How to Draw Difficult Things (What DO You Know?)

Okay, first thing I want you to know is that I plan to do weekly streams on Sundays at 3pm PST, 6pm EST, 11pm GMT, so if you have any questions or you just wanna hang out together, I'd love to see you on the stream. If you miss the stream, it'll still be saved :)
In this video, I explain the method I use to overcome challenges in art where I want to draw something, but it just seems too difficult.
TLDW: Break it down into the simplest thing you can, that is not too difficult, and build up to the complex thing. I figure a lot of you already know that, but it took me a long time to learn, so hopefully it assists someone who's struggling the way I used to.
Check out my webcomic, Space Waitress Kei, here:
www.webtoons.com/en/challenge...
You can support me on Patreon at: / sycra
Tools I Use:
-Uniball Signo Gel Ink Pens, in various colours for daily drawings:
www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B003...
-Adobe Photoshop CS6 for digital painting
-Coolorus extension in Photoshop to get the Painter-like color wheel. You can download it here: bit.ly/2bGIQFD
-Procreate on iPad Pro 12.9" with Apple Pencil for sketching digitally.
-Clip Studio Paint for drawing comics: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01F...
-Wacom Cintiq 22HD: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B008...
-Open Broadcaster Software to record my videos: obsproject.com/
-Audacity to record my audio: www.audacityteam.org/
-Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 to render my videos.
-Smudgeguard glove to keep my hand from directly touching the Cintiq: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B075...
Follow me on:
Twitter: / sycra
instagram: / sycra
Deviantart: www.deviantart.com/sycra
Pixiv: www.pixiv.net/member.php?id=7...
Tumblr: / sycrayasin
For full length feature tutorials on how to paint, how to draw, and more, visit PencilKings at sycrayasin--pencilkings.thriv...

[@nyarktolegna4889]

I'm glad you're back. Actually interesting drawing channel that doesnt produce useless 10min videos again and again are kinda rare

[@Osjey]

i hope new artists eventually find their way to Sycras videos, its not about what he teaches anymore but how he shows that everyone pursues their own art journey, and he is a living example of that journey thats why listening to his thoughts is more interesting than the 10 min quick art videos

[@mikhailvarkovsky4150]

What channels do this? I'm curious.

[@lettucecat3538]

man.....can we leave this shitty mindset last yr u can uplift and compliment someone without totally bringing others down i swear its easy

[@nyarktolegna4889]

@@lettucecat3538 I have no mercy for KZbin algorithm abusers sorry. They are actually "bringing other down" (beginner artists) by producing those shitty content, polutting KZbin learning potential

[@spacemation8786]

@@lettucecat3538Amen

[@jeanpierrepolnareff9919]

I believe this to be the best workflow for learning new things to draw: Strep 1: Decompose the subject by tracing over it with simple shapes/do the first thing you show in the video. Basically trying to understand the subject. Step 2: Try to copy it from a reference but without tracing, this helps you understand construction and how to build it without guide lines. Also try to capture the gesture and movement of the thing you are drawing. If you feel like you cant do it, go back to step 1. Step 3: Draw the subject from imagination, no reference. This is the most important part, its what engraves the knowledge in your brain and hands. This would be the part where you do tons of iterative drawing of the same subject. If you feel you are getting nowhere, go back to step 2. Also, dont just draw. You can also paint and model your subject, this will help you understand it better and in different ways. I was surprised how my drawings improved once I started painting(without lineart).

[@3v1l73ddy]

Basically the shrimp method

[@Phantom-vu2bh]

I love this super simple method of learning to draw new things, it does seem apparent to me that breaking down a subject and attempting to draw it on your own with progressively less help will engrave in your memory what the subject is and how it is formed, in addition to iterating on the subject which will help solidify and flesh out mistakes you may be making whenever you attempt to draw it

[@OcieCo]

Drawing and other creative activities are an exercise in problem-solving. It's probably a lot healthier to think about difficult things as obstacles that can be overcome in more ways than just "skill". You don't always have to be better, sometimes it's enough to be clever about it - it's also more fun like that, in my opinion. I really like the comeback, Sycra! I don't know how to say it, but it seems less sacrifice- or discipline-oriented. People should do what works for them. They should feel good about being creative and not feel pressured to be a certain way. Do what works and not what you think other people expect from you.

