Secrets PRO artists know (that you might not) 🎨 Art Hacks and Tips

Are you tired of the same old traditional art techniques? Well, I'm here to share some of the best-kept secrets and tricks of the trade that professional designers and artists swear by, but that literally no one is teaching. In this video, I'll be sharing five best-kept secrets that all the pros know, but you might be missing out on.
So, grab your sketchbook, sit back, and let me take you on the inside!
xo
Margot
ART MATERIALS IN THIS VIDEO
Tracing Paper : bit.ly/35qSsSs
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ABOUT ME
Hi! My name is Margot and I am a professional artist and graphic designer. My parents like to joke that I was born with a paintbrush in hand. I started my career after graduating from the renown Parsons School of Design in New York City and spent over 15 years creating and designing for many of the world's top Fortune 500 brands and companies. My painting journey started as a side project and a creative outlet for me to step away from the computer, go back to my "roots" in fine art and to hone my skills as an illustrator and painter. I started posting some of my work on instagram and the rest is history. My work is inspired by all the things that I am passionate about. Ballet, travel, graphic design, color and finding a world of beauty in all facets of everyday life. I hope you'll join me in this KZbin journey as I take you through all the tips, tricks and trade secrets I've gathered throughout the years. I hope I can teach you some of what I know, help you discover your creative voice and I hope you enjoy this Channel!
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#arttips #arthacks

[@jessicayeo97]

Great advice! Cheers for this! Here are some of mine - Storyboards and digital art (Procreate, etc) can help with composition - Learn perspective and lighting - Monochromatic paintings can help one learn value and lighting - If you don't have a light box, tape the picture to a window and trace over (a scratch resistant glass screen protector over an ipad set to max brightness works as well -- just don't press too hard) - invest in a kneaded eraser; they help to greatly lighten the initial sketch Also.. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

[@Pointebrush]

Phenomenal tips! Thanks for adding to the conversation Jessica 👍🙏

[@kellywilson2147]

These are great tips! I am learning perspective drawing now after a lifetime of creating art, and it's so hard! Get your drawing fundamentals down while you're young! Painting is much easier to do when you have you're fundamentals down pat; take my word for it!

[@FannaTurano]

And it is best to stick with 140# paper when using a light box or strong, sunlit window with which to sketch, rather than 300#, which is too thick. Found this out the hard way! 😱

[@Blick_Art]

This is one of the most information-dense, authentic pro-tip videos we've seen... ever! We know from decades serving professionals that tracing paper is consumed in monster amounts by designers and illustrators. Inexpensive rolls fly out the door by the case, and we can always tell when a professional is shopping because they will ask for a roll of "trash paper" or the unfortunate "bumwad" (yeah, sorry about that, but we didn't invent that term). Absolutely true about selecting professional quality supplies, and not necessarily always the most expensive. Some brands like Utrecht deliver top shelf performance at a price that works for the productive studio. Best quote we ever heard about tip #5 was a painter who said, "I really care what people think about my art, especially if they put it on the memo line of the check they write when they buy it." Thanks so much for this awesome video!

[@Pointebrush]

Thank you so much and I love that quote. I think that’s going to be my mantra from now on 😆🙌

[@teddieryan2288]

I am a retired 82 year old commercial exhibit designer and architectural illustrator. This video really resonated with me. Every point was right on from concept to materials. From museums, to medical industries, to bug companies, to developers, all were fun. You don’t burn out if you keep loving the process and the collaboration.

[@PaulaScardamalia]

Number 5 is such a good tip for all creatives. I coach writers, and am constantly reminding them that a rejection from an agent or editor has more to do with fit than with them personally.

[@Pointebrush]

100% And sometimes it’s subjective! You can’t be loved by everybody and that’s fine! It’s better to find people who respect and enjoy what you do, right?

[@PaulaScardamalia]

@@Pointebrush so subjective.

[@SunShineArtFun]

You are a brilliant light in my art journey. So glad I found your channel. The only tip I have is, if you are a professional, don’t under price your work. Many year ago when I was a personal coach…a client had her paintings hung in a restaurant. They weren’t selling. Suggested she double her price and they started selling like hot cakes. It is all about perception.

