How I learned to draw for FREE (and you can too!)

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In this video I explain how I've been learning to draw over the past 6 years, and how you can too, completely for free.
Equipment I use:
Art: Clip Studio Paint EX, Huion Kamvas Pro 22 (amzn.to/3KygafC)
Screen & Audio Recording: OBS
Video Recording: Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, Victiv 54inch Phone Tripod
Microphone: Razer Seiren Mini (amzn.to/3tReKXx), InnoGear MS038 Boom Arm (amzn.to/3FJwwy9)
Editing: Vegas Pro
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Art in these videos is often based on lessons from channels such as: Proko, Boro Drawing, Marco Bucci, James Gurney, Paintable, Kazone Art, Marc Brunet, Mark Crilley, SomeNormalAritst, Volen CK, Reuben Lara, Mattias Pilhede, Peter Draws, Dave Greco, Will Terry, Trent Kaniuga, Sinix Design, DoKiDoKi Drawing, ericanthonyj, Akihito Yoshitomi, Sycra, Istebrak, Whyt Manga, Kuzomari
Art from others that I do not have permission to use is blurred. This is just a video log of my art progress over time. I have no intention of stealing content from other people.
Art, Artist, Digital Art, Art Tutorial, How to Draw, Learning to Draw, Anime, How to draw anime, How to draw manga, Figure drawing, Character drawing, Art advice, Listenable, Iterative Drawing, Learning how to draw, How to get better art drawing

[@benlin1526]

It's so true! Finished art is like the tip of the iceberg, everything that goes into it is what they don't see.

[@laos85]

Art takes a long long time to be decent. You got to know many things of how things work like a true scientist. Structors, lightning, materials, perspective, physics, reflection, colour blending, shade, stat of an objects, and many more. 6 years isn't that long. Never rush yourself so you'll get better

[@asimian8500]

*Some tips* : The most important part of DrawaBox is the 250 boxes exercise. Just do it; even if you don't do anything else on the site. In fact, I would argue the ability to draw a box from any angle in 3-point perspective will make learning perspective a piece-of-cake. Obviously, you will need to understand things like horizon line, dividing/multiplying planes, etc... but the ability to draw a 3-point perspective box opens the world, including the fish-eye 5-point perspective of Kim Jung-Gi. Anatomy is both an academic and artistic endeavor. From an academic perspective get the *Anatomy Coloring Book* by Wynn Kapit and some Crayola or Amazon colored pencils. Color the whole book. You will get a better understanding of anatomy from just this book. Next, get an anatomy book like *Stonehouse's Anatomy* or *Anatomy for Sculptors* and supplement with the classic George Bridgman. You need to do lots of figure drawings (like a 1000+). Obviously, live figure drawing will be difficult for most people. I would advise using models with more ideal proportions (7+ head size figures) and definitely with nude models (like Studio Grafit which has amazing models and shots). Even when drawing clothes, it will be much better if you draw the underlying nude figure and then clothe the model.

[@shormere1612]

I agree with a lot of your points, Anatomy for Sculptors is probably one of the best books out there mainly due to the fact that they have actual models instead of just boring and dry anatomy diagrams.

[@Ashusername]

Thank you!!! This was extremely helpful

[@Ginta0616]

Thanks, you’re awesome

[@PkmnLovar]

I'm coming back to ask your feedback on these issues that I see some people have with the 4th Edition "The Anatomy Coloring Book" where the pages are too thin becoming a hindrance in reading and the inaccuracies with some bits.

[@asimian8500]

@@PkmnLovar I'm sorry to hear that the 4th edition has thin pages. Any anatomical book has errors which is why you always want to supplement. The beauty of the coloring book is the ability to reinforce learning by coloring. Try to get an earlier edition (used and pristine). Another way is to look for a PDF copy. You can print it out at an office supply store on thicker paper and have it ring bound to make it easier to color.

