Teach Yourself Art: 5 Essential Tips To *Actually* Improve

[@roadrunneruntd]

I definitely need more art friends, I literally have one and I don't want to bombard them with requests for critiques haha

[@Axiassart]

You can bombard me if you want or I can share with you some communities that would love to help you in any way in your art journey You can dm me on Instagram don't even need to follow if not interested

[@KelseyRodriguez]

just gotta drop the link to our discord: discord.gg/r2YZkUHTw6

[@Meraxes6]

I have a couple of good art friends who will give me actual feedback and let me tell you, those people are rare and worth their weight in gold. Both of them went to formal art school, I think that helped them develop the skill of critiquing.

[@trinitiwareham5386]

Do you have an art Instagram? I love occasionally being bombarded with art stuff lol

[@sarahmbarik7051]

i volunteer as tribute!

[@rashone2879]

Also, if I could suggest something…STUDY PAINTINGS that you love…analyze them, pay attention to what you like about them. It always surprises e how many amateur artists wanting to advance, never study other artists’ work.

[@daviddreher8588]

Good Points! So very easy to get sucked down the video rabbit hole and not actually do art. I figure somewhere in our brains we think that watching just one more, and one more, and one more will cause us to stumble upon that golden nugget of information that will suddenly make our brains CLICK on and all the good art will just come pouring out of us.

[@Blick_Art]

Thank you, Kelsey! We see people every day achieving amazing things through self-directed art education. So many resources are available today for learning, and looking at art, that weren't an option for people studying 20 or 30 years ago. A couple of decades before that, art books were expensive and, depending on where you lived, probably had a narrow focus on a small selection of major figures. Except in major cities, art materials were much less available, with a lot less choice compared to today. Virtual museum tours, online art supply shopping, distance learning, important artists on social media, and the ability to reach a worldwide audience- it's a wonderful time to be learning art!

[@blackb.rd_230]

Everyone talks about good community but it’s actually SO hard to find people that don’t shun you if you aren’t good or cool enough, people are still like that unfortunately, been a lonely path :(

[@catherine7645]

I can’t explain how important this advice is, and yet it seems to go unnoticed or unmentioned in the online art community. I’ve been practicing art for years and still find I need to come back to basics and really practice observational drawing. So excited to start your prompt list! ✨

[@ddlcp]

wtf, its the same regurgitated advice you hear from everyone from big to independent ... I just do art for fun self taught (reasons) but if I had to point to a direction then it would be eg to name a few not in any particular order/ importance -fundamentals (organic/geometrics basics shapes) as everything you can imagine 's built from it/base of its overall structure- literally , composition, rendering - shading (master greyscale first as it'll help you went moving to colours) , colour theory then the rest fall under when you want to draw. human - start from gesture along with anatomy - animal same -environment same principle applies.. its a constant understanding of the core aspect of things and breaking then into bit size chunks that one can actually learn from as everyone's individual and learns differently

[@Blick_Art]

We also wanted to say how glad we are to watch Kelsey Rodriguez with brush in hand! Hope there are more like this to come!

[@sarakate8204]

I signed up for NMA because of your recommendation and I am loving it so much! I had no idea I could do something like this. It’s like a dream come true.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I’m so so glad!!

[@piashatiel5842]

The tip with drawing something and writing down what I specifically need to improve is something I definitely need to do, thank you :D I've been dipping my toes into doing art as a side hustle first by doing some commissions. There's a lot of anxiety involved, but I'm happy I've been able to complete a few pieces and people have been really patient with me, as it still takes me a loong time, especially because I'm often too anxious to work on a piece 😔 I also know I should be educating myself more on the business and marketing part of making art as a living, but when looking for advice, there's often a bunch of information all at once about how "you should be doing this, and you should be having that!". @.@ I get down on myself for not doing it already or don't trust myself to do it right or be consistent, so I've been avoiding it. I've been lucky so far that I've been able to get commissions from the people I know, but I know that I'll have to create some work some time that I can show online and create some kind of Social Media profile where people can find me.

