Drawing Advice for Students - Asking Pros

Part 2 of Interviewing pros at Comic-Con! They talk about the biggest drawing mistakes they see from their art students. Subscribe to Proko: bit.ly/SubProko
Spoiler alert: you’re gonna hear about anatomy a lot, so if a lot of this message resonates with you, go check out the anatomy playlist:
• Introduction to Human ...
Thumbnail Art by Peter Han
Related Links:
Comic-Con Part 1: • What Holds Back Beginn...
Comic-Con Part 3: • Best Drawing Exercises...
Comic-Con Part 4: • Daily Routine of Succe...
Thanks again to all the artists that participated:
Peter Han: / peterhanstyle
Marshall Vandruff: www.marshallart.com/
Eliza Ivanova: / eleeza
Sanford Greene: / sanfordgreene
James Douglas: / moderndayjames
Victor Olazaba: / olazaba.inkworks
Ron Lemen: lemenaid.com/
Chrissie Zullo: / chrissiezullo
Marcelo Matere: / marcelomatere
Ross Draws: / rossdraws
Patrick Ballesteros: patrickballesteros.com/
Bobby Chiu: / bobbychiu
Howard Shum: / howardshum
Caleb Cleveland: / calebisdrawing
Mike Hayes: / michael_c_hayes
Hai-Na-Nu Saulque: nooligan.com/
Stephen Silver: www.silvertoons.com/
Watch More Proko: • Blindfolded Drawing Ch...
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Watch More Proko:
Latest Uploads: • What Holds Back Beginn...
Figure Drawing: • How to Draw Gesture
Art of Caricature: • The Art of Caricature ...
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-----
CREDITS:
Host | Producer - Stan Prokopenko (www.stanprokopenko.com),
Production Assistance - Sean Ramsey (www.peoplewhodrawstuff.com), Brandon Storer
Editing - Sean Ramsey, Stan Prokopenko
Artists Interviewed - Peter Han ( / peterhanstyle , Marshall Vandruff (www.marshallart.com/), Eliza Ivanova ( / eleeza , Sanford Greene ( / sanfordgreene , James Douglas ( / moderndayjames , Victor Olazaba ( / olazaba.inkworks , Ron Lemen (lemenaid.com/), Chrissie Zullo ( / chrissiezullo , Marcelo Matere ( / marcelomatere , Ross Draws ( / rossdraws , Patrick Ballesteros (patrickballesteros.com/), Bobby Chiu ( / bobbychiu , Howard Shum ( / howardshum , Caleb Cleveland ( / calebisdrawing , Mike Hayes ( / michael_c_hayes , Hai-Na-Nu Saulque (nooligan.com/), Stephen Silver (www.silvertoons.com/)
Music Used with Permission
Intro - The Freak Fandango Orchestra
About Proko:
Instructional How to Draw videos for artists. My drawing lessons are approachable enough for beginners and detailed enough for advanced artists. My philosophy is to teach timeless concepts in an entertaining way. I believe that when you are having fun, you learn better. I take pride in producing high quality videos that you will enjoy watching and re-watching.
#arthelp #comics #learntodraw

[@ProkoTV]

What drawing issues are you practicing to improve?

[@user-ke9et8wc5k]

Anatomy face my style change alot shadow light

[@alexandresouza1546]

Proko complex objects in perspective

[@tejasraskar822]

I am really bad at painting

[@ohlesi910]

The size of the eyes in the skull

[@backontrackmaybe2006]

All of the above :v

[@bellavilleneuve548]

One of my mistakes is being intimidated by all the things I need to learn, and not actually getting down and dirty and LEARNING them! Then I just slip into my comfort zone of drawing and continue to be intimidated.

[@zbsz92]

Bella Villeneuve wise words

[@Finity_Dust]

I feel like the first sentence can be applied to so many things.

[@Kitsunefan9]

Same

[@kurama7]

So true...but also I feel like thats a failure of art teachers who dont prepare students internally, like an athlete needs to be prepare mentally aswell as physically. But you can do it if you remember thats a 2 way job. :)

[@abbigailclark1156]

That is so me! 😢 I hope we can both overcome this👍

[@TheApoke]

My biggest mistake: not having patience.

[@GoldenLeafsMovies]

TheApoke this is a whole mood

[@yzxz9012]

TheApoke same...

[@markmolino6091]

TheApoke ,that's mines as well.

[@dpenay6312]

TheApoke patience is the key for artists.

[@preyrez8138]

No kidding..

[@linearchitect]

Recap. 1. Anatomy 2. Structure 3. Rushing 4. Practice

[@breeze5459]

Mixed Mocca and Patience

[@sparta117corza]

rushing should be 1-4

[@valhalla1240]

and confidence to screw up and not immediately erase everything. my first sketches always look messy and have tons of pencil-lines. But I don't erase any of them until I'm sure, I have found the correct lines. Then I make these stand out more and erase the messy ones and only after that, I add detail.

[@apocalyptoleo]

yes, that's what I don't like in how to draw books like anime/manga and stuff. throughout the book it says this and that but it should all start with "learn real human anatomy" first

[@Chessbox09]

Good list, also the other things mentioned were drawing from life, and drawing things around you (things that may not be as fun to draw) as Chrissy Zullo mentioned

[@Belthazubel]

My biggest mistake is coming home after work and watching Netflix instead of drawing.