[@reybalderstone]

I can't tell you how much I relate to this mindset. Even as a kid, I never wanted to use reference because I thought it was cheating. Growing up that translated to not wanting to use photos, not doing master studies, ect. I can't believe how much I was inhibiting my progress for the sake of my ego. Now I wonder how much further along I would be if I had drawn as much as the other kids my age instead of being too scared of failing.

[@HeavensRipper-he4sz]

You are incredibly skilled at understanding the roots of things, and then explaining them, maybe this comes from you thinking so much, it is very fortunate that you are a teacher that exists because I don't think information like this exists anywhere else.

[@j.r.765]

Learning to learn is part of the battle for many skills.

[@Filtaido]

Breaking complex things down into digestible parts is a skill in itself. Definitely something I need work on

[@Iron-Oak]

This is such an important point to learn and I think one of the most valuable lessons for artists. It took a lot of time and reminding myself to break away from the idea that using reference makes you a bad artist, which is in hindsight such a bizarre concept and I keep wondering how that notion even came to be. The thing a lot of non-artists or beginners don't realise is that even if you straight up trace from your ref if you have no idea what you're doing, if you don't understand the object that you're tracing and have a lack of knowledge of artistic principles, it is still going to look bad. That is the reason why learned artists can tell that you traced. Being able to deconstruct and truly understand what you're drawing is just guardrails, at some point you will be able to draw it from imagination if you analyse instead of copy.

[@LadySuchiko]

Omg exactly. I've met many people that get so upset that you can tell they traced (because they were trying to hide that fact to be disingenuous) and their assumption is that "no one should be able to tell". But you CAN tell if that person doesn't really have a certain skill level. Certain decisions don't make sense together. They have wildly different skill levels in the same piece, great body shape but zero sense of line, etc. You can learn from any method, it's just really easy to tell when someone is just skipping over vital lessons to try to trick you.

[@tsotneshonia]

That ego topic you touched after 47:25 has been in my mind for a couple of months now. I've spent years nurturing skills to "become an artist". I liked drawing since forever, wanted to tell stories and create pretty illustrations. But being able to create something that is both worthy of people's attention and creatively fulfilling is very hard. For many of us, our ego has to get involved to push through obstacles. I tied my self worth to my ability to be financially rewarded for my drawing skills. Slowly, I accepted references, (crappy) 3d, photo bashing, and was trying to accept tracing as tools. But then Spring 2022 brought us software that can generate images much faster than any human can, and its limits are being pushed very rapidly. I envy the people who could either accept or disregard it so quickly. I feel like it crushed my ego and freed me from it, but now can no longer find meaning in creating any form of imagery.

[@transientimages]

I think I echo many a people's sentiment. This is *exactly* what I needed to hear. I can't say it's the last piece, but this has made *many* things fall into place.

[@JerryLecor]

Dude you have no idea how important this video is, at least for me it is. I'm the artist who tries to work everything out in one go instead of building up ideas and then beating myself up when it doesn't look right. Also I use try to reference to stylize it but then end up getting tunnel vision and end up trying to copy the reference 1 for 1, forgetting about what I wanted with it. Great job with this video, I felt like I got a free critique lol.

[@soundseffecter9972]

I've been watching on-off since 2013.. I sort of regard you as my online art teacher.. these "mindset" videos have been most important. I'm glad I know what I know now. I'm happy for all the uploads you've done.

[@davidogidan3307]

Your vids are actually motivating out of my artistic burnout. I saw your vid on the Practice Trap and recognized a lot of the reasons I don’t draw as often as I should. This vid really helps me understand the methods to the madness and how every little thing doesn’t have to be perfect whenever you start. You’ve earned yourself a sub and I’m looking forward to more stream of consciousness vids in the future!