[@Pointebrush]

Welcome!! You took the words right out of my mouth and funny timing because I just wrapped up a video abour exactly that which is going up next week! Couldn't agree more!!

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Oh wow the secrets of using layers of tracing paper for your composition, & working slow to work faster really resonates with me. I definitely like the idea of drawing parts of my paintings like that which makes lots of sense with very complex things that I like to paint. Thanks for sharing this wonderful informational tips with us.

[@camolineowens1359]

I lead a group of ladies who are learning watercolor painting and I have led a couple of classes at my church and I started right from the beginning explaining the utmost importance of enjoying the creative process and that like every other skill it requires practice as well as time to become familiar with the paint, paper, and brushes. Then I explain the importance of developing one’s own personal style and techniques so in reality you cannot compare yourself to others because all will be completely different even when painting the very same thing! I then share pics of art, both historical and current, to emphasize the different styles and also that “beauty” is in the eye of the beholder by pointing out art that …. well, you know,…. might be umm…. non-traditional. 😂 I also insist that they keep EVERYTHING in a folder or journal or whatever they want, because it is powerful and validating to actually be able to see your progress when starting out. Plus, items can be used later on in a variety of ways. I really love your videos, you share some fantastic content. Thank you so much 😊 ❤🙏🏼

[@karenfell5441]

Number one was my favorite. Just discovered you recently and just want to say you're an amazing teacher.

[@Pointebrush]

Welcome aboard! And thank you! 🥰

[@anndavidson287]

Thanks Margot for videos!! Just subscribed. When I worked in retail advertising I learned these pointers and we used markers and layout pads that dates me!! Last point about not taking personally was great until I became fine artist as well and made mistake of putting to much of my passion into paintings i undercharged for..esp. when galleries take 50% commission or more and artist pays for studio , paints, brushes, canvases , etc. and endless hours plus other jobs....Today there's KZbin etc. !and I am semi retired and enjoying small watercolors for my pleasure. and witching videos on cellphone. Thanks Margot for all your videos. 😊❤ from Canada 🇨🇦 .

[@sedamcclurg9699]

Number 5 - every day particularly even when just starting out with Art, or Watercolor. Its so hard to feel like "i'm not good enough" when in reality, just knowing you're working on your own paintings or drawings every day and getting better is the real win.

[@Pointebrush]

This feeling never goes away I assure you, whether you’re starting out or you’ve been doing it your entire life! That voice always creeps in, you just get better at shutting it out 😉

[@jaymar9087]

I've just descovered your channel a few days ago! Already devoured most of the. Margot! And not only it is very useful but you're such a joy to listen to and watch! Thank you for the wonderful content!

[@pattygibbons2594]

Layers of tracing paper!!! Brilliant!!! 😀

[@appleknocker56]

All the tips are great but the one where you don’t attach your self-worth to any painting ❤!

[@threefallingstars]

I put this on in the background while working, thinking, “I’m sure I already know everything she’s gonna say.” 😌 Tip 1 about tracing paper and I had to stop the video… sit here like 😮… and shout “why did I never think of that??!” 😂 I’m off to Michael’s this afternoon, thank you 🙏🫡 😄

[@Pointebrush]

Haha! Glad it could be of help! And btw you could totally use baking parchment paper in the interim if you don’t get around to michaels 😜

[@nancyjohnson7193]

"It's just what you made today." Wow, did that resonate! Just what I needed to hear. 🥀🌷Thank you so much for sharing your many insights. This was one of the best put together "secrets of" videos I've ever come across. It made me hit the subscribe button.😊👍

[@Pointebrush]

Aww thank you Nancy and I hope that message empowers you to keep taking risks and keep going 👍

[@ChantelleArts]

Great points here, the last one is so important and definitely something we all need to remember 😊

[@renee1292]

All very good tips. What helps me is accepting the "messy Middle" of the painting process and knowing to keep going and it will be better. The same I approach writing a novel or short story. Also knowing that if a painting doesn't come out as anticipated I can paint the same subject again having learned what to change.

[@Pointebrush]

The messy middle, I always call it the ugly duckling phase but every piece and every process has one. It’s like a rite of passage for anything good.