[@richarddunn7017]

^^^^a thousand times this!

[@theboy1625]

Artyom Semenov I trick I’ve done is just turning off my tv and focusing

[@frossty8876]

well i like to draw while watching tv like maybe drawing the characters in the show you're watching

[@milescurtisnorwood9957]

@@frossty8876 i grew up drawing with the TV on

[@Solaxe]

That means you don't find drawing to be fun and nothing will help you.

[@thedavegoodman]

Young artists need to understand that drawing accurately, directly out of your head, is very difficult. Use reference! Invention comes after a lot of practice with reference material.

[@thedavegoodman]

Pedro Abreu Right?? For so long I thought using reference was “cheating”; it took a while to get over that mental block.

[@Jeyblox]

I didnt know that young artists had a problem with this until i encountered the online art community. Luckily I was just alone with my learning, doing whatever i want with no shame

[@steve00alt70]

But is that not just copying an existing drawing

[@thedavegoodman]

Optic500 -not necessarily. It depends on what the goal of the piece is: if it is a study, yes, it is essentially a copy. However the study would not be intended to share without due diligence on giving the original artist credit, and making it very clear that it is a study not original work. If the artwork is not a study, reference is used to help create what is in your mind’s eye more accurately. For example if I am drawing a certain character and I am not sure how to block in values for the folds of pants, I would look at a bunch of different pictures of folded drapery with strong light and shadow, to help me invent the forms. Or I could just take a picture of myself or a friend wearing the respective type of pants and posed how I want to have it designed in my piece. Sorry that was long. Hope it backed up my original comment better...

[@beepist5000]

How are you using the references? Is there a detail or some aspect of form that you want to use. Is it a pose you like? If it feels too much like copying you can always use actual photos of people.

[@redeye998]

Not drawing enough. People say my work is great but every time I am about to start, fear of failure comes and I am almost about to quit. Every, single, time.

[@mullac1992]

I know that feeling. I'm a massive perfectionist, but I confuse detail with perfection, so rush to the detailing without setting up a decent base structure.

[@jayedwin98020]

Alex, Don't let your mind, "mind f..k" you! This "type" of thinking can make you procrastinate, due to your inner fears of thinking you will not succeed. I know, our insecurities are a real bitch! It takes real mental effort to try and conquer this type of thinking. And, if you're asking, how the hell do I know? Well, been there, done that, and still doing it, on occasion. For some of us, I feel this type of thinking will always be an ongoing battle, at least to some degree. But owning the problem, and then doing something to change it, is the only way you will modify it. For me, taking positive mental action is the best way to overcome our insecurities. Now, just get off your (mental) backside, and do it! Giving up is NO option! If you fail, do it again, and again, and again .... Good Luck, Jim Dasher, Spectrum Graphics E.: [e-mail]

[@crashoverride1000]

be fearless. I wreck lots of drawings they should be steps on your ladder.

[@berniestaggers1743]

Alexander Raptakis. Oh man I know that's because u feel u are not there yet and u are getting there and growing everyday . as artist we feel that way but as we continue to draw study whatever the case maybe u will get there I looked back at all my skecthes and I thank God for Divine insight . ps I have a long way to go.

[@j.2512]

is good to have like one hour or two a day without internet, cellphones , distractions or anything and just draw objects or figures , something in your comfort zone and loose exploration of new things that you wont show anyone and don´t care if its bad. I have so much trouble with blind contour drawing and gesture because i internalized so many high standards that simple quick stuff is almost like a shame to allow myself to do, like my brain tells me that time is wasted when i could be making complicated things with full rendering to show people how much i know about art and how hard i work. And yet those calm things you do daily are what really matters anyway. I am coming to that realization very late in the game

[@maxpackard1952]

I think my biggest mistake is comparing my art too much to other people's. I'm never satisfied with my art, even when I draw something much better than usual, because I go back to comparing it to art I couldn't possibly compare with yet. Use art for inspiration and motivation, but don't compare it to your own too much!

[@Malkor13]

The desire to compare yourself is a useful tool for feedback. Instead of not measuring up to others, try looking inwards to your past work and see where you have improved and what is still lacking. That contrast of there being worse may remind you how far youve come.

[@YungCarl10]

so relatable man

[@bubblebass1902]

This goes for all art lol I can’t fathom how much I relate to this comment with producing and lyrics but drawing is so simple to me. Lol good job tho, the first step is realizing YOUR problem now figure out how to fix it. Try not looking at other people’s art, take a break on that for a week or 2 but, you, still keep drawing!!!

[@jiji3750]

I actually find comparing my art to other artists' rather important. Maybe it's the mindset that matters more? I compare my art with the purpose of finding out what my mistakes were, so that I can move forward and improve. If you make a crappy drawing, compare it to a good one and get discouraged when you see that yours is crappy, then you won't get better. Accepting that you're crappy is the first step to growth!

[@firefistdonuts3286]

disagree do it. but dont let it ge tyou down just think you someday gonna get to that level but compare it cause the thing is if you actually are satsfied with your art at such beginner level you not gonna improve much but if you just hate it your brain gonna wanna improve quickly

[@vikrant555]

This video is gold it basically tells you what 300 or so pages book will tell you.