[@Albelius]

I feel this video and the practice trap will help me in the long run with my art. I tend to be scared to start, since I often have these complicated images in my head and internally boo when I cannot get them on paper (digital or traditional) on one go. With characters it has gotten easier. Still, I have the tendency to avoid doing the projects I like, because "I don't know enough" or "I'm not skilled enough". Sometimes it does get overwhelming, when you try and try to solve the problem and find references for what I'm trying to draw. Light and shadows are especially challenging and at times I can only find a reference which shows a part of the body and not full body (if I'm doing a full body image), which doesn't necessarily help to set the shadows right. Luckily there are websites which let you pose characters and direct a light. I have to admit though, at times doing the other stuff besides the drawing is off-putting. ^^; Could be an ego thing there in the background.

[@onstr]

I wish my drawing professor had this kind of insight to share.

[@Musinator95]

So glad Sycra is back. Fresh breath of air!

[@UnlimitedGreenWorks]

extremely eye opening to some of the problems ive had with my own drawing process, really glad your back!

[@luciluziel2946]

Holy fu-.... I really don't know what to say... Thank you so freaking much for this video, holy shit Your videos are honestly eye opening experiences. Thank you!

[@stewale]

Great video, it was helpful! Thanks and welcome back!

[@FearlessPotatoe]

Wait, is it 2013 or wth is Sycra posting stuff again?? Really glad you're back, man! ) You're the first person that comes to my mind when someone asking "who taught you to draw?", and I'm serious ass working art industry professional now, so yeah... thank you! I hope you're doing good, and here to stay! )

[@ricardoarturoperezdionisio5864]

38:48 you are the very first artist to me in point that part for real people who draw and skip the skeching part without thinking that this is the source of understanding. Thank you bro for this video I really get all these tips

[@flames2089]

The things you talk about and teach are absolutely invaluable. I really really appreciate it. Thank you.

[@tihiiinik4293]

SYCRA, WELCOME BACK!!!

[@f1sh.s41nt]

The way you explain your thought processes and your approach to art really motivates me and it helps me to focus on actually learning and enjoying the process. I always go back to your videos to centre myself when I'm overwhelmed with all of the art techniques and information. You're my favourite art account to learn from and I really value all that you have taught :)

[@RaykoF]

It was very validating to hear about some approaches that I managed to stumble across by myself. Perhaps, bringing my attention to them again. I do know that I can't draw well but every time I would loose up and draw, like, using the coil/spring approach or the one you used here with the eye has always been so fun and pleasurable, and the results were always much better as well.

[@sverreytterdal7167]

Welcome back Sycra!

[@SavMortem]

I really love the way you think. It reminds me a lot of how I try to figure things out but I always felt it meant I was doing art wrong. I've gotten a lot of value for different things from different artists but something about the way you teach clicks in my mind better and I'm really grateful for that

[@amandaphelps4293]

Not gunna lie, I trace over reference photos all the time in that informative, shape finding way that you demoed here. Not only does it speed up my process but I find that I internalize the shapes so much more than if I were to do a side by side copy. BUT it does lead to this sort of fear of people watching me work. I've had people suggest that I make speed paints and stuff and I've tried a handful of times but any time I know I'm recording myself drawing it gets into my head and I end up either not enjoying the final image or not enjoying the process (or usually, both). Anyway, art is a weird psychological mine field and watching a video like this of you breaking down some of the insecurities I have facing my own art makes me feel very seen and understood. So, welcome back :)

[@JulianThursday13]

I didn't know Kim Jung Gi passed away until Sycra said "...the late Kim Jung Gi...". May his art live forever!

[@IzzySarru]

I'm super glad you're back. Your videos both motivate me and help me make my own observations about my art the processes I need to do. I definitely feel you about the tracing/reference thing too. For so long I had the erroneous idea that it was wrong, but it's actually incredibly helpful for working out form and building that muscle memory and visual library.

[@kittensteaparty]

Sycra!!!!!! This whole video is gold!!! Really appreciate it, & glad to see you back!!

[@VilkanVisions]

Your videos are always inspiring and motivating, can't wait for the streams!

[@EllaChant]

I am so incredibly happy you are back! This is gonna be a great year!

