How to Get Better at Concept Art. Really.

[@cory99998]

It's taken me an embarrassingly long time to understand "art imitates life" and "make what you love" but until I actually learned it for myself after bashing my head against the wall for years it didn't truly stick. Now art is exciting again because I see an infinite expanse of inspiration and potential.

[@fowlerillus]

So awesome to hear this

[@OGdadpool]

You're definitely not alone. I've also had the internal realization of "paint/draw what you know"

[@cory99998]

@@OGdadpool I had it as a teenager and as things got more serious, so did I and I lost sight of it.

[@rudimorali4]

Wow that's interesting, for me it was the opposite, I found out, as my truth, exactly the opposite which is: "Life imitates art", I think that those philosophical view is what gives us direction as artists. None of those views are wrong or right, they are just different... I empathize with this view specifically with artists like Oscar Wilde which he supported this view all over his work. But it was interesting to see you came out with the opposite view as I did, which is very interesting!

[@cory99998]

@@rudimorali4 life imitates art is the proper phrasing (I think) but it's really just semantics imo. I define life as our human experience rather than the objective objects that exist in our lives. Drawing a landscape and exaggerating the composition, colors, feelings, etc is in my mind art imitating life, just not the more literal life. It's a translation of how we feel and playing into those emotions. The opposite of the take in my mind is contrivance, it's trying to fit into structure and meet spec without really pulling from the subjective human experience. When I first started I leveraged my human experience and passion, as I became successful I fell into the 'meeting spec' trap, and now I'm finally finding the confidence to go back to pulling from my own emotions and life.

[@tripplejaz]

In the same vein of embracing imperfection, I adopted a similar philosophy over time: "learn to fail privately" I think it's really important to reclaim the ability to make ugly art and be a novice. The problem is a lot of artists think like content creators instead, but not every sketchbook is for the public. Make ugly drawings for yourself. I don't have pretty sketchbooks anymore. They're mostly exercises, perspective and shape studies and anatomy breakdowns. Usually if I sketch it's on my iPad but pen and paper are for fundamentals.

[@fowlerillus]

Oh I love that - fail privately!

[@darkchild130]

Reclaiming the ability to make ugly art and fail is something I’m discovering to do right now. I burnt out striving to improve as quickly as possible and it killed the joy. Important advice right there. I’m focusing on sketching and nothing else atm and it’s so much more rewarding

[@lrose1046]

exactly!

[@sandwich_technology]

But but but I’m not getting enough engagement on Twitter!!!

[@HalfWarrior]

I was on my art journey a few years ago and I was really improving; doing good … then (record scratch) I had a stroke; I was left handed before, but now my left arm is paralyzed; so now I’m right handed wether I like it or not. I’m trying to retrain myself to keep doing art but with my right hand. It’s not easy, but I refuse to quit. Great video BTW!

[@fowlerillus]

You are such an inspiration. I have heard of artists losing use of their drawing hand and switching to the other but I wonder if I would have the strength. I will remember your story when hard times inevitably arrive. Thank you for sharing this and I wish you and the next chapter in your art journey the very best.

[@Vomna]

hope you're still going at it, but im sure "I refuse to quit" is something you meant when you said it.

[@nublex]

oh man sorry to hear that :( hope you're doing good!

[@BogRtM]

Excellent point about the importance of rest. One has to remember that as you practice, your body is building real, physical neural pathways, and just like building muscle, this process takes time. You need to give your body time to internalize all of these concepts!

[@fowlerillus]

I'm glad that one was helpful. I first heard that from an artist who literally overdid it so much that he was making himself sick. He just started hiking on the weekends and locking away his art and it totally fixed what was going on with him.

[@c0r]

This is a nice detox from bad habits of thinking. The point you make on ‘painting for you’ has been the most debilitating struggle as I’ve always fallen into overthinking to the point that the idea of a ‘bad’ drawing is too intimidating - impostor syndrome has been the bane of my creativity as I try to learn from other artists but my mind then quickly turns it into comparing myself and, obviously, deciding I’m not good enough.

[@fowlerillus]

Such a tricky mental game we play within ourselves. I'm glad that this was a bit helpful.

[@Squidcvmmm]

this is singlehandedly the best art advice I've ever heard. I feel really inspired now, thank you!!

[@fowlerillus]

That's awesome to hear. I'm so glad this was helpful. Happy painting!

[@KelseyRodriguez]

god that first point about revelations happening when you do the work, regardless of whether you went to university of studied art KZbin, is SO true. We learn the important lessons ourselves by doing the work. Thanks for the shoutout Hardy, I really appreciate it! Maybe we can collaborate sometime :)

[@fowlerillus]

Kelsey Rodriguez! I'm such a fan of your channel, so cool to hear this. I'm glad that point resonated :) I would love to collaborate! Reach out any time. Keep up the great work.

[@Sandokqn]

There is a great old folklore saying about little habits that turn into great knowledge which leads to masterpieces (in any domain) and that is: "Drop by drop the sea is made". Everything you said is true, especially in the beginning of the video with "learning by doing". I'm a true believer of that. I'm so happy you keep going hard on the youtube videos. I love your art and teachings. Thank you again for your hard work and for this awesome video!

[@fowlerillus]

Oh man, I love that quote. Thanks. So glad you liked it and thanks for the kind compliment.