[@Origin_Stories]

Plus colleges

[@sailorcook5423]

Took me several hours just to draw a figure of a woman, there are a lot of mistakes but I'm proud that I completed it :D

[@Bax365]

It's important to be humble. :)

[@yurpdoodles9618]

A V Glad that you were still able to finish it!!! Be proud!

[@geokorf]

In that case you can do very fast (1-to 15 mins) gesture drawings, it build a level to do a more polished drawing.

[@Clementine6330]

It can take me up to 2 hours to just make sure my gesture and anatomy is correct, it's better to take a lot of time and actually come up with a good drawing, then to try and rush it (as they said, just to say that you're "efficient" when really you're not) and come up with an awful drawing with tunnel vision and really bad composition. I always encourage people to take a few more hours into the basis of their drawings instead of trying to "fix" things later on. You won't be able to fix things later.

[@jakobgjertsen2801]

quantity over quality tbh, a bit of both

[@eddycolon1986]

Most of them said: Structure, anatomy, don't skip the details and i think in the bottom is Passion. We all want to be artists that's the problem. We want to see results really quickly. Great video Proko.

[@its_nukatron]

Right, don't skip the details BUT ALSO don't rush to the details :P

[@bradfordyorks5055]

A blank sheet of paper is scary!

[@Jeyblox]

Bradford Yorks I would get a million sheets of blank paper, i'll be scared of seeing blank papers that i'll be filling up every one!

[@geokorf]

You can just start by scribbling down a simple forms or even simple lines thats how the art is starting it's warm up.

[@raven3moon]

When I first started drawing semi-formally, I would cheat and use toned paper. A white surface would seem to taunt me. If the page or canvas is white, then I'd add some sort of tint or color to the background, made it less intimidating for me. 1) Buy pre-tinted paper; 2) spray paint the background, or 3) mix a little acrylic paint into some clear gesso and add water to make it the same consistency as milk, and then paint the stretched (taped down on all sides) sheet of paper once horizontally, once vertically, and then horizontally once more, letting it dry between layers. (Note: #3 is best for dry pastels and charcoal, the new tooth (grit) on the paper will eat up pencils and colored pencils.)

[@chrisanderson5134]

Moodboard full of references

[@DragoChronicSmoker42]

amen!

[@mullac1992]

My biggest weakness is not practising enough :/ I'm amazed by how much I improve with even just a little anatomy practice. But yeah, just need to do it more often.

[@uwu-fw1ji]

Callum Allaway North same! I also feel a little bit guilty, other people try so hard to stay on my level, but I just draw a little...

[@lilweedsea]

Callum Allaway North saaaame

[@mobiusloop339]

My anatomy is extremely basic, but I am studying it much more deeply now, so hopefully I will see good improvement :)

[@markmolino6091]

Mobius Loop ,I'm working on it as well ,I wish you all the best on it.

[@Mediocre_Comments]

How'd it go?

[@Basheeee]

How’s it going now?

[@GabrielFerreira-nd5hv]

"I know my mistakes, I know where they are" interesting what Eliza said. You have to be your biggest critic no matter what

[@Chessbox09]

I like Stephen Silvers' advice at the end to be "drawing when your'e not drawing". Always analyzing everything around you, gestures/anatomy etc and putting that into your work.

[@Gyork_]

Nice I like that you approached several stylized artists as a direct example for the " this is just my style" argument.

[@Captain_MonsterFart]

They can probably draw other ways very well too. They are pro.

[@rickjr111589]

super eye opening! I'm gonna start working harder and paying more attention to my structure and I'm also gonna try going to some figure drawing sessions around here!

[@lulamidgeable]

Life drawing is awesome, if you find a good class, even a drop-in class stick with it.

[@varunsingh2052]

How should one start learning about structure. A PDF for anatomy I downloaded had so much details in it but the experts in the video are saying people get to details very soon. Is knowing about the human anatomy and skeletal structure not details? I don't get it

[@arusou9460]

I love how every single one of them responded so humble and really meaning to help. Oh man, I love artist.

[@samiarts7589]

I personally ask for criticism and ask professional artists for an advice I learned to take criticism as an advice and not as insult for your art because I noticed alot of people when they get criticized they take that critic as an insult and not as advice and that is a bad habit

[@aimeefritz9186]

my biggest drawing issue I'm practicing to improve is learning how to commit to a piece. I keep leaving work unfinished or I don't make enough time to create finished works. I study too much without enough application. Thanks for the video! Great advice!

[@user-bp2yw9ht3s]

same here!

[@comunidadescults]

I got so obsessed with anatomy that my gesture is now too stiff. I'm trying to focus more on the flow of the gesture and the story behind the drawing and using my anatomy knowlege to make that scene make sense.

[@its_nukatron]

I understand this feeling pretty well too. Let's keep at it!

[@Thollis1987]

Same. My character design is so stiff when I draw it. So more practice in gesture drawing for me...

[@natsudragneel4892]

what do you mean by gesture? you mean like the movement of the character?

[@Em0lga]

I think that the biggest part of learning anatomy is not only knowing which muscle goes where (even though that helps a lot with volume and form at first) but knowing how do they work and interact with each other while movement. Do they contract while your character is sitting or running? If so how? I should know this since I also struggle with dynamic posses and stuff

[@zzRider]

1:54 This is what the Statue of Liberty would look like if it was design today.