[@xoxol3056]

samee that’s me right now , i’ve been avoiding art for a good time now , just because i don’t think i’m good enough 😩

[@lisacurtis8162]

@xoxo, L I do that too but I don't practice and not get better. It's a cycle. I figure that can just use one canvass and guesso in between.

[@lisacurtis8162]

Practice until I feel ready to make a fresh painting

[@EliffOzkan]

I find myself coming back to art again and again, despite having a different career. I am 27 now, and always thought that I was a bit late and had too much to learn. I always tricked myself by saying if I really wanted to become an artist, I would find a way or study enough to do it but disregarded the struggles of life. Watching your video made me realize that I am not the kindest to myself and it is not helping. If I come back to art everytime maybe I do want to become an artist really, only really afraid of failure. I have a full-time job and am a PhD student, but I will not drag myself down about doing art anymore. Thank you!

[@sec86it]

I hope you do come back to art, or find what you love! Your story is similar to mine - I was in grad school for Chemistry, and realized I didn't love research as much as I thought I did. I then moved into teaching, and, while I still enjoy seeing others learn, I am finding the need to create something is worth more than teaching (also being an adjunct just doesn't pay). I hope you find what you love, and don't be afraid to do something vastly different from what you have been told or taught to do!

[@tamraotis9148]

Hey Kelsey! I’m a self-taught artist with a reasonable amount of success and I truly applaud you for your channel and videos to help others! It’s so important to help encourage others to do their work and since I will never be a KZbinr…..you ROCK! Lol

[@DjurrenArt]

This reminds me of the time where I took this art class, and there were students that majored in science and said they couldn't draw at all. Fast forward to midterms, they've improved SO MUCH I was like "waddya mean you couldn't draw? That looks epic!!"

[@charlyshay1013]

I really appreciated the comment about not just looking at something, but actually SEEING it and being aware of what its components are. 👍

[@SoSme]

i will try to be a successful artist i will come back in 2 years and tell yall how it went

[@ouandello]

good luck, me too :)

[@roadrunneruntd]

Same , not necessarily successful but at least good enough to have an income of some kind

[@Axiassart]

good luck, may the grind be with you!

[@makizenin1840]

@@roadrunneruntd Same here!

[@roadrunneruntd]

@@makizenin1840 eyy fellow JJK fan

[@richardjwordsworth]

That line about humans being 'endurance predators' really sat with me as a reason or rationale for practice. That was a really cool thought! It's going to stay with me. Thank you!

[@BriyithDana]

yesss I take classes in Skillshare specially love the classes of Brent Eviston and if you are a beginner he helps you a lot

[@RhebeDraws]

I really love this kind of videos where you mix tips with vlog-ish content. Watching you painting and using colors is always inspiring. Really needed that first tip and I now realize that the thing I really wanna to improve is to let my drawings more 'graphic' and focusing in shapes. Thanks for this video

[@arkanimation9833]

I had color theory in my freshman year and still struggling almost every project, but I agree the practice does fix a lot of your misunderstanding with a skill.

[@lylewyant3356]

My only formal training was high school and 1 watercolor class at state college. I mostly do landscapes in acrylic and add new things to them. Do lots of studies of things that give you the most trouble without the pressure of doing finished pieces. Expect to make lots of mistakes. You learn from them as well.

[@iga10000]

I really like your voice. It is so calming and mature in a way. I’m a 36 years old and once again trying to teach myself how to art 😅 I hope I won’t chicken out this time

[@megankonradart]

I relate to so much of this as someone who didn’t get a degree in art but has been drawing/illustrating for so long and wants to make it my career. I’m working on mastering the basics (anatomy, lighting, composition, etc) and getting critique from a group I’ve joined made up of artists of various skill levels and all at different stages of their careers. Best wishes to all artists out there!