[@criticizedreviews1081]

Do you know by any chance what that folklore is called, is it a book?

[@Sandokqn]

@@criticizedreviews1081 Hello, I don't really know where it came from but, I heard it at the old people in my family, in Romania. We have an old latin history and some recent slavic influence. Maybe that helps.

[@NickTerryArt]

So many pieces falling into place lately, I'm feeling more invigorated by art and learning than I have in a long time! Much love, Hardy!

[@fowlerillus]

You are really on fire these last few weeks! So cool to see the pieces coming together for you Nick.

[@thunderhouse4115]

Your art and how you word your advice brings me to tears

[@fowlerillus]

Oh wow. Thanks for telling me :) I'm glad that you liked it.

[@Hitezaruki]

The consitency-rest part was so spot on, Hardy! I finally learnt that after a bad time. Last year I was overwhemmed with so many jobs (a few concept art related but others don't) that I didn't have any kind of rest for several months. I didn't have time to practice for myself, rest or unplug, do some hobby, etc. I ended up totally burned out, being anxious, losing my self-confidence and I wasn't enjoying drawing or designing anymore at all. This year I quit some jobs to just focus in just one, but especially to focus on me, in my practice, recover my energy, the love for drawing and actually have a good rest!! What I have learn this few months, is that consistency also helps you in your confidence and taking weekend breaks helps you to refresh your mind and refuel energy, and in a way I don't know how to explain helps you to have that "revelations"... I would say I feel I'm improving more in these months than in the last year. So yeah, consistency is important not only in our work and training but also in your rest, talk with friends or other people, and other activities besides art. Thanks for this video Hardy!

[@fowlerillus]

That's awesome to hear - this was really important for me. It's hard to really convince yourself that taking breaks is actually a step forward and not just laziness but it really seems to work

[@spade1476]

I was very impressed by the sentence ‘There is no perfection in art’. The other sentences too. Thank you very much for recording this video.

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad - that concept has really helped me. Cheers :)

[@LeonardoOliveira-yf2xt]

(In advance i'd like to apologize about the length of this commentary) This video made me very thoughtful about my relationship with art, i consider myself as a beginner because i started only 2 years ago, and i improved a lot, i really grinded since i discovered the art world, i didn't like art classes very much when i was in school, i thought it was boring and pointless, but i liked to write things sometimes, create stories and worlds in my head, and when i graduated from high school i started to think what i wanted to do with my life, and i got really into story writing, then i wanted to do an animated movie or series about my characters and started to look at art on a different way. I was never presented to art in terms of production, and when i discovered that i just fell in love with the way the story is told through images, and, at that time i still didn't know what i wanted to be, so i hold on tight on art, because that was the only thing i loved that could become a profession, i didn't like to do anything else, so art kind of became an excuse to not to do other things and i decided to be the best i can be on art, and that's what moved me throughout this 2 years, i want to be a professional artist so i don't have to do something i don't like doing. And this can be very frustrating because i keep pushing myself to create something fast, and improve fast, so i can start make money and don't need to work on shitty jobs, but still art for me is very volatile, if i decrease the time i spend on art, to work with something else, i'm 95% sure i will stop thinking about and eventually i will quit art. I'm in a situation where, i know the things i have to do to make good art, but i don't have the practice time enough to do it fast, i keep taking all the long ways to do something, and i don't think i have the mindset yet to be a professional concept artist. I don't know, sorry about this HUGE ASS TEXT talking about my problems, but if anyone read this i would appreciate some advice.

[@fowlerillus]

No need to apologize. I identify with a lot of this. I actually remember hating art lessons as a kid too - it's like it took this thing that I enjoyed and turned it into something forced and tedious. As for your broader career picture, that is a tough one. I know that improvement can happen agonizingly slowly but if you are consistently spending time with your art and feeling like it's a welcome friend when you pick it up, it's almost inevitable that you will improve. There will be lightbulb moments and quick leaps forward but also long gulfs of slow and steady - or at least that has been my experience. I wish you the best!

[@LeonardoOliveira-yf2xt]

@@fowlerillus Thank you so much for spare some of your time to answer, this means a lot

[@yourpersonalrobotwaifu8404]

I feel like I got a lot of determination in me after your video. You're a great teacher.

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you so much for saying so. That's super nice to hear.

[@yyg4632]

I love that we can not only learn from your voiceover, but also from the beautiful paint through.

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you so much!

[@Its_me_deo]

Doing my drawings while listening to you really makes me feel good about myself. A feeling that I needed to accept my imperfections and to accept that art is hard and it will take time. Thank you for making this video it really motivates me to continue my art while finishing college. With lots of love I thank you.

[@fowlerillus]

That's so awesome to hear. I'm so glad that this has been helpful. Good luck with your artwork and with finishing college - such a huge milestone!

[@artemisiou]

I learnt more from KZbin tutorials and studying from books than I ever learned from art school. I was a little bit ahead of my class so they were telling me stuff I already knew and was already applying to my art.

[@fowlerillus]

That is great to hear. I have learned so much from KZbin too - what an amazing resource. I think many art schools have a one size fits all approach and that leaves many artists on the more experienced size feeling as you do. Sorry to hear it but I hope you’re finding the resources you need to keep climbing

[@BVK.]