[@KitsCloud]

LMFAO

[@Roxaswastaken]

Okay, Boomer

[@Doesitmatter00710]

Correct 100%

[@fvf9043]

phone bad book good

[@heartshapedfilms]

Eagle eye

[@RawGreenTheAnimator]

I can't express enough gratitude for filming, sorting, and uploading these interviews @Proko There is so much common knowledge between the professionals that should be obvious yet isn't. Foundation, Structure, and Anatomy are things I will make more time to practice.

[@yahgi531]

My art teacher told me if you learned realistic, accurate anatomy, your anime art would look 1000x better. You could stylize a lot better, and the body would look a lot more fluid and realistic - even if it's in anime style.

[@incognitofool6516]

Ofcourse. Also, you really have to be conscious about WHAT Anime you are influenced by. The main problem with solely trying to be a Manga artist, is that alot of people hide behind the style. They will look at DBZ's horrible anatomy and uninspired design, thinking their work will get praise.

[@vinzcastro9304]

That's the meaning of pablo picasso's art too btw

[@Captain_MonsterFart]

Oh HELL yes that's true.

[@stopmakingmeangry6806]

The biggest drawing mistakes I make now: All of them What I'm going to do to fix them: My previous experience tells me that I'm going to do nothing P.S. Great video, Stan

[@Thinkableness]

thats the kind of response that the teacher laughs at, but when you get home your parents ground you for

[@crashoverride1000]

repetition is the mother of skill.

[@Aciimov]

ayyy

[@HalfBit360]

Ramen Gladiator Comics Or insanity.

[@zordic7526]

to this day, i come back and watch this.. his art is so good and his advice are some I've taken to heart and revisited from time to time

[@jordanjardine2458]

Love this Proko. I love to see you out connecting with other great artists.

[@いあん]

Lack of patience is a big one for me. Lack of patience normally results in autopilot, lack of structure, which in turn ruins the whole product. Speaking of the result, focusing on the result can also do me in lol

[@zox1187]

u have been so much help for me dude . thanks ❤

[@thatgirleak]

biggest mistake for artists is comparing yourself to other's works and styles. So not having the patience to trust yourself to practice and find what you do know and what you can achieve. thank you for this video, it's great to see so many professionals and be so honest.

[@themagiccaster3455]

I love this. It really gives me a drive to hear what other artist do.

[@yerduf]

Amazing coments, gesture, anatomy and forget about "develope a style", I think the style develope itself naturally with practice

[@olgierdvoneverec4135]

i don't know about developing a style, I'd really like to have a cartoony simplified style with solid colors but since I practice shapes with various tones i have to practice and develop techniques to do that style, i would change your advice to "don't be a slave to your style" meaning understand what you are doing and always draw with intentionality, make sure your foundations are right and that you are putting stuff on the page because you want to, not because its the only thing you can do or because that is the way it turned out due to your mistakes.

[@tobiasarboe5753]

IAMSOUND99 that's just stupid. Drawing and painting is about portraying reality, so of course you want to know how reality looks

[@geokorf]

So true

[@jamesbenson2090]

Does it really? Matt Groening Made the Simpsons style intentionally Yellow so that people see it immediately when they flip through channels. Also some aspects of style have to be intentional.

[@user-yn8lu9lx2j]

Well , I personally started drawing since the beginning of this year , with none teaching me how to do it , only KZbin videos . So that drove me to make my own way and principles . My first is , try not to copy exactly what you working , but instead make something based on your prototype that is actually logical an functional and still looking like it . So copy the placement of anything , but don't try to copy every last line . So I wasn't disappointed in start when I was terrible , but I enjoyed drawing and seeing my progress every month . Now after 6 months , I can copy pretty well something . 2) enjoy what you are doing and try to get better every day . Watch videos or your profesor, study , and understand what you are doing . BUT try to enjoy it also . 3) Gesture , character , Impression , aura and atmosphere , is more important to copy , than to copy exactly that line or shade perfectly that nose . Of course lines and shades must be as good as possible , but try to say a story , try to give a soul to your character , because if you don't , is just lines ... I don't have the luxury ( because of studying at college , expenses , and lack of quality classes ) to learn from a real life class , so I watch videos on KZbin to learn how to draw . And I advice anyone to start drawing, be just seeing videos like that . Is much more easier than you think , but it demands passion and dedication . The best of course is to study that in art schools, but if you can't have that luxury , don't stop or wait! Start and try to make something !

[@Waynimations]

Thanks for asking the pros. This really helps me as an animator

[@AxiomEcho]

This was beyond helpful! Thank you so much for putting this together!

[@norrona5923]

Great video! I remember as a kid my friend who drew great mangas complained a lot about our art teacher also commenting negatively about her doing manga style. Although I think he just didn't like manga style itself, I believe that she shouldn't have been stuck on her beliefs that style is style and realism and anatomy aren't important if you are a good drawer. Now, as an art teacher myself, I can't just tell my kids to avoid manga for now and learn realistic drawings. I draw manga/comic myself, but I am still learning anatomy, so my drawings are not that good (in a professional standard), so having a bunch of professional artists saying the same thing is a great thing I could show my students :)

[@Grimfed]

My biggest mistake is on alignment with facial structures. I can never not struggle with making the drawing the furthest eye on an angled head.