[@PanayiotaJulieAlevizou]

Thank you ! I have moved towards fast art and forgot the magic of design 💕

[@rosaphx]

Love #5 the most 💕

[@TracyIndy]

Excellent video, Margot. 😍 You always have very helpful tips and I look forward to your next creative message each week. ❤ 😊

[@azzuparis]

Thank you for sharing these secrets, Margot! Number 1 was actually awesome. If we think about, when we create digital art we work in layers, so why not try to same concept with traditional art? I will definitely try this. And number 5, well, probably the hardest thing to do when you are sharing your art. Very interesting video ❤

[@Pointebrush]

Exactly! I love the idea of being able to hit command-z at any point in your sketching process 😉 Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@mariannevandenheuvel-artist]

Nr2 is the most important to me. The slow. That’s just the one for me now. Interesting that it comes from seals😳. My violinteacher told me that it is also a technique to learn something new on your instrument. Very interesting🤔

[@renatearchibald7188]

So insightful. Definitely encouraging. You have said so much in your five tips. I’ve been stuck in a rut and getting nowhere. Now I feel there is hope in my progress.

[@elisiataylor]

Oddly... I did not think to bring over the technique of using layers during planning, into *watercolor*. 🤦‍♀️😆💡 In fact, I missed that freedom from my digital design days. And I forgot that I used tracing paper layers to troubleshoot handlettering projects. 😂 Thank you for sharing this here. I haven't heard this tip from any of the other dozen artists I follow!

[@madelinegrudens]

These are all excellent, useful and very helpful tips! I've been working on a single project for almost a year now, trying to perfect my artwork and techniques and have made at least five different versions of one particular painting, going over the layout several times in Photoshop and Illustrator to get it just right before I launch. Having the mindset to keep trying until you achieve what is in your mind is very important because it's easy to quit when it doesn't work out but I'm telling someone, anyone to keep pushing through ... Don't give up 🤩

[@dmortelli1]

Awesome tips! As an architect and watercolor artist they all pertain to both. I always love your posts... thanks again Margot!

[@Pointebrush]

Aww thank you Daniel! 🙏❤️

[@kellywilson2147]

After trying to use the window to trace, until my arms felt like they would fall off, and three defective light box tablets from Amazon, I appreciate the tracing paper tip! I use tracing paper all the time for my concept art, but I never thought of using it as you've suggested. I love the Navy Seals quote! I think I'll write that out in calligraphy and hang it on my wall! As for tip #5? I still haven't comquered that one! I take everything personally and overthink every comment and situation. It's something I'm working on daily, but it's incredibly hard when you've been that way all of your life! The only thing I could add to your list would be something for hobbists or budding professionals; Never, ever skip learning how to draw! I can paint very well, but I don't have a good foundation in drawing. It's something I wish I would have kept up once I went to college, but a double major in fields other than art (huge mistake!) didn't leave time to continue drawing. That is one skill that you need to build your artistic foundation! Painting comes much easier when you know how to draw first! I'm a fairly new subscriber, but the few videos I've seen from you are far superior to most all art channels! You've got a fresh take on things, like your recent Art Books video, and I am completely hooked! I appreciate that your chabbel content isn't "gimmicky" and that you don't use clickbait thumbnails for your videos, which I've never understood why art channels use them, but that's just me. Thanks so much for your quality content! P.S. Learn that "Practice makes perfect" is a fallacy! Practice makes you better! Therefore, you should practice, practice, practice because you'll improve every time you do!

[@theresaRD]

Just found your channel and I am LOVING it!

[@jojocatattack]

This is very good advice. I am a year into this journey and learn every day.

[@leighrogers1383]

I love the tracing paper idea and will definitely try it...thanks Margot 😊

[@Pointebrush]

You’re welcome! 🥰

[@FannaTurano]

Your top 5 are brilliant! I suffered from, and benefit by, #5: taking things personally. It took a few years as a self-taught artist, to adapt to trial and error, and not receive the accolades I felt my efforts deserved then. Time is a necessary evil, and now, most days, I do not suffer from imposter syndrome. I love that you hit on all of the important topics for new, untrained artists. It makes me feel there's hope! Thank you, Margot! :) Fanna Turano Denver, CO

[@ralphanderson2604]

TNX - this will help me with my work today & a better way for my 5-7 drafts {like my writings}

[@TresCherie]

Thank you! I’m going to watch your tracing papers video next. (Love your lipstick!)