I'm too worried about the whole "A.I Art" thing, and forgot that art isn't art without humans being involved. Such a right timing, thanks to the recommendation.

[@fowlerillus]

I agree completely. Adam Duff has some really good perspectives on that - I would definitely recommend his channel. I'm so glad you liked the video!

[@johnpacheco5404]

Im blown away by this type of art.

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks!

[@johnpacheco5404]

I just saw more of your work.😭 Subbed. Wow. So many questions.

[@fowlerillus]

@@johnpacheco5404 Thanks! Welcome. Ask away, I'm always happy to answer questions.

[@fowlerillus]

Yep! Concept Art Academy is my master program..

[@MakennaW-d4z]

Wow, this was a video I didn't even know I needed. It's nice to hear that I'm not alone in wanting to *be* alone (no pun intended lol) a lot of the time. Art is an escape for me. Something I can pick up and instantly be transported to another world, a world I can create. I am finally escaping out of an art plateau, and it feels great. 2 years ago, I was stuck in Covid quarantine, so to pass the time I decided to practice something I had only done before passively: art. From that point onward it was just go, go go. Drawing something every day, I improved my art at an alarming rate, a huge surprise to myself. Even when the world had gotten back on its feet and I was thrust back into the monotony of daily routine, I carried the new hobby I had developed. A few months ago, however, I had finally hit a stagnant point. All of that work had finally caught up with me, and I was burnt out. I couldn't create ANYTHING I liked, and I felt like giving up. I didn't draw for weeks at a time. What you said about beginners is very true. I didn't understand the value of taking breaks, studying art, or learning that it's okay to create "bad" art. Now that I've taken a break though, I'm dipping my feet back into the water. I'm taking the time to study WHY my favorite artists' pieces look so good, and I'm re-imagining how I tackle art. I'm coming out of my comfort zone and learning new things--strengthening my art skills each time. The main thing I learned throughout all of this is that if you don't schedule breaks for yourself on your own time, your body will schedule them for you. Thank you for this video--this is one I'm saving and am going to keep coming back to. I'm excited to start learning again.

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks for this Kenna. I was nodding the entire time I read your comment - I identified with it line for line. I'm so glad that you are rounding the corner and getting back into it. I'll really remember your comment about scheduling breaks (otherwise your body will do it for you) - that's an awesome point.

[@Matt_Concept_art]

Thank you so much my friend, I saw your video in a dificult moment for me, I was going to quit with Concept art/ digital draw, but your words and this video made me think again. Art is not dead and we have to keep pushing on our dreams ❤ thank you so much

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad to hear this :) Sorry to hear it has been difficult for you recently but I hope art can be something that lifts you up. Good luck my friend.

[@627mojo]

Live it. Make it your life, everything will settle around it. I was fortunate my spouse and I met in art school. We travel the path together. It helps with the neurotic episodes.

[@fowlerillus]

That's awesome that you guys have each other. Great advice too. Thanks

[@thegameseriesop1300]

This video was an excellent one. And all your tips and advice are valuable. I'm planning on becoming an Animator and incase of Animators, we don't draw everything too detailed at the start, we go step by step, so first there's the rough stage, then we refine it. And there's also different types of making Animations, frame by frame, breakdowns, in-between and stuff like that, so my main focus was on Practicing shorthand for developing Characters, coz if you're good at Shorthands, then you can easily create a rough character and that would give you the base for refining your character Animation. And in this process I've tried out countless different types of Shorthands, I've looked up References, I've learnt from other artists and stuff like that and in the end, I rediscovered a Shorthand which I had practiced a long time ago, and so finally now I'm sticking to it. So it was an insane journey of discovering new shorthand techniques and Art skills. Btw really love your Art.

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks! That's such a cool perspective to hear and it's awesome that you went on this epic journey of trying different things and sort of landed back home with lots of gained wisdom and experience. I really relate to that feeling too.

[@thegameseriesop1300]

@@fowlerillus Thanks a lot for responding, really Respect you bro.

[@catalins8586]

I agree with the consistency part, and yes, breaks are very very important in learning. Even a few second break between exercises can help a lot with learning. But, regarding taking the weekends off, I personally draw something every single day. Some days I draw more, some days less, but I make sure to do at least a sketch or do some exercises. I made a goal of creating a habit to draw everyday and I can say it helped me a lot so far. So maybe if you're a beginner or just starting, and this doesn't only apply to art, if you want to create a habit, make sure to do it every day for at least 21 days straight.

[@fowlerillus]

Right on, sounds like consistency is really working for you.

[@catalins8586]

@@fowlerillus yes sir, consistency is key. Thank you for your content!

[@wojoworks1542]

2:30 this is so true, you really need to figure something out for yourself to truly understand it, this applies to every topic and skill

[@fowlerillus]

Glad that resonated!

[@alecadeva9838]

This hit me at just the right time. Keep being inspiring. Thanks alot, Hardy!!

[@fowlerillus]

That's awesome to hear. Thanks :)

[@projekt.amadeus]

I love listening to your videos. It teaches me not to rush my journey and enjoy every step in the way.

[@fowlerillus]

That's wonderful to hear. I think that's a great perspective to keep in mind.