[@kozhikkaalan]

Quinton _360 same

[@Grimfed]

Mikrobyo Zero Ik, I am studying anatomy. In fact I just got a class got it so I can understand the human body more

[@lookabird6169]

2 MORE? I NEED 100 MORE! I really felt this! I love it! This video inspired me so much! I feel like drawing now!

[@rogaface]

That part about "style" being an excuse for hiding your weak skills is a really good point that I know I've been guilty of before. Thanks Proko this video was all gold

[@ElieAdaime]

My mistakes: -1- Need to work on my Anatomy -2- Lack of Patience -3- lack of Confidence

[@uriartwork9181]

the seventh dude was talking straight to me ....im gonna take a break from drawing manga and take a figure drawing class

[@goldie3441]

This is one of the most helpful videos for beginners ever!

[@magichand72]

What a great video....thanks Proko...keep em coming

[@Yasviele]

A big mistake which I've been fixing lately is the angle/camera or point of view... A lot of people will just draw a character/object as if you were seeing it standing 2meters in front of you... And you lose a lot of impact and variety that way, you have to try drawing from low angles, high angles, close ups or from the low back and you'll get a lot of more dynamic results and unique drawings even from stuff that has been made a hundred times before. Don't be afraid and try it. Also, people having hard time drawings hands looking all over the internet for reference... And I'm like DUDE!!! YOU HAVE HANDS!!! just take a freaking picture of yourself for reference, if your body is too different it doesn't matter you just need the most basic shapes.

[@ThatGuyPatren]

Definitely composition and color theory are my biggest weaknesses. I also have problems with anatomy like everyone, but I actually enjoy figure / gesture drawing, and it’s something I do daily for my warm up. I’m seeing noticeable improvement every month, and that’s a great feeling. Now if only I could stop getting artist’s block so often...

[@heather333]

Since discovering your site, I've tested my skill level by going back to basics and drawing circles and spheres, squares and cubes etc. It's such an eye opener! I had become a sloppy drafter. Time to slow down and concentrate on sharpening up my hand/eye cordination❤ Love your work and videos❤

[@kanchakaperera7943]

thank you for keeping us motivated

[@RexLokus]

Hey, I appear at minute 5:33 - Nice to meet you Proko

[@zanzalur1921]

Cool man!

[@Zeldakostv]

I just never finish a piece. I need to actually sit down and finish what i'm working on before i move on to my next one

[@johnc7389]

The man who spoke about skipping ahead to the details hit the nail on the head for me; I need to pace myself better.

[@GreekChips]

Peter Han is a legend! Love his work!

[@omnesomnibus2845]

Proko - Wow, I love this. I feel like you collected a hundred tiny diamonds from the con floor and put them together in a necklace. I'm not an artist, though I've always wanted to be. I think the comments from the pros covers the most common mistakes of beginners (though I would put composition in there too...). But something I see in pros too, from the perspective of the audience, is what I would call... maybe bad "acting". To be able to represent reality through art, you have to become an expert in reality first, right? And to be able to represent humans, the most important thing to really understand and have a command of is human emotion. What does real grief look like? What would somebody's face look like after they had actually just shot somebody? What does somebody with true determination look like? What might a monster who had just eaten a human actually have on their face - would they be posing for the camera, or would they be staring at you like an animal, oblivious of bystanders? Do you know what I mean? I think even pros need to have more experience with observing human emotions and postures and behavior in their extremes, to be able to truly connect with the viewer, rather than rendering something that looks perfect and beautiful but lacks the emotion that the masters evoke.

[@jakedoblecantloginonpc725]

12.45 the guys first mistake was shaving to his jawline

[@anlar1998]

lmao

[@xavierapples1405]

Lol, that is all I see now.

[@ntmk11]

Thank god someone else noticed hahah and he is a pro artist, not paying enough attention to structure :D

[@heartshapedfilms]

Such a unnecessary comment really. It may be for a bit of fun but you never know the reasons why he has made the decision to shave higher it may be other than for beauty and he may of need to have his throat checked by a doctor or some other reason. Then on top of that it isn't even his video for him to see you sling mud. Non of us are perfect and it's rude to point and laugh.

[@ntscabdess6892]

Thank you so much for sharing this and all of theses advices !!

[@SaraHaughton]

I'm absolutely loving these advice videos!

[@Kinobambino]

*anatomy* exactly what Ive been trying to practice but been too lazy

[@MrCIown]

Eleeza is such a godess

[@troglogear1474]

WHOS THE GIRL AR 11 :13 THE HEAD HEAD. .so cute

[@wasabibun6939]

Thank you so much for making this video! It's very helpful and informative. Great work!

[@ifoundthisthing7954]

Excellent vid. Glad there's more on the way :)

[@noobajan3802]

Some people just don’t understand the beauty of stickmen lmao

[@biblequotesdaily6618]

i absolutely love how(at least a little) unsure these artists really are with their words its like they use the visual medium to convey their ideas better than they could with words

[@j.moon98]

Thanks for everything Proko!

[@TheHotaru93]

I'm surprised so many professional choose anatomy as the biggest drawing mistake

[@TheHotaru93]

I dunno. Anatomy is a really big area of drawing, but such as perspective, values, composition or design. I was hoping to ear more criticism on the mental approach than the technical. For example students being afraid of express their inner selves or lack of individuality.