[@heynhamnham]

Missed this channel, you made me gather courage to start my art journey many years ago

[@Hodg3y]

It's so wonderful to see you making videos again! You've always been one of the best teachers on youtube as far as i'm concerned. Wishing you all the best for the new year and beyond

[@yavnrh]

I'm definitely going to apply this mindset and approach in my drawings going forward.

[@kylewheeler1821]

glad to see you back, and i know i really enjoyed this video.

[@KEEPOURSANITY]

this video & the last one (about practice) are the biggest revelations i've heard as an artist... thank you so much for sharing these perspectives & making art "fun" again

[@JOECMDRAWZ]

Glad to have you back Sycra been missing you mate this video is a great example of how people should approach things when it comes to drawing and art you broke it down well with some great examples can't wait to see what you do next

[@dirtyfox5800]

Your advice is always great food for thought. Your a true inspiration to me, both as an artist and as a teacher. ❤

[@NikolasBrimmer]

I am so glad to see you back! I feel like you're one of the most real artists that I watch, it's incredibly relatable

[@redzeroo6068]

That 3d dimension part was really really helpful. Idk why I didn't think of doing something like tht. Thanks man and great video! Also welcome back!

[@akane1928]

good to have you back :) unfortunately havent drawn in a while due to depression but plan to make music and write, but this advice is always somehow applicable to other art forms

[@johnidolinton5928]

Your way of seeing things, and art in general really talk to me, I never study paintings, or even pictures because it kind of felt wrong, yet everyone continued to tell me to "study the masters" I like your channel

[@jackieisthebest1able]

I know people always say this, but this is just what I needed to hear! I can't wait to try some of this out!

[@lotny5492]

Thank you so much for this video. It is very helpful and informative. I really liked the examples and I appreciated the part when you talk about proper use of tracing.

[@garrywilliams1701]

Welcome back Sycra. This video is great and i feel another theme you are hitting on with this title and video is "What do you know about yourself?" I feel that's where a lot of the decisions end up coming from when you think in the ways you described in this video.

[@gorpsicle]

this helps so much, ur other video helped me focus on what wanted to improve on, and this videos showing me what i need to do to practice it :p

[@renealbrechtsen9743]

Really useful stuff in this video and I'm glad you didn't decide to put this in 10 different videos 😂 Also really happy that you're back. Your videos are among the best. :)

[@AzamKotadia]

Streams starting on Sunday!! YES PLEASE! :)

[@MrDiableg]

duuuuude i missed your videos so so much, good to see you here again!

[@Erab75]

“Did this make sense?” 🤯……This truly made more sense to me than anything I’ve ever watched or tried. I just discovered your channel (a few days ago) and have learned/understood more in these past days than I have ever been able to …ever! There is SO much wisdom in your lessons it blows my mind! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@lyallp4589]

So glad ur back ❤️❤️❤️ literally my fav channel abt drawing

[@potis]

Great vid, I've caught myself using this technique from time to time but never really intentionally

[@momo11407]

Super helpful, thanks. by far the best art teacher out there

[@ShomariWheaten]

It's been a min glad to see you back!!

[@ventrasel]

Thank you for the video, very relatable and very helpful.

[@swagingexo_osh8487]

OMG SYCRA I LOVE UR ART VIDEOS IM SO GLAD UR BACK

[@Fokkusu]

This video is a gold mine holy crap, there are so many intelligent techniques anyone can use and they are all so good, I love this video

[@sejalb725]

Please PLEASE make videos on how you go about making your comic! I would love to see more comic stuff! Thank you for your videos!

[@yevmann]

Good vid, I definitely struggled a long time with the juggling too much stuff at once thing.

[@ikarus004]

sycra, my mentor, motivates me to draw, i started again yesterday with some new tools hopefully ill be able to keep on going

[@lawnmower16]

That trick with blocking out shapes might be a total paradigm shift for me, I never even thought of trying something like that. Often times, just getting a general plan of what I'm about to draw without having to focus on the details is the hardest part for me, I think this might make it much easier

[@aZnLy96]

Good to see you back!! ☺️

[@jaegermonster9549]

This was amazing! Thank you!