[@Gentleman_Jester]

That was really helpful. For decades my art has been stagnating. I couldn’t dedicate time or money to it as life invariably got in the way. I’ve tried branching off into other mediums to combat this like spray paint art, sculpting, and wood carving. but my passion has always been in Sci if and fantasy concept art from pencil sketching to finish renders. I also love doing Comic book art. After watching you create this piece and listening to your lesson I finally feel like I have a direction I can take to improve my work. So thank you for posting this. I’m going to start by watching all your videos and dedicating a block of time each week to practicing what I learn.

[@fowlerillus]

Wow that is so cool to hear. I'm so glad this is helpful. Thanks :)

[@marcus_ohreallyus]

I went to art school, and I've been working professionally for about 25 years. When I look back, I don't think I needed art school...as I think most artists don't. Especially today with so much access to information easily. If you have the ability to make art that people will respond to, you don't need a school. And today, you don't really need a boss. You can make your own job. Not to minimize how hard that can be, but its more possible than ever.

[@fowlerillus]

I totally agree. The nature of school and work has changed so much since I was in my 20s.

[@13000]

Hardy, you changed my outlook on everything that I ever thought wasn't possible. Thank You!

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks! That's super nice of you to say. I'm glad this was helpful.

[@maxtheawesome4255]

The crazy thing about academic Art is that it's the only subject that requires you to be good at the subject to enter, and the only subject where a teacher won't teach you a thing. Being a messed up teen I could never get over this... I didn't think I could be good all by myself, I felt I needed a teacher's direction to be good. Every time I scouted a college I asked "What will you teach me?" and every time the teachers would say something like "it's more hands off" "it's more self-taught" I thought it was so backwards. The answer to be good is already be good. It's a big reason why the unartistic call it "talent," because that's how teachers treat it. It's infuriating. So I never did Art academically. I still wish I had an Art mentor, but I've not managed to get good enough to warrant it. Which is insane. Anything else works the opposite way. I still feel like I did as a teen, and so I never got good. I feel hopeless. The school I need requires me to be at the point I don't need teaching. The amount of people who never became artists simply because nobody planted those seeds in them must be in the millions. It's not magic, it's a skill like any other. Such a messed up system to inspire the next generation of artists.

[@fowlerillus]

I never really thought of that - it is kind of a catch 22 that it takes an art test to get into art school to learn about art. How does anyone ever begin? I hate to hear of any artist feeling hopeless. I think that there is a path forward for artists of any level (day one beginner to professional). Always steps forward to take. I hope you can find resources and more helpful teachers to help you become the artist you want to be. Sincere best wishes.

[@lukas4705]

Learn to learn to draw is a more complex thing than most like it to be.

[@sourgreendolly7685]

The algorithm brought me here but I’m subscribed now ❤ Your voice is quite calming, makes the hard truths a bit easier to hear 😅 I’ve never thought about times when I don’t allow art as part of consistency but I’m not consistent so I know I have to try it. It’s kinda scary as a person that sometimes gets those big bursts of inspiration that I’m compelled to create. How do you handle those during no art periods?

[@fowlerillus]

Welcome! Wow, I know exactly what you mean - I seem to have my most exciting ideas during those "no art" periods :) That may be the point though - it's like I need a little distance from my work in order to get fresh inspiration. I usually use the note app on my phone to quick jot down an idea when those instances occur over the weekend.

[@mioszwojtyga5100]

its really insane to listen to you talk about that art journey that everyone goes through, thank you very much, you motivated me back and helped me apply some things for being more consistent. much love

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you so much - I'm really glad that this resonated :) Good luck with your artwork.

[@djwaglmuffin]

I';m glad I found this video. I was literally just lamenting on the fact that I haven't been able to push forward on any progress at all and because I'm getting older, has sent me into a panic. Thanks for this...I hope I learned something from this video.

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad it was helpful. For what it's worth, a LOT of the artists who I work with share the fear that they have somehow aged out of ever reaching their art goals. I hear this from 60 year olds and 20 year olds :) So you are definitely not alone in that regard. Any time I have that kind of anxiety, I find that it mostly disappears as soon as I start taking steps forward. Good luck!

[@elbereth2738]

the one about art change and growth... really helpful to hear I'm growing after so many slow steps out of my comfort zone

[@fowlerillus]

That's awesome to hear!

[@stanimirgeorgiev.87]

It's interesting you say, "as artists we live in our heads more than other people" and that gave me a little feedback because I was just recently thinking about what makes me especially different from other people. It was the answer that too much I live in my head. I love that. Although I admit that maybe it is a little harmful. But what can I do, I love this state. Especially when I think about my stories like storyteller. It's interesting that you say that about finding time for Art because it's absolutely true. It's a struggle for me to find time for Art. Every time is at least a small battle that I have to fight and win in order to have time for my Art practices. So that "nothing in life is easy" applies in my case with full force, but the feeling of victory is great! So, great Art of yours. I love it. And i find some interesting workflow elements from you that i can adapt in my work process and use.

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! I'm glad this resonated and fwiw, you are not alone! That is definitely something that many (maybe most) artists can relate too. It can be difficult but it is also where all of this cool stuff that we create comes from :)

[@julious3603]

Hardy!!! I'm very inspired by your words in this video and amazed by your talent. You have brought hope back, I've been a commercial artist for over 25 years and have experienced the feeling of being stuck for so long, I will follow your advice and continue my artistic journey. Thank you!!!