[@imbored4615]

The point is that the technique is key. Expressing yourself is something a few masters are able to do. If you are able to sit down and learn 60% of the bone and muscular elements of the body by their name, then learn how to give movement to what you are drawing and if you are still passionate after spending years doing so, it means you will eventually be able to express yourself. The mental approach is builded through facing the difficulties of studying and drawing for hours.

[@crowofcainhurst]

How the f- do you learn anatomy effectively? I've been learning for almost 2 years and still can't get the hang of it..It's frustrating.

[@9words40]

2 years latter now, do you have any advice, im at the same place at you said right now, 2 years in and my anatomy knowledge is pittyful

[@rashone2879]

I'm coming really late to this party, but these artists are SO absolutely correct and the issues they are highlighting (many of them at the same, anatomy, structure, people just not drawing enough) could apply to artists of any genre...even those drawing/painting traditional art. EXCELLENT video!

[@synicon]

Thank you for making the video, it's super helpful! And fun to watch too :)

[@Joseferberger]

Being a weeb.

[@justinward3679]

Or a furry

[@Saidderk]

thats kinda true tbh

[@DinoDays703]

Pretty much

[@noeldiaz5467]

Catch up that mangakas may hath been a weeb for a real short moment. But they didn't stopped there.

[@brashlybold8805]

6:50 pretty much that yeah.

[@ajh4244]

when you dont have a chin so you grow a beard rofl good vid sincerely

[@youtubebitchcenter1463]

Wow look at all that talent, I’m writing down names for later references ! I’m so far behind I don’t know any of these artists except maybe one or two, my mind is blown away! I love it.keep em coming👍

[@angelmakima]

I really enjoyed this video and helped me realize how to better improve my self on what I slack, More videos like this would be wonderful!!!

[@KnotApps]

TL;DR Figure drawing, Studies, Stop rushing.

[@jackblades90]

you want to know what recurrent mistake new artist do?, asking for advice and getting angry for it.

[@Gilgamesh2424]

Hands and face are two things I need to practice lots on, great video!

[@jjjj-ms1ln]

That's some truthful, tremendously helpful, and motivational advises. I really do appreciate your video. They are pointing out the exact reasons why and what I hated from my art. I would go do the art if only it wasn't 12 in the night.

[@pandujun]

Don't learn anime first, draw anything from ur life don't draw and paint using software, draw using ur pencil and paper, draw from basic shape

[@saif0316]

A little clickbaity

[@adacskipper]

Awesome video; lots of really good advice. Thanks for sharing!

[@01duffy]

Awesome vid, so much great advice!!! Thanks Proko

[@gonzaloarvietti4920]

I love to see that extreme multiculturalism I mean best drawers around the world. Women are in the game too.. thats awesome

[@troglogear1474]

donald trump hates it

[@stevenanderson4515]

You know what I like, good art. Who cares what the artist is.

[@Whitby_Abbeys_Ghost]

@@stevenanderson4515 agreed. I'm a woman but that has nothing to do with how "deserving" I am as an artist or a professional. I've come to hate the diversity angle because its so Damn patronizing.

[@stevenanderson4515]

@@Whitby_Abbeys_Ghost not only do I like your comment, I love your name. Bout to grab a cup now and head off to church. God bless!

[@Whitby_Abbeys_Ghost]

@@stevenanderson4515 lol you too! Have a good time!

[@edwin11373]

The problem with this video and the advice given by these artists is that it gives the impression that to be a "pro", or a true artist for that matter, one has to create according to certain rules-and this case it usually means "realism". Art is about individual expression, it is a way of life which goes much deeper than merely creating things accurately or not.

[@GamingwithCasss]

edwin11373 sry if I’m replying kind of late but I think you completely missed the point here. Yes art is about expression and a way of life like you said but there are still rules to art like there are anything. Point is you need to learn the rules first before you can break them. You can expect to be have fluid conversations in Spanish and using stuff like sarcasm and slang into you have learn the rules to it like proper punctuation and pronunciation etc etc. The same goes with art and like someone said in the video it will show in your artwork that you haven’t learned the basics yet. A lot of people then start to get offended by this and try to argue and make excuses like that It is their style when shit hits the fan and the recruiter for the job skips your application because your missing the fundamentals and your art isn’t simply good enough to get the job. Style and expression comes with time and practicing the core fundamentals first which is usually realistic human forms because that is what everything is based on in reality just exaggerated for stuff like cartoons. So ya style and expression with come later for now people should stop being lazy and trying to hide behind a wall and get studying by doing those tedious and unfun exercises and anatomy studies. Sry for my rant. Have a nice day

[@plantemor]

PETER HAN

[@abrahamsanchez3617]

I'm a beginner! I'm actually excited! Thanks for the tips!