[@Falney]

I have actually done the first section of draw a box and man was it boring, but it definitely helped. My way of getting through it was to doodle for 30 mins, do a lesson, then do a "finished" piece with what ever my skill would let me achieve then I could break up the monotony of doing squares, circles, squares with circles in them and lines.

[@GhostLeadGaming]

I hope u complete Drawabox coz am at start of lesson 6 and God is it good

[@Falney]

@@GhostLeadGaming I had to slow down because I had a dry eye flare up which is pretty nearly gone now so I've picked it up again. I'm just struggling with the ribbons, just can't seem to get them right D:

[@GhostLeadGaming]

@@Falney no worries am done with Drawabox if u want motivation u can look at my drawings I started drawing as complete begginer on 1 June 2022 and finished draw a box in 1 Oct 2022. U can see my drawings if u ever need to

[@gamerpie15]

@@GhostLeadGamingwhere can I look at them?

[@Nazquii]

Figure Drawing for Artists: Making Every Mark Count and Vilppu Drawing Manual are great books really recommended

[@kapeecoffee]

Fundamentals is definitely important. I drew boxes and cylinders at the start which definitely helps in the long run

[@swisdom9117]

I'm back to the fundamentals myself. How good are you?

[@dickish-duck1090]

I am so confused, I hear some people say boxes aren't a good strategy at all and then there are people who say it is.

[@kapeecoffee]

@@swisdom9117 I have been doing it for a year and you can check the speed paints i did and my progress so far

[@kapeecoffee]

@@dickish-duck1090 it's a mix between boxes and interesting warped shapes. It really helps you visualize things into 3d when drawing

[@swisdom9117]

@@kapeecoffee facts. I prefer drawing circles and cylinder tho, especially for the body. Boxes just feel rigid when drawing the body but they do help a lot to show me edges

[@yuri_nori]

You're doing way better then most people who drawn for 6 years great job!

[@teacupanimates]

As an intermediate artist this is useful as HECK!

[@KadinSketch]

I've only been doing this for a couple years, but our self-taught art journeys are so similar. You mentioned Proko but said you haven't spent any money, and I'm wondering if that means you haven't seen what is behind his paywall. I bought his anatomy course, and while it is priced very steeply, I didn't regret it. He packs his free videos full of information, but the 3D models and additional content made it worth it for me. These days I usually just pick up Anatomy for Sculptors and find a page that helps me solve whatever problem I'm working on. It's a great book.

[@emmet_xrcmiy3]

I listen to the draftsman podcast every day, and it has been the best thing for my conference, (being a complete beginner in a world of amazing art). Proko is an amazing resource.

[@swisdom9117]

I just joined your discord server and it looks good so far. I know I should do draw a box but for right now I'm just drawing over people, cars and other shapes in the newspaper, trying to break down form and that sort of thing.

[@XiroKohi]

lot of thoughts, deep thoughts, i could find from here when i just started to planning my biggest project in my life doubt it at first, but i choose to move on, this just add that more boost that i need cheers

[@Alastor5678]

This is amazin! love all the progress!

[@cjbossdrawing5265]

One thing i would like to learn is your painting/rendering style been in art since 2017 and want go from cel shade to something like what the japense artists do

[@coragon42]

Legitimately good advice!

[@natelierart]

Wow quelle évolution incroyable et vraiment inspirante, merci de donner de l'espoir à tant de monde, j'ai envie de m'y mettre à mon tour, bravo tu es un vrai artiste !!

[@xeinakingdom]

Thank you so so much, I'll definitely try draw a box

[@soresoresore]

thank you jp art very useful video ❤

[@asimian8500]

Well done!

[@weebboba7513]

Thank you for making this video

[@yarxul194]

While I'm not gonna complete all the drawabox lessons I am gonna do the 250 boxes challenge and maybe the cylinders challenge as well just so I'm able to draw basic forms in perspective. As a fun twist, I sometimes draw a few boxes in perspective and then draw an item in that box. That on its own is both fun and helps with drawing in 3d and perspective. I'll eventually try drawing characters that way as well since that seems like a good and fun way to practice perspective and gesture/figure drawing together.