[@fowlerillus]

That's so awesome to hear. I'm really glad this was helpful.

[@robertlane6405]

just discovered and subscribed. Your videos are refreshingly straightforward and not filled with a lot of "fluff". your style is clean and it follows a clear line from start to finish. I enjoy seeing some of your "shortcuts" in the workflows you use. I appreciate the way you address not only the importance of discipline, but also the process of decompression that comes from making space for other life aspects. looking forward to watching more of your postings. I wish you all the success you deserve, and thank you for sharing your insights and experience!

[@fowlerillus]

Wow, thanks so much. I'm really glad that you liked this and I appreciate the support :)

[@darransheils18]

So many brilliant points applicable to all levels, from beginners to pros. Thanks for all the beautiful images and great content.

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it :)

[@BrodyMalone-Bonacci]

Never watched any of your videos before definitely gonna watch more of them after this! Love the painting process really inspiring!

[@fowlerillus]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ScapePlayer]

Only half way through at this is the best video I've seen on the topic, real genuine advice. Also cool that the video has some spacing in between transitions as spacing is a good way for absorbing information.

[@fowlerillus]

I appreciate that!

[@talyacold]

I enjoyed listening to you! At the right moment your video popped up in the recommendations like a Gryffindor sword hahaha A year ago I bought a course about drawing for games and got really burnt out not keeping up with my main job. Then I quit it, rested and started painting for myself. A few months have passed, I watch these courses again with a completely new understanding. I don't even need constant help from a teacher! So, everything has its time and if any of the viewers are in the same situation as I was a year ago - do not despair, you will make it!🙌

[@fowlerillus]

This makes my day (the Gryffindor sword reference really hooked me :) That is such a great story to hear. I'm so glad that you had such a great rest and reset and that you are feeling it all click for you this time around. Enjoy that success :)

[@markghammartist]

great talk hardy ! i love listening to you while im painting :) your so right about learning, you can watch hours and hours of video lessons but its not untill you find out for yourself that it really clicks, i love those little lightbulb moments.

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks! I'm so glad to hear this :)

[@octonolite_0]

Your advice is appreciated and accurate, Hardy. As you're talking about working late at night and having an epiphany about edge control years after first hearing the theory, that's literally what's happening to me. In fact I took a break to type this at 2 in the morning. I'm thankful to have been learning from you bit by bit for about four years now. Thank you, sir!

[@fowlerillus]

Haha. I hope you're sleeping right now then :) Those late night aha moments are magic though :) So glad to hear that this happens for you too.

[@apoloj.martinez230]

These are very good advices, learning your technique I had to put my mind into repetition, because man... it's so hard. Painting with your approach was very difficult for me and the only way that I finally reached a point where I'm ok with is doing over and over ugly paintings and many many mistakes but the reward was that advice you mentioned, combining your knowledge with different teachers made me improve even more my art, that helps a lot for fellow artists out there have as much mentors as you feel you need. Also and advice to the comfort zone is to challenge yourself with things you think you may fail, I explain myself, if you're drawing a car and you choose angles that you find relatively easy that's not how you test if you actually learn, you might want to do it in an angle that you feel you would struggle to see if you actually learn about the subject and have a strong foundation on it. Also another advice for consistency is to make yourself an schedule if you can afford consistency in your work, school, etc, My personal case is that my school sometimes choose to alterate their schedule so I ended up really frustrated for not drawing at the hour, so what I did is my second option to set goals for my week. I had to draw at least 5 or 6 days at week, time doesn't matter, even if it's just a quick sketch that's enough for me. Set some goals for your day, week and don't mind the specific date just do it every time you can in your day and if you don't complete them don't worry you'll do it next time. I hope if someone reads this might find it helpful hehe

[@fowlerillus]

Hey Apolo - nice to hear from you. Great perspectives here! Your schedule consistency experience is definitely good to know. I think we can all relate!

[@DHTenshi]

Hey Hardy! I have to continue watching more of your videos, really useful and quite relaxing. I’ve been trying to embrace imperfection more and more, since I think that’s the most I enjoy the process, sometimes the mess would need “more fixing retouches” at the end, but I find that the painterly or imperfect ink strokes add so much to the work, that sometimes my “finished” pieces might lose. Anyway, loved the video man :)

[@fowlerillus]

Diego! Miss you dude. Thanks for the note and for checking these out. Glad that you're liking them. Actually, I learned a lot of that from you. While we worked together, I feel like I constantly over polished concepts and it took me a long time to try and embrace the loose brush strokes that your incredibly expressive concept art always had. It was such a pleasure getting to work with you and learn from you.

[@AdrianMichaelMulryan]

fantastic video, I have been studying digital art this past 20 years, working professionally the last 10, but I only feel like I've become a decent artist in the past 2 or 3, whenever i hit a wall with my personal studies, i try something else, Zbrush, Ue5 etc, i take what i learn back to my love of painting, hopefully in the next 20 years i will have improved a bit!!

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks Adrian. I just checked your stuff out and it is absolutely awesome. That's a great point you're making - new tools can really keep things fresh.

[@AdrianMichaelMulryan]

@@fowlerillus thank you kindly man!