[@lefvaidarts2694]

Okay, I normally don't do this (like ever) and I don't like to, because I love this channel and have learned so much from it. But I have to say this: Stop obsessing over fundamentals. You don't have to be a master to be a succesfull artist. I have been drawing my whole life, and actively trying to become a profesional for the last 10 years, always under the tirany of fundamentals. "You have to be able to draw A before moving to C" Don't. I have obsessed over gesture, anatomy, composition, etc, to the point where I have only 30 finished pieces. Like, in those 10 years, I have only called "done" 30 paintings, most of them on the last couple years. Only because I "had to know my fundamentals". Not only that, but every time I try to draw, for fun or else, my work looks like shit (I'll leave a link after this) In the best cases, it looks "correct". As in the anatomy is ok, the value is ok, the construction is ok... But the art has no soul. No zing. No whatever it is that makes art FUN to look at and produce. And don't try to tell me is because I haven't work enough, or put on the hours, because yes, I'd be lying if I said I work absolutely every day for the past decade 4-8 hours, but I have piles of sketchbooks lying around, several tablet pen tips turned to dust and a already 1.5 year old repetitive stress injury that is making my already troubled relationship with art even harder. Because I know the fundamentals, I have practised them beyond that cliché 10.000 hours. And you know they can be the most boring part of art and that's why a lot of people try to skip them, so if you repeat day after day after day after day, you will not only burn out, but you will know how to analize every attempt at making a finished piece, and call it crap in the early stages, and quit on it. Because "if the foundation is poor, the piece will suck; you should go back to fundamentals". You'll know that your piece is wrong, but won't know how to correct it, because you have no experience on producing finished artwork. You'll have sketches, studies, practise drawings, experiments. But as in life, you have to leave school at some point and "get a real job". So if you are a beginner, please don't obsess over fundamentals. Please. And if you are a pro, or a teacher, or a master, understand that not every person works the same way, psychologically. Don't spread this mentality. Not every aspiring artist HAS to be a master. It's okay to aim high, but people have to have fun, or they end up dreading the thing that's suppose to be their passion. And the promised link: instagram.com/david_bibian_art/

[@Amenoka]

THANK YOU ! I so agree with this, and I am sick and tired of hearing everywhere "you have to be perfect at anatomy and perspective, and only then can you think about putting a little fun detail or color". Hearing these artists, it's like it's literally forbidden to draw anything else than exercise before being a master. This is the best way to take all the fun out of drawing and art in general. I mean for example, you can see a drawing, and notice an anatomy mistake. But then, notice also other interesting things, like energy, passion, an original approach to the theme of the drawing etc... just because the "basics" are not perfect, doesn't mean that the drawing will be good to go to the bin. Also, deciding sometimes to "finish" an imperfect drawing and put some details, doesn't mean that you will stop working on the basics separately. On the contrary, you can still spot what's working and what is not, and continue to exercise, and the pieces will get better with time. I used to worry a lot about this type of comments, now I draw "from the heart" to express something (a moment, what I am feeling etc...) and I am generally happy with the result, even if it's not perfect, it's still is "art" in my book. And it doesn't prevent me from wanting to grow and continuing learning basics separately.

[@lefvaidarts2694]

Yess. Also, look at people like Sarah Andersen (sarah scribbles), Mathew Inman (the oatmeal comics) or many other comic strip artist. I highly doubt they practise 4 hours a day anatomy, composition, colour, etc. And they are big fish in their game. Because they found a style, an appeal, something to tell. And I bet they, overall, have fun when doing their thing. Do you have your art posted somewhere? I'd love to check it out :)

[@-_sh4lhi3ra_-41]

