lmao same

[@MangaBoi]

"Let me take a sip of my coffee/tea" - Feng Zhu... You say this a lot in your vids. This should be a phrase on a shirt lol