[@Soco_oh]

I found your discord only a few weeks ago, but I've found the community there friendly, knowledgeable and cool as fuck. The best feeling (sometimes) being able to draw with other people too, love the draw sessions.

[@fowlerillus]

That is so great to hear! I'm glad you're enjoying it. Some of the best people I've ever met.

[@milztempelrowski9281]

dude... too good, imagine a world where this has 100 million views

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it :) Just 99.9 million views to go! :)

[@sergie2822]

I went to art school, about 15+ years ago. I met a lot of talented people and learned allot, I wouldn't trade the experience for anything else. Though, it didn't get me the dream job I thought I would get, working at Pixar or Weta. But I did meet, click and had long lasting friendships that helped me get jobs in the design field... So, going to art school, can be subjective. To me, It was one of my defining moments in my life, that I would never trade, ever. To be surrounded by like-minded peers, it was a great environment to improve myself. I would love to work in environment that had the same feeling that I got when I went to art school. Sadly, most design places aren't like that and competition and office hierarchy/politics exist and can make the working environment feel mundane and not a fun place to work at...

[@fowlerillus]

Great to hear this perspective. It seems like art school does get a really bad wrap on the internet and I agree that there are enormous upsides (which you have described really well). I guess one has to consider it an experience that you're paying for and not purely an investment. Good luck and reach out if I can help.

[@momopeachies]

Working out of your comfort zone and making art you want to make has helped me so much recently. Sometimes doing art can feel like I'm just grinding out experience, especially while working through something like Draw A Box or while taking a class online. Recently I started working on a one week digital portrait challenge and got really discouraged when the line art was taking me forever to get right, I ended up being way behind the schedule of the rest of the group. So I said fuck it and just decided to work on the piece longer and start on at least getting the face and body colored in. I wanted to make this portrait into a medusa, so I ended up looking up references on ball pythons, thinking about how they would look if they were hair, almost like thick braids. More references looking for examples of the "hair" I wanted to do, without it just being "I'm going to draw that picture". I had never felt comfortable enough to try to do that without worrying the painting would look awful. I had a similar breakthrough thinking about lighting and the planes of the face and really trying to understand *why* certain parts of the face were lit a certain way, and how that light changed the apparent color of the skin. It's weird being sort of happy with something I'm making and not getting discouraged with the middle part where everything looks weird!

[@fowlerillus]

Awesome to get this perspective. Sounds like a hard learned lesson but one that is solidly mastered forever.

[@christopherroach1846]

dope video man, really appreciate your perspective on the world!! love the piece at the end ¨̮

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you so much :)

[@Dgeminiking]

Talk about epiphanies once you experience one during your learning process (by drawing what you’ve studied) you just can’t stop wanting more. So far how I know I’ve understood a concept is when I can produce the idea from memory this has really helped me a lot in the past 2 months

[@fowlerillus]

That's awesome - I know exactly what you mean! That is my favorite feeling and it's like a wonderful addiction.

[@vanilakem3269]

Thank you for your sharing.

[@fowlerillus]

My pleasure! Thanks for checking it out

[@ducksleek27]

I had this video sitting in watch later for a few days now. So glad I finally watched through:) Your advice really clicked with me and starting today, I am really inspired to devote some time to just making what I want to make. I admit I fell off when it came to creativity, especially since I have only got busier, but you have renewed that passion I once felt. It's very important to practice especially since it is my dream one day to do digital art full time. You helped me to realise that through not practicing I am slowly abandoning that dream. No longer though :)

[@fowlerillus]

That is so awesome to hear. I'm so glad that this was helpful :)

[@adriangeary1610]

I appreciate your words, cadence and reassuring tone. Subbed! Great art and video

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks! Welcome :)

[@btvaldivieso]

MAN, what a great, insightful message - thanks so very much for sharing! For reals, something to be re-watched. I had to share this with my brother John. He’s the illustrator artist in the family - maybe, one day, God willing, he’ll be interested enough to pick it up again habitually… professional or not. 🇺🇸

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks Bryan! I appreciate that. Best wishes to you and your brother.

[@nickmartinSFX]

Sound advice and phenomenal process to watch while listening to your calming ruminations. It's the first time I've seen any of your videos Hardy, and it's an instant Sub from me!. Blown away by your technique, feeling inspired and excited to watch more of you at work..

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks Nick! That's so awesome to hear. Welcome!

[@ghost4439]

5:49 oh my God you literally just described me. I'm currently a concept art student and when I make a schedule I don't have days where a don't draw but the problem is is that sometimes I do t even follow that schedule like at all (due to my ADHD)

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad that resonated - that was totally me too and this really helped.

[@Troygdesign]

This is very good advice , I appreciate the simplicity and calm manner in which you are speaking. Thanks

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks! I'm glad this was helpful

[@artcent7083]

I love the color and the straight contrast of shadows. ❤

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! I really appreciate it.

[@adhamfawzi8677]

Amazing piece of art with some great advice, thank you Hardy for sharing this video .

[@fowlerillus]

Oh thanks! I really liked how this one turned out :) Thanks for your kind words and I'm glad that the advice is helpful.

[@Gustavo8762]

Amazing content Hardy! Really help us artists to get better day by day, thanks!