Edited to establish respect and to clarify my experience. Fundamentals do NOT ruin pieces or artists. I'll start off by saying, you're right, not every single person will need to rely on fundamentals, and I want to clarify that everything I'm about to say is not a personal attack, but just some advice and concerns to hopefully take into consideration and help grow yourself as an artist. I would also like to mention, that I may be quite a beginner, but from everything I've already learned, I still feel like I may have something to add, and from my fresh new face, I may be able to see things from a positive view of a mind not yet jaded through time. So maybe i'm talking out of my ass, but from all the people I've seen, all the teachers I've listened too, and all the examples of improvement I've seen in my own work, I still feel as though I have some worthy ideas and concerns to bring up. Alright, so, what I see here is not a problem with fundamentals, but a problem with how you conduct your learning, what you focus on, and how you spend your time. 10 years doesn't matter if it's spent on the wrong things. I actually have a friend at work that has been drawing for about 12 years now, and most people would consider me the better of the two after only one year. Because of the difference in how and what we study, and our attitudes and priorities, I was able to improve considerably faster than him. When they say that fundamentals are important... they are! but just because something is important doesn't mean it is the ONLY thing worth your time. When all those artists say "fundamentals are important" it's because most people skip the fundamentals to go straight to the fun stuff, then get disappointed with the results. You seem to suffer from the opposite, (focus on nothing but fundamentals and not spending enough time on... everything else) which is why you won't often hear remedies to your problems. They keep telling people this because they assume they try to skip it and just do fun stuff, you seem to have taken it on so hard, that you didn't do any fun stuff, you didn't experiment, you didn't explore yourself an that is NOT their fault. You need to take the fundamentals you spent so much time on and use them! Soul, and style are just like the fundamentals! They need practice to improve! you need to spend time improving those skills, so they can compliment your thorough understanding of fundamentals. You know what artists say even more than "master the fundamentals"? you gotta be willing to fail! If you kept getting through the base, then quitting because you thought you understood that it sucked just based off of a bad looking under-drawing, then you haven't been learning anything. That's like saying, these bricks are not 100% perfect, so I won't bother building the house. Even if the foundation sucks, you aren't learning anything by quitting, and these artists cannot be faulted for a lack of follow-through. If you try to finish a piece, you may understand what went wrong, if you force yourself to finish, you will be able to see where you could have added pizzaz, or what looks stiff, but if you just draw nothing but basic contours and cylinders for 10 years, and nothing else, you're not going to understand what could have been done to improve the final product, because there was no final product. Fundamentals are like the foundation of a house, they are incredibly important and makes sure the house stands, rather than tip and creak, and eventually, fall over. You might be lucky, or just have a good sense of the ground you built on, but more than likely, it'll fall flat on it's face. HOWEVER if all you have is a foundation, that isn't a house, it's a parking lot. The foundations are nothing without the support beams, the drywall, the roof, you need it all! So you need to lay these under-drawings, and build on them, no matter how crappy you think they may be. and while you do this, think of all the things you said were problems (lack of soul, zing, fun, etc.) and focus on that! A good idea may be to just throw out fundamentals for a while and focus on the things you want from your art, then, once finished (emphasis on finished!) analyze the piece and see where your fundamentals could have improved the overall visual appeal, or just made it look right! My main problem from your whole comment was when you said you only had 30 finished pieces. This is BAD. I have more than that in 7 months of drawing! this (to me) shows a lack of confidence, or a fear of failure, only finishing the most perfect of foundations, rather than putting it together and seeing what comes out! Art is about experimenting, you have so many tools at your disposal, and you're focusing far too much on only one of them. Take some time to learn how to put soul and fun into your art, no one can tell you how to do that, because only you know what you like! then once you have become adept at ALL of these skills your art will look wonderful. So you are correct, no one should OBSESS over fundamentals (which is seemingly what you have done) but everyone should know them! even if that isn't how someone ticks, they're only gonna know that, if they've tried it! Art is a series of skills harmonizing into something unique, wonderful, and inspiring! so spend time improving your other skills! gesture is a great way to let go and gain some energy in your lines (proko teaches this FIRST in his figure drawing course before any of the fundamentals, which shows you that his priorities aren't as far from yours as you think). on top of that, there are plenty of really good tutorials and talks about exercising creativity, creating good composition, and developing unique worlds that can add to the soul you long for in your art. As a close I do want to highlight your final thought about art being fun... you're right! that should be the number one priority! however if one wants to really shine, and really master the brush or pencil. If someone wants to make paintings the like of any of the artists seen in this video, they MUST at least try to understand and practice fundamentals, it's a very strong tool, and everyone should make a good effort to understand, and properly utilize it. All the best, and keep improving! ^_^

[@raven3moon]

Not many of them were saying that you had to MASTER the fundamentals, just KNOW them.

[@komitaskomitaskomitas]

Thanks PROKO!

[@atzadio]

I love these videos there's always some awesome advice somewhere that helps you along

[@Team-gw5uw]

3 videos in. Thank you for your content.

[@prestonowens4594]

Foundations, foundations, foundations! This was posted at the time I needed to hear it the most. Thanks Proko.

[@kylawiebe]

This is a very helpful video! Thank you!

[@terrellbunch1202]

Wow, "habits getting in the way of your growth process" is powerful and soooooooo applies to me.

[@Solidarity1024]

Great advice at 3:56 . What he's talking about is important for the creative process; the left brain editor keeping the creative right brain in check even before you have a chance to see / understand your ideas. To reach your full potential you have to embrace failure.

[@cathierae1]

I’m practicing (a lot) of anatomy I.e. basic structures and also movement. As a beginner I feel I have a lot to learn...and you are a great mentor and teacher. Thank you. I also paint abstract stuff. It feels good and gives me a sense of freedom whilst learning about colour.

[@tonygordon6168]

That was really helpful and so inspirational.

[@brendajones9797]

Very informative, thank you! I’m good, but now I know I need to learn anatomy more on everything and don’t rush.

[@saramach2804]

literally just what i needed

[@jentheghost3364]

The “not drawing” comment got me! I stopped my hobbies during high school because lack of support though I’ve still been studying and thinking about art and how to compose things. The physical practice is what makes the work and will make it easier to whip up projects faster the more time is put in. I shouldn’t have listened to negative feedback and kept at the things that came easier to me rather than living for someone else’s version of what I should be doing with my life. A lifetime is a long time to waste by not doing things that make you happy.

[@stevesloan5935]

Another round of great insights. Thanks for taking time at the convention to get with these folks for their feedback. it's interesting to see their points of consensus. Also I loved that you included examples of their work. I'm making notes to go check out more of their work or revisit their current work for inspiration, to fill that creative bank account. I''m reminded of a Victor Frankl quote on success. "...the unintended side effect of one's personal dedication...or as the by-product... in the long run, success will follow you precisely because you had forgotten to think about it." (search for full quote).

[@orgba3k]

Thank you for this! This should be an ancient knowledge for future artists

[@uraharamitchell7250]

I love you Proko. Seriously. You're an angel. Thank you so much for having such an oceanic volume of philanthropy. Now to answer the question, my mistakes right now are in: Anatomy Drapery Foreshortening Not drawing enough (frequency)

[@canadianbird1185]

Principles of design. Keeping this in mind tremendously helps