[@yasminemorchadi7330]

Best of luck in your journey! Is there a chance you share this group?

[@lgall35]

Somehow I have the feeling the content of this video applies to anything thing you want to learn. Just been thinking about becoming a designer and setting your step by step fits like a ring into my goal

[@miilka487]

I'm so glad that I came across this channel. I also did my bachelors and masters in political science but I've always wanted to take art seriously. Definitely would follow your advice now

[@valasafantastic1055]

I bring mini sketchbooks in my purse. So you can in-fact draw while waiting in line at the store! I’ll add that tip. Bring little sketchbooks everywhere and use them all over the place. Draw from imagination AND random things you observe as you will. Stop and draw on things on walks, while stuck in a waiting room, in line, etc.

[@jaidenshipley-snider8603]

I got here from the video on how social media can ruin your artistic growth and I have to say I found this video to be very helpful and engaging. I loved watching you paint it was so calming and with the voiceover breaking down your tips it makes you feel like you're sitting with your friend and talking everything out. It's very podcasty, which is maybe why it hasn't drawn as much attention but I love videos like this. It feels very authentic and real, which is something I crave in a social media landscape where it really can feel like just clicking through, devouring mindless content. This video itself feels like art. You can tell your heart is in it and its empowering.

[@j.m.hunter6022]

Watching shows on the iPad while drawing and painting? Now that’s the type of multitasking I can get behind!!!

[@KelseyRodriguez]

it's not like season ten of criminal minds is gonna watch itself, ya know?

[@j.m.hunter6022]

@@KelseyRodriguez Nope! Between you and my 15 y/o it should get its views!!😅

[@spiritxcrochet]

I must say thank you for posting this video. You've inspired me. I used to be a hobbiest artist but it's been almost 15 years since I created art on a regular basis. Every time I think I want to start again, I tell myself I have to relearn everything and get overwhelmed, never doing it. I will be using your tips. Just did some gessoing on a new sketchbook cover to start over. I'm scared of drawing hands so I think I'll start there. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello how are you doing?

[@anni1961]

Btw. If you're looking for a community, urban sketchers is a really cool group. They're in a lot of cities around the world and just kind of meet up to sketch things in museum or outdoors.

[@artsbyana]

Omg I’m so glad you talked about the observational skill! I used to think I was weird because I always analyse things around me when walking on the street or at a coffee shop. I like to look at objects break down the shape and try to imagine what the color values would be like on a color wheel! You gave me back my sanity 😂🤣

[@KianMars]

I'm insanely spellbound by your work! Not only are your KZbin videos so pleasing visually, they hold so much value in information, advice, relatability & they have character! I love your artwork as well, even though my art is focused around a more comic like style, your work really inspires me, its lovely to see you work on a painting while sharing your tips. ahhhhhh I'm sorry for my long comment lol, it just really feels like a fresh breathe of air when I watch any of your videos :)

[@jenavevesnowolf13]

It was so nice to hear the suggested scenario of the partner watching the kids and switching off. It's quite difficult to find time with three kids in tow and including us busy people in suggestions is quite refreshing. :) Your videos are helpful as always and it is so nice seeing you creating. I look forward to seeing more of your personal works!

[@inkintrovert]

Woooohoooo, there is a hope for us self-taught "artist".....I don't have a time to do it like you do it (kids, work, chores) but when I steal some time i do some doodles and watercolors - completely zen for me....

[@BunnyLang]

This is really helpful. I am very grateful to you. Thank you.

[@Flamish]

i wanne thank you so yesterday i was looking at the anime blue period and i am really getting prepared to start drawing again i am buying myself an ipad or surface pad for this and this website is exacly what i needed i am happy i came across this website from masters :O ty so much!!!

[@vaugn9477]

Wow you hit 100k already. That's so fast! So proud of your accomplishments. Been watching all your videos.