[@neko6084]

super helpful thank you

[@galloviking4766]

Drawabox scares me.

[@Zouuyuu]

amazing!

[@ShahbazToons]

Whatever he says the videos are awesome

[@szymonsteczek2180]

Thanks a lot for this video!!! I thought that I have stagnated with learning how to draw by doing drawabox course. But now I'm reassured that this is the right way. The only thing to fix is to draw more stuff by myself :D

[@Alphawolfinify]

Realism is about getting the values right, and mix color on top of it as cherry.

[@instinctisfiercenotcruel.958]

i really really love art, it is stressful tho

[@SinsshAuia]

Thats rolling girl miku in the thumbnail right?

[@kog6445]

I'm just gonna go draw feet for 3 hours

[@AymanAntri7]

I am honestly crushed nowadays, my lack of focus, motivation and discipline is in an all time low because I realized I actually am not good at all about drawing. I feel stupid, I dont understand why I cant draw at all, I have been studying and practicing forever and I barely improve, its too demoralizing, at this pace I will be too old to even be decent at art. This is my last time before giving up, hopefully your video will finally help to start things clicks on my mind, thanks.

[@evelyncikas]

Take your time and start with one small step. Then you can go further and further! 🤩👌 I noticed the difference myself when I was in the limiting mindset ("I can't", "I don't know how", etc.), it created additional and unnecessary tension and frustration that hold me back in learning to draw. When I told myself that hey, I'm taking things slowly and just focusing on learning instead of the result, it made the huuuge difference! The tension and frustration were gone, I became more relaxed and you could see it in my drawings! Don't underestimate the power of the mind. So start with step one even if it's really small and move from there bit by bit! I'm sure you can do it! Don't give up as it'll make you fall in love with drawing again and again! As it was said in the video, start with a drawabox page. You'll be learning from the very beginning and, eventually, you'll get where you want! 🤩😊 Don't rush yourself too fast and don't be too hard on yourself, you've got this!!! 💪😊🙏

[@AymanAntri7]

@@evelyncikas Thank you, you are too kind and your comment is helping me a bit. I will still struggle a lot to adapt this mindset and pace myself with learning rather than worrying about the end result, I will try.

[@Garfield_Minecraft]

i follow you from discord server

[@atsumelia]

How much time would you say it required to achieve a decent level of drawing, having at the same time another job?(so not having the full day to study). Let's say a medium of 1-2 hours a day max...I don't want to rush into it, I really like to draw just for fun, but I want to know if studying will get me anywhere even in the longer term or if I should leave it to the abstract doodles

[@cyansalvatore6011]

Studying will definitely get you to another level and then another and another. It depends on how fast your understanding of the 3d and planes and all that improves. You can get on a decent level within two years or within 10 years. There's really no given time limit for it. But even if you were drawing 5-10 minutes a day, it will improve your drawing skills to some extent

[@atrophos4104]

i dont have a tablet but i draw using my mouse which makes things 10x harder and longer, but i use designdoll which is basically a program that helps beginners with anatomy and perspective, and i plan to keep using it for a while even after i get a tablet, do you think using such a program will help me or will it hold me back? i personally have no goal i just want to be a good artist to capture memories and express myself but i do want to make photograph-like drawings like the last one you made in your other video, short version: i use a program that allows me to trace over manniquins for characters, will this help me or will it hold me back from improving? and if it is helping how long should i be using it for?

[@szukacz2946]

why don't you just use a pencil if you don't have tablet?

[@rchaelk2319]

Ouuuf, drawing with a mouse is just asking to break your arm without getting the skills. Just try to draw with pencil until you get a tablet. If you're desperate, you can just print a Foto of the Model and trace that way.

[@atrophos4104]

@@szukacz2946 i want to draw digitally since i think it will help me get to know how to use the tools and program more which i think can help me later on do shortcuts and stuff

[@happyduck1424]

@@atrophos4104 you could get a 40$ tablet or draw on a phone, or even use a trackpad but I'm not sure about the mouse stuff.