[@fowlerillus]

Happy to hear that! Thanks.

[@ToastedFox]

I feel like I’ve been getting lucky a lot with some of my art but mostly seems mediocre. I’m still trying to figure out a consistency in my process.

[@fowlerillus]

That can be a tough process. I hope you find that groove you’re looking for.

[@masonleblanc6726]

I know its not the main point of the video but that speeder was so beautifully rendered!

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you so much! This one was such a labor of love. I'm going to try and do a series of similar themes. I love trying to mix badass machine designs with very human moments.

[@indraneelkarmakar6357]

You, your words and your artwork are amazing, you inspired and motivated me a lot to keep perseverance. Thanks a lot sir...

[@fowlerillus]

That is so great to hear. Thanks :)

[@theamericanpatriot1776]

Awesome video, thank you.

[@fowlerillus]

Glad you liked it!

[@CajunCraftastrophe]

Fantastic man! This was very inspirational for me to hear and much needed. It's also fascinating to watch you illustrate. : ) Thanks!

[@fowlerillus]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for telling me.

[@gregorybakker]

Beautiful work, Hardy. Your channel is inspiring.

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you so much 😀

[@lovestodrawthings]

Thanks for this advice, the part about taking time off really hit home...

[@fowlerillus]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelrasmussen1342]

This couldn’t have come at a better time for me. After tripping into the rabbit hole of AI, and getting an internal beat down looking at the art station ‘wall of shame’. I’ve been pretty low about things artistically. Even when I am improving, it just doesn’t seem enough. Just seeing where I am, and where I want to get to is such a massive gap, that it just doesn’t seem even remotely possible. I find the gas in the tanks getting low, and losing interest in things that I normally enjoyed painting. I’m thinking I need to simplify and go back to just seeking some ‘ah ha’ moments, and quit worrying about the goal and end game. I’ll get there when I get there. But it won’t be by worrying about, it’ll be by just doing it.

[@fowlerillus]

Hey Mike, sorry to hear that. Sounds like backing up a step and going for a few easy wins is just what you might need. Staying stoked about your work and just seeing steps forward is really important. Hang in there and reach out if you ever need a pep talk!

[@michaelrasmussen1342]

@@fowlerillus I just might. Lol.

[@samankucher5117]

i did the same . i almost give up i said (what is the meaning of this if a algorithm can replace me) then i realised i want to master this skill even if i couldn't get a job from it i want to live in the now and now i just want to be happy and drawing for myself who knows maybe tomorrow a emp will take out the internet 😅

[@miguerys9503]

@@samankucher5117 That AI thing is inflated for views, it is nowhere near the point of replacing anyone, it's just art theft on steroids, no serious art director is going to choose that over an actual artist they can work with day after day, going through an iterative process exchanging ideas, you need a human for that. Any work that can be done with those AI pastiches is a job you're better off not taking.

[@samankucher5117]

@@miguerys9503 true... but even in this level it takes million of jobs from artists. have you seen that Steven Zapata video on Ai? those things are maide using underhanded methods.

[@niohpunk]

musical transitions between topic, ahh loved them, great work, Hardy 🙏

[@fowlerillus]

Haha. I'm so glad that you liked that :) Video editing is so hard :)

[@niohpunk]

@@fowlerillus more then 100k on this one! Congratulations

[@modetraining2961]

Really helpful video. Thanks mate! (A video on your daily practices would be awesome eg: personally I fill a large post it note with circles, cubes, elipses, straight lines etc most days)

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks! That's an awesome idea.

[@Zurdosuave]

your work is everything I want, I have a lot of work ahead of me

[@fowlerillus]

That's super flattering. Thanks and good luck. Reach out if I can ever help.

[@deividcm2]

i needed this video, not for art, but for my life.

[@fowlerillus]

That's so great to hear. I'm so glad that it was helpful :)

[@EnosMaker]

Lovely piece, advice and overall just soothing and inspiring. Thank you for this!

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ScilexGuitar]

Thanks for a good video, it helps a lot. Ive been learning art for 2 years now, and Ive almost never been taking breaks. Lately Ive felt stress when sitting down to do art, instead of joy and excitement of learning. I feel stress when starting a piece, and it just ends up bad cause I cant see clear, I cant use what I've learnt. I even went to the hospital when I had high heartrate and numbness in hands to check there was no physical problem, just my anxiety and stress. I know I love art. I want to make art. But I also need time away, take care of my health, establish routines like meditating and going for daily walks. Maybe I need to allow myself not to do anything related to art after a certain time of the day.

[@fowlerillus]

I'm really sorry that has been happening for you. It definitely sounds like some more structured breaks would help. I have heard of similar instances before - where artists literally make themselves sick. It sounds like you have a good plan for moving forward and being kind to yourself. Good luck :)

[@conradohernanvillagil2764]

Amazing video. Thank you for sharing your talent. Please more videos about your work.

[@fowlerillus]

Definitely! more in the works all the time.