[@galtenoble]

I'd honestly loved to see more videos of you painting

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I have two in the works right now, I work slow as an oil painter but definitely going to make more videos including & talking about painting

[@billosmal9873]

Im in the same boat about starting to self taught. I originally wanted to do concept art for a career but got completely demotivatd after the grade I got in my Art course at college so I choose a different course which wasn't associated with art at university and I can no longer afford to do an art course at uni and such haha. I for one prefer studying and learning with others in person as it allows for discipline, critique and discussion which I personally don't get with self-teaching, which is why I would love a guideto help!

[@mads_]

I needed to hear this today, especially your points about having art friends to help you along your art journey and respectfully tear your art to shreds 😂 Btw I'd like to join the discord but the link in your bio isn't working anymore!

[@KelseyRodriguez]

this one should work: discord.gg/r2YZkUHTw6

[@voqara5516]

@@KelseyRodriguez When I'm following the link it says it's invalid 😅

[@CrispySkates]

Agree a lot of times what I do is listen to , you guys, or some other art inspirations that I’m looking for, like Kandinsky, sound of color, being read on, KZbin, and paint at the same time that way I’m double tasking lol and I pick up hot tips along the way

[@growwithkare]

I just signed up for New Masters Academy, I've been using Skillshare but feel its limited on acrylic painting and especially impressionism which is what i love to paint the most. Thank you so much for this...

[@WeirdSnakeGal]

The 5th tip about criticism is so important. I'm a beginner and frankly, my drawings suck. Right now I'm doing inktober with a group of people, but they're all "too nice". Their vision is to just keep saying how awesome it is and wow it's so beautiful when it's not that great. I personally really hate toxic positivity and the whole rabbit whole that goes with it. I'd rather you tell me a truth that might be hard to hear and a little hurtful at first than being patronised with ego boosts that feel forced/insincere. At the end of the day I don't even think anyone can actually hurt my feelings (regarding my drawings) because there's no critic harsher than myself and I've probably said all of it and more in my head. I also try not to compare myself to others too much and I tell myself when I feel I've done a good job and have improved. I think I did a great job yesterday even though the subject did not inspire me much, whereas today was a trainwreck 🤣

[@KLeonardM]

Absolutely love your honesty

[@Remasyrere]

Many people like me can’t join art school nor in real life art spaces due it being gatekept for the rich (which is being a common issue in my country). So most of us go out learning in our which makes improving hard and tiring. So on with the mental pressure. Thank you so much for your content it’s so helpful🤍

[@CrispySkates]

Sadly, this is true most things in life are who you know, and how you know them

[@justarandomgirl618]

THANK YOU🖤

[@anacarr4795]

Thanks. That was extremely wise for such a young artist ❤

[@RyeMiArt]

I enjoy all your videos but this one just...hit my soul 😊 It was really helpful to many of us! Thank you!

[@h.yamashita]

I'm happy to find out you have a discord,, I've been wanting to have some art friends that will give me constructive critism when I ask for it. My friends aren't really that into art so they don't really know what to critique on or they don't want to hurt my feelings, even when i'm asking what i can do better. I'm also very social anxious so it's hard for me to find people in real life lol

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I hope to see you over there! Lots of folks have been saying it's their favorite art server because it's so active, that community is prob the one thing I'm the most proud of

[@bmbrooklyn]

Fantastic suggestions! Thanks ❤ I’m going to practice how to slow down and observe things. I need to be careful with the rabbit 🐇 holes 🕳️.