[@atrophos4104]

@@happyduck1424 i plan on getting a tablet with a screen, but the thing im asking is... is it okay to keep using mannequins to trace over for poses and anatomy or will it hold me back?

[@mobilestatus5644]

Which software/app are you used .

[@Cocojonut-fp8ek]

complete stickman level beguinner here, any tips?

[@cyansalvatore6011]

Do the Draw A Box course

[@rayarkoproductions8122]

4:30

[@OutlawMantis]

Good video, although I can't really make use of your advice. Drawabox requires the use of traditional tools, so it's not for me. (I'd go into why that is at length, but I don't want to debate traditional vs. digital with people. I've tried both methods and got more out of digital.) But that's okay, there's thousands of other art tutorials out there that don't have that requirement.

[@cyansalvatore6011]

It will still benefit you if you do it digitally. It does not "require", it puts it as a strong suggestion.

[@verycherryberry3752]

hey, the discord link doesnt work. is there another one?

[@zinqhq.]

whats the song at 4:49

[@rmhgames3709]

Honestly my biggest thing That I don’t fully understand even after 3 years of drawing is 3D space I mean I did and redid drawabox many times and I can draw a good looking box but my brain just never see it in 3D space so is there anything else to do to make understanding 3D space more easier aside from Draw a box ?

[@laos85]

3 years is nothing for art. Just don't expect yourself to be pro level with that experience. Just learn things by looking around the environment and keep collecting those images in your head

[@rmhgames3709]

@@laos85 I didn’t expect my self to be pro at all I just thought that at least I’m gonna stop looking at the paper as a flat 2D thing also about collecting “images in my head” I don’t actually see anything in my head….

[@laos85]

@@rmhgames3709 Like learning perspective through experience of observing various environments. So you get an idea how to make things look 3d.

[@stammesbruder]

What helped me the most so far is learning to perceive my movements differently while drawing. When you draw something that clearly uses the third dimension (like with foreshortened limbs or the connecting line to the backside of a box), you are making a line up or down the paper. But when I do it, I try to think of the movement as actually going into depth - I don't draw upwards or downwards, I draw forwards.

[@MinieAnne]

Are you perhars have a DYS disorder ? i don't remember which one but i know one them impact your capacity to repair stuff in space, so it's make it hard for them to try to visualize a 2D form on a 3D one .

[@detectivewaffles5635]

Where can I get the Andrew Loomis books for free? Can someone tell me?

[@JPArt]

There might be better versions elsewhere but these are good for the most part: archive.org/search.php?query=creator%3A%22Loomis%2C+Andrew%22

[@ahrimusifosil9207]

i always want do draw lke this... but now i am 39 and i am affraid that my time runs away. If you need 6 years, i meaby need 10 years (less time, mutch work). And than i am nearly 50... noone is intersted in drawings a an old white men.

[@cyansalvatore6011]

You could start drawing just for fun, which should be the main point of drawing for beginners anyways. There is never too late

[@ahuman32478]

Stan Lee was an old white man and everybody loved his drawings. Also, if you keep waiting, you'll die before you can achieve artistic mastery. Start now!

[@fairsaa7975]

Why does it matter what anyone else cares? Do it for you, not for other people.

[@alexwe1549]

you can just make a couple of boxes and copy and paste them instead of drawing all of the windows on the buildings

[@JPArt]

That wouldn't work in a case like this because the perspective changes between each building

[@alexwe1549]

@@JPArt yeah I noticed that now that you mentioned it my bad

[@farrshanise7352]

Drawabox its not free

[@JoshuaImagines]

It is free

[@nenadovstil]

Lesson are free, chek website

[@kristinaogot341]

The lessons are free, and you don't need Patreon.

[@selfactualizer2099]

I am going to steal and copy. You can say I'm wrong when you can say Banksy is wrong. You have enjoyed and complimented stolen content countless times How many of you have seen the zero two dance a million times now