[@ArtistRebeccaLS]

Hi Margot 😊 your advice and videos are helping me - thank you 🙏 loving the use of tracing paper - I can see how using it will be very helpful and time saving for me when creating items for sale etc. Having work rejected is something that makes me laugh ( inside) I already know in my head it’s gonna get rejected so I’m not surprised or upset when it’s officially rejected - I just hope that one day when I get an email saying portfolio accepted I don’t automatically delete it because I’ve assumed and gotten too used to it being a rejection 😁😆

[@lizhamilton1492]

My tip: Unworkable mistakes can lead you to emotionally letting your painting plan go and to develop an even better one. Early on I worked in pastel on sanded ground. I was blending with my fingers and eventually blended the skin off my finger leaving blood on my painting. Insight- there is no way to remove blood from pastel on a sanded ground. Soooo, I used the shapes of my blood drops and created an additional animal in my riverscape. No one ever knew especially my squemish relative who was to receive the painting. In fact it looked so much better with the additional animal.

[@ralphanderson2604]

I find the best way to start is secure your STORY - Keep in mind that within your "story, plot is fixed, theme is subject to the viewer {reader}

[@zaarteestdanaportiermorvan2453]

You are so encouraging!

[@Pointebrush]

I try 😝 And never forget that you and your art are worth it! 💕

[@HodgePodgePom]

So very informative❤ I have been enjoying your channel in the studio all afternoon 😂 Thank yoy

[@shadowguard3578]

Periodically I need a reminder of the points you made, particularly point five. Enjoyable talk, thank you!

[@Pointebrush]

We ALL need that reminder because the critical voice is so strong. Plus anytime you create art, you’re putting your vulnerable side out there to be judged so it’s a natural self defense mechanism for most of us

[@ralphanderson2604]

I find doing a monochromatic a good exercise, As an intermediate-semi advanced artist, I do not use pro products until I feel my drafts provided a finished" enough to attempt "publication." {exhibition}-trade show}

[@janebridge1325]

These are great tips, Margot - many thanks for sharing your professional expertise distilled from many years of real experience. I checked your site after watching Jenna Rainey giving your channel a recommendation and I'm glad I did! Thank you!

[@Pointebrush]

Hi Jane and welcome to my channel! I didn’t realize there was a Jenna video recommending me until you mentioned it so thank you! She’s fabulous. Excited to have you here!

[@HenrikVGroth]

You take all to a higher level - thanks 👨🏼‍🎨

[@Pointebrush]

Thank you so much! That’s so kind of you to say 💕

[@LizNori]

Hello Margot, very interesting video, I will try the tracing paper trick😮. I have another secret for non-professional artists : don’t try to make " beautifull" art every time, experiment regardless of the result. J’aime beaucoup regarder tes vidéos, j’ai moi-même énooormément pratiqué la danse classique, alors tes belles illustrations me parlent 😉. Bizarrement je ne peins jamais sur ce thème 🤔. Bonne continuation !

[@Pointebrush]

Bonjour Liz et merci pour le gentil message. Je suis complètement d’accord avec toi. La crainte de prendre des risques est un des plus grand obstacle dans l’art. X ❤️

[@MrsBarnabas]

@@Pointebrush C'est vraiment le cas ! Mais si nous ne prenons pas de risques, nous ne connaîtrons jamais le plaisir de l'expérience et la joie de la découverte. 😊

[@M0odyBlue]

Thank you for this video. I will take all of these to heart, but especially, slowing down. Taking the time to get things right before putting brush to paper.