[@williammclean6594]

I think like art school is a waste of money it doesn't really teach you how to draw or like become a good artist it's really just to build your portfolio so companies see your work and they try to hire you. Being an artist is like only career that you don't have to go to school. it's about putting in the work and if you put in the work and get good really big companies can hire you they don't care if you have a degree or not. A lot of jobs are turning out like that though people care more about your skills than your credentials like most of the billionaires that exist they didn't go to school or their college dropouts

[@sharonwinters1054]

Back in my day ... I really wanted to major in Home Ec (cooking, sewing subjects were standard elective in the 1980s). My dad said, "Don't waste your money. Get married instead!" I resented his comment but 40 years later I see what he meant. I agree with you. Art school grads seem to be pretty prolific these days with bragging rights. If someone wants to pursue Art in their career, I'm not sure a degree in such a competitive field is the best use of time & money resources.

[@eduardavidalsilva5176]

I loved the video! Thanks so much for the tips, I'm happy you're back!!!

[@charmainemiller8292]

Thank you so much. This was very valuable and authentic advice.

[@thekyleemadison]

This is such a great video, jam-packed with valuable tips! Also just love your personality and overall vibe.

[@clayformations1638]

Thank you!!! This helps!

[@Sketchartbymarc1]

Insightful and practical! Great video ✨👏

[@studiokayley]

Thanks for this! I need to go look thru the transcript and jot these down. Looking forward to the art book sequel! ❤

[@shockingheaven]

This was all very helpful. I just joined the Discord server because I need it, I feel like I am just constantly pestering one of my mutuals with questions about my own drawings.

[@Theilun]

My god, you're like a guru.

[@rogerbrownart]

Love all your tips they are always on point!

[@sheillacollins3397]

Thanks!

[@0rchlid]

Thank you for this video!

[@AmazingArtisticSpidey]

Ammmazzing Art video as always KR & yeah I’ve Drawing Art since I was a kid & I’ve been drawing realistic art since 2019 & it’s been a Fun Learning Experience ✍🏽 🌈 🖍 ✏️🤟🏽 My goal is to improve my Drawing Skills & become a Successful Artist on KZbin & Artrepreneur & recent I invested in really expensive Drawing Paper & Colored Pencils to help my Art Stand out 🤟🏽 Thanks for sharing all of your Artistic Advice & Much Support to you 🤟🏽

[@phoenixgrove]

Great video for the creative block adult in me. Thank you.

[@planwithSC]

Yes the discord is amazing!

[@فاطمهحيدر-س7ظ]

thank you so much this video was very very helpful

[@Dani.Coates]

Check out Sandi Hester. Her art is abstract mostly but she talks a lot about "loose" painting & drawing.

[@heddasolte9191]

I would be interested in a video about improving exercises 🙏☺️

[@kathisaurus]

Danke!

[@jentran2713]

Thank you for the very helpful tips! I'm like you with the KZbin videos - I just keep watching videos and then realise I've done nothing but stare at the screen for hours! May I also ask what sketchbook you are using? I'm still on the hunt for a good one!

[@theodellava]

This is true! Keep it up!

[@JudeandherPencil]

✨❤️☝️fantastic strategy!!!

[@frealish6622]

With learning art I always tell people you dedicate your life to it or you wont succeed. Will u be able to draw pretty things if u draw sometimes? Yes. But if you want to make this your career you need to be in there drawing everday for hours

[@dhruvgoyal7163]

thank you for information

[@kayleeyates27]

I’ve been so discouraged lately and I haven’t done any art in weeks.:(

[@samc3767]

Omg i too studied political science before realizing all I’ve ever wanted was an art career! These tips are sooo good!

[@icarusfalls6899]

Love it

[@coleenbevan4573]

Thank you for the video. What was the name of the group you mentioned for online critical support? I’ve watched 3 of your videos tonight for the first time and really appreciate the value in your content.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I think maybe you mean my discord server? here's a link to join: discord.gg/r2YZkUHTw6

[@tannie375]

I was like "oh I like you, I might subscribe" to "is that criminal minds? Om...g. subscribed."

[@KelseyRodriguez]

based comment

[@LuchaCatDIY]

Can you give great tips thanks for sharing

[@iMakeThat]

Awesome video 🎉

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Glad you liked it!!