[@partyofnone159]

“Those moments are going to occur when it’s just you at your desk probably way late at night” Me- drawing at 5 AM haven’t slept Also me- discoverers dogs don’t have 6 legs Ok the first part is true the second part not so much since I knew dogs didn’t have 6 legs since day 1 but your very right about discovering how things work when it comes to drawing when your alone and often late at night. I find at night there are absolutely no distractions so I think clearer and I’m sure that’s the case for many others. I’ve never been to art school since with very much research I decided against it, I do know it can actually stunt some artists growth as an artist at some point. I learned digital art through watching others draw on KZbin, I mostly watched SpeedPaints because I found I was able to replicate what I saw if I saw how it was drawn. Also that vehicle is super cool!

[@fowlerillus]

I totally agree. So much conventional wisdom about the value of sleep (which is definitely true) totally dismisses the value of those weird introspective late nights where artistic magic so often is born :)

[@AkantorCZ]

I like all your tips. But I would add one more thing that's really important as well. Enjoy your painting!

[@fowlerillus]

Couldn't agree more! That's what this is all about after all, right? Thanks for the reminder :)

[@pedrorodriguez7122]

Wonderful art work. Very well spoken speech too . Thanks

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad you liked it. Thanks!

[@Techno-Universal]

Pretty much when it comes to anything artistic I can truly only learn from doing as I can take mental notes that contain more details than what could possibly be descriptively noted down with words! However mental notes from information gained from presentations can only be retained with it’s full resolution in my short term memory and I can only learn it after recalling it and utilising it in projects at least 2-3 times! :)

[@fowlerillus]

Good to hear this perspective. One other thing that I have observed is that teaching something that you've learned is the ultimate way to enhance your own mastery of it. It requires you to really distill and pinpoint the why behind everything.

[@Techno-Universal]

@@fowlerillus That’s actually also an instinctual behaviour I’ve observed in myself over the last few years like if it’s my mind’s way of keeping skills active where it can but it can only do it when presented with the right opportunity! :)

[@GeekHazu]

great video, subbed, will be watching your videos during the next few days. thanks

[@fowlerillus]

That's awesome! Welcome.

[@javisartdesign]

There is something digital artist might take in consideration, and it is about the future for Art and A.I. That means the artistic level and ideas must be competitive with such algorithms that create art in seconds.

[@fowlerillus]

I find myself thinking of exactly that when I'm painting these days. Trying to make my work as human as possible which I'm actually enjoying as a motivator.

[@MrHarishji]

Thank you for sharing this. Your work is a huge inspiration and motivation.

[@fowlerillus]

I appreciate that!

[@StellaTheAnimator]

This is my favorite video right now. Thank you so much.

[@fowlerillus]

Wow, that's awesome! Thank you.

[@lapcsanka]

Oh my god all that work with a bright UI ! By the end of it the guys brain was fried.

[@SkeetRadar]

I used to do the drawing at least one hour a day thing. for about a month I decided to do an illustration a day. it was one of the points in my art where I think I improved the most. but I couldn't keep it up forever unfortunately. I still draw far more regularly than I used to before that though. I need to make a schedule for it again.

[@fowlerillus]

Glad to hear that it's happening regularly. I think finding something sustainable for each schedule is a good goal. Something that you look forward to and not something that feels like a chore.

[@danielhutchings3600]

I really enjoyed this. It was clever and insightful. well done.

[@fowlerillus]

Much appreciated!

[@rickardcarlsson4525]

This is so true, and took me so long to realize!

[@fowlerillus]

Same here! I think the hard learned lessons are the ones we remember.

[@arslavruhin]

Thanks, Hardy for helpful and motivated video!

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you! I'm so glad it was helpful.

[@hand_73]

Thank you for this video. I needed it.

[@fowlerillus]

So glad to hear it :)

[@Secktur_Enjoyer]

im glad i found this channel.

[@fowlerillus]

Me too! Welcome :)

[@MbahMu9829]

Thank you, kind sir. I really need this.

[@fowlerillus]

I'm so glad that it was helpful :)

[@JesseNickelltheFourth]

Amazing work of art! Great advices too! Thank you!

[@fowlerillus]

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

[@ZEBASS]

This was a wonderful video to listen to, and wow I love that painting! (I think I missed when you painted the little girl on top of the vehicle). Really wise words to remind ourselves about, from time to time. I'm on the, uhm, "not so young" side of artists, but struggling to become better doesn't get any easier, and we need to stay humble and motivated so we're paying attention when things just click. Thanks for this 💚

[@fowlerillus]

Thank you - I'm so glad that this resonated and your perspective is really great to hear. Humility and staying motivated so that we are paying attention when things click - I love this.

[@rezamokhtarjozani6009]

Amazing work and thank you for all your videos 🎉

[@fowlerillus]

Glad you like them! Thanks :)

[@stanleyharyanto7508]

I didn't know I would need that pep talk, Thanks

[@fowlerillus]

That's awesome to hear. I'm so glad that it was helpful. Good luck!

[@user-dd9pn8uq2b]

I think art school is make you learn fast because you have teacher But if you learn by yourself like from internet it will be slow process but not impossible to get really good. I learn draw by myself and i draw at school(not art school) and a teacher who i doesn't know call me and see my artwork then he told my line is not good after that he teach me about 10 minute and it really giving impact to my art.

[@fowlerillus]

That's good to hear. Those rare, awesome teachers can really make a huge difference. I'm glad it helped!

[@ademiix]

Thanks for this, subscribed on the strength of this video.

[@fowlerillus]

Awesome, thank you!