[@peckerdecker]

Thank you for the information. *I listened carefully* . As for _buying expensive equipment_ / high priced tools..... Well ...a true craftsman (craftswoman) can make anything substantial using the _ very basic value priced tool_ And it's good _to be slow_ but sometimes *you have to be productive and fast* look at street artists. Those street painters make a detailed line drawing in ... two minutes approx.... To get proficient/ to be fast .. you gotta practice.... over and over. Keep sharing. Mr p Decker. London village:)

[@Linda-kh6rl]

You or so true about everything your saying.thanks Again❤

[@soyyo143]

THANK YOU, Margot! "keep going" is great advice at the end of your video!!!

[@debraarb7652]

Thank you, thank you, thank you 😊

[@ciannacoleman5125]

I've used tracing paper for predrawings, but never thought to use it for practice placement! Thank you for the new idea

[@sambill2045]

Thank you Margot👍

[@MsMoniqueWilson]

Great tip. No. 5 I needed to hear today as I am struggling with a particular piece!

[@Pointebrush]

I know the struggle. Keep going. It will come.

[@pennywheeler2598]

I will use each one of those secrets. I'm so very grateful for all the excellent tips that you share. I have been applying the stick man approach to my drawings, and I have been doing so much better. Thank you, Margot, for your outstanding videos🩷🖌🎨

[@MrsBarnabas]

Penny, I love doing stick people - they can be incredibly expressive on their own, and such a great guide when filling them out into rounded beings. It's great to find someone else who does this.

[@jamiemonique8]

This was great advice! Thank you!

[@michaelpeters8615]

Super helpful info!😅 Thank you for sharing. Luv these helpful tips and inside info on various topics. Very well.done. 🎉😅

[@emilyhird2332]

Very helpful thank you -Louise and Emily ❤

[@Pointebrush]

Thank you ladies!

[@LadyJP6969]

Great info!!! Thanks for sharing!!! You didn’t mention Kuretake watercolor gansai tambi paints?

[@cathybates4739]

Thank you for the suggestions! So far I have the go slow technique down pat… the hardest one would be not to take it personally. I am def no great artist, but what I do manage to create IS me. I would be devastated if someone was brutally honest. I’m really enjoying your channel. ❤ thanks for taking time out from your art time to help us along.

[@kasiako355]

I really love the tips, thank you for sharing!

[@Pointebrush]

Glad you enjoyed it! 💕

[@stevesidare2493]

Some good points!

[@saraswativaidheesh2160]

Thank you for your amazing advice ! It was really good and very thought provoking .

[@Pointebrush]

I'm so glad it was helpful! Xo!

[@donnafriend153]

Great content!❤

[@Pointebrush]

Thank you! 💕

[@mayuvalladolid5429]

Excellent advice, more like words of wisdom

[@Pointebrush]

Happy it helps! ❤️

[@colleenm9188]

I'm a new subscriber. Thank you so much for sharing your advice! I learned so much from your videos.

[@Pointebrush]

I’m so glad Colleen! Welcome to my channel and thank you for taking the time to comment and say hi! 🙏💕

[@ankejacobs4649]

Thanks Margot! So interesting! All your beautiful work you showed us, do you spray them before you put them away? Thanks again, you make my day!

[@Pointebrush]

Thank you! I don’t spray anything. If something easily rubs off I just put a layer of tracing paper over it and just tape it that way for storage. I’ve found that most spray fixatives tend to alter the color ever so slightly and being a control freak, I can’t handle it 😂

[@irene1234]

Love tip #5...

[@Pointebrush]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@theresalloyd4118]

You dudn't mention Holbein paints. Whst's your opinion of that brand? I enjoy your videos.

[@Larinator]

Layers with tracing paper? Sure. But much easier and quicker on Photoshop or ArtRage or a dozen other computer programs.

[@Gigiridgway]

I do lots of bad art and I never give up

[@awatercolourist]

Didn’t you mention no 1 in another video? De ja vu!

[@awatercolourist]

Oh, ok, you mentioned the other video 😂

[@Pointebrush]

It was to test if you were paying attention 😆

[@awatercolourist]

@@Pointebrush Yup, I am! 😄

[@ralphanderson2604]

Just FYI - as I start on my 1st SECTIONALISM work today, my 1st draft, I will use colored pencils... not pro based...

[@awatercolourist]

First comment!

[@Pointebrush]

🍾🥂