[@nunonanotv]

So I'm assuming you'd prefer masters academy over skillshare? I've had a bad slump but really want to get back into art. I know it's something I still want to do but not willing to go to school for. I do like skillshare but I feel it's not for me. I need art friends. I did some art classes at my local colleges and loved the group critiques we did. It was so cool seeing how people interrupt things differently even though it's the same prompt given. Thank you for this video great advice!

[@KelseyRodriguez]

absolutely no question, NMA is waaaayy better than skillshare

[@nunonanotv]

@@KelseyRodriguez thanks for the reply! Definitely checking it out

[@sharonwinters1054]

Great comments! I was trying to figure out how to frame my questions (particularly about enjoying assignment interpretatin/group critiques in class) when I read your add'l question re: skillshare. I think a lot of people (myself included) have a similar desire and don't know how to begin to find a group. I figure it's like jobs, friendships, etc... once you've explored without a successful fit, it gets easier to target what you are/aren't looking for and better options become easier to find. Best of luck on finding that art group!

[@Flowstatepaint]

Such beauty

[@oliwiasobiecka2656]

Really nice video

[@supersparkey]

Hey Kelsey, just a heads up, but the discord invite in the description is invalid! Lovely video btw :)

[@KelseyRodriguez]

oop, thanks! I'll replace it

[@PinkWytchBytch]

I feel the need to point out: Nobody makes anything like a tinder for friendship and I don’t want people to think that’s ok, ya know? Like that kinda stuff I’d leave my partner for if I found them “making friends” on a dating app. There’s not really any other way to view those sorts of sites. so instead of doing THAT, perhaps try things such as Facebook (hardly much better but at least it’s not SUPPOSED to be for bad things) this is just a friendly reminder that one of those bits of advice could accidentally cause people major relationship trouble

[@noorakassim7123]

Guys I'm a total beginner and have a question. Is perspective the same as observation?

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Nope! Perspective in art is not like "your perspective as someone from X background". It refers to horizon lines, angles, etc. Basically how we represent three dimensional objects in a two dimensional format to convey depth and form.

[@tazberryred1999]

okay i really like ur videos im subscribed and i appreciate the stuff u put out, but graduating with a minor in studio arts is considered as being a taught artist you know. even if you didn't go to capital A art school, you were taught by another (or several since a minor is like 3-5 classes) person who did receive a degree (and maybe even an MFA) in art who is currently still working in their field (as this is often required by school to teach.) its kinda odd that your labeling yourself "self-taught" when you did actually receive credited direction

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I've talked a lot about how those classes weren't actually super helpful for me, but like in that same line of thought watching KZbin videos and getting feedback from friends wouldn't allow you to categorize yourself as "self taught" either, which doesn't seem to quite work. The label feels like it fits me so I'm gonna wear it, I appreciate you watching though!

[@sharonwinters1054]

I feel minoring in any subject only opens your eyes to how little you know of that subject. "A teacher can open the door but the student must be willing to enter." I've successfully completed three accredited University drawing classes plus many courses offered thru Art Student League, private studios, etc. I've found little in the way of technical skill taught in any of these courses. 80% of what was taught was essentially using the various materials to complete an assignment. Totally up to student to figure out technical aspects on their own. I would consider anyone self-taught, if they did not attend an intensive fine arts atelier-type of program where realism is emphasized and continuous participation is contingent on production, progress, expression, etc. My $0.02.

[@Kaybubbicoart]

I love that you’re watching criminal Minds

[@mahaphoublue7644]

Thank you a lot for this advice but that one advice you mentioned “ practice and draw something that experienced artist shy about “ Yes I kinda disappointed because I shy about how am I going to draw nsfw stuff

[@natanunorthodox]

I'm sorry, I didn't know you had a boyfriend. I wrote a comment about having a conversation, but that's OK. You are a uniquely genuine woman, and it's very hard to find them today. Metaphorical Godspeed...SBN