[@sholeblanc231]

Thank you for making this video! You hit home with the tasks of trying to create the idea, pose, placement, and look of a character or object all at once. It is a daunting task and when I've undertaken it I end up not liking the image and stop altogether, while sitting in a corner thinking how trash I am, starving artists blah blah blah. I have felt dirty when using references and thought the only way to be a "true artist" is to pull from references that are mental ones you have built from observation. The technique you are using seems very naturally intuitive and good way of taming the ego while improving ones skill. I'm going to utilize this moving forward! Thanks again, welcome back and look forward to your future videos!

[@lauritaerpg]

the ability you have to deconstruct your thought process while creating never ceases to amaze me! ;o; I'll be using this for sure in the future instead of giving up in the early stages. Thank you for sharing this approach and for giving so many examples to learn from :D

[@chaoskid1024]

This was a very informative video. Thanks!

[@Yukova]

This is one of the best art videos I've ever seen.

[@talviah]

Glad to have you back Sycra!

[@stoar]

SYCRA IS BAAACK

[@NekoEnforcer]

I know you've been working on a comic for a while I remember years ago you talking about it a lot. And I'm still waiting for it! Is it possible you could do a video on it?? That would be awesome.

[@Mike-pt8lz]

That was invaluable. Thank you so much.

[@Cyb3r-Kun]

thank you for the video I'll definitely use everything I've learned from it :)

[@kibatsuki]

I mostly struggle with that in doing stuff like complex geometric pattern designs .... so hard to get stuff like viking knotwork, celtic or such

[@masasuzuki1762]

35:46 In the "Mode" of transform tool there is "Perspective" option, I think it will give better result than "Scale/Rotate" for this kind of task

[@AcceleratingUniverse]

this video is awesome

[@MrBunny-hx3go]

Love these vids

[@AnnaGlin]

love the video, luckily I already figured this out for myself over the past few years but still good to hear. I'm interestedd in Clip Studio but it's kinda overwhelming, but I'm very familiar with other programs like Photoshop and Procreate, could you maybe do a "CSP jumpstart" video? like not every little function but maybe, CSP for switching from other programs? :)

[@williammontalvo5242]

Wow... that environment trick, I've done that, but I didn't quite see the power of it until now... wow.

[@hexcode5703]

Just a reminder for those who cannot aford buying CSP or even do not wnat to use it, Krita (free, open source) also have colorize tool and in my opinion there it's even better, basically all he did show on the video you would be able to do on Krita, you do not have 3D tools there but still can use a software like Blender instead (there you also can draw or animations with greasy pencil).

[@coolcolodaro3085]

Thanks!

[@makumanga9434]

can relate a lot. Good video

[@utsuro1165]

I've missed your channel so much

[@rejanrams1339]

I miss these art talks sycra. ive listen to all of your TSSP episodes

[@Viigan]

That rug really tied the room together.

[@doodlesquatch277]

Holy Moly it's Sycra!!

[@categorille8330]

since you took a break from youtube, i actually stopped drawing for the most part (you were my biggest source of motivation and information back then), but I also started playing guitar. I feel like I am going to stay subscribed and keep watching your videos because this stuff is not only applicable to visual arts but also to music. Like, the thing about ego. I do feel like I want to be perceived as someone who can improvise something cool on the spot, know the instrument well enough to choose the right chords right away and make it work, etc. But also that has instilled in me the sense that composition or songwriting are less cool than improvisation. This video kind of made me realize I've been reluctant to writing, recording, and uploading songs for this pretty dumb reason. Different medium for expression, but same struggles!

[@earth355]

Sycra 2023 hand reveal!

[@419chris419]

Welcome back!!!

[@someguyonthenet2146]

WELCOME BACK!

[@layreshv8097]

Welcome back c;

[@casualgamer817]

thanks

[@DoktorBeta]

that brush of much varying thickness is very reminiscent of a real brush

[@bluvsred9266]

Oh shoot, Sycra upload!

[@reneklassen]

Very interesting Episode :D

[@aztro.99]

ty sycra love ya :)

[@KarleeHankin]

I agree with the comment below, lovely and helpful tips ✨

[@ketnic]

Wow sycra is back

[@shinobishawn5356]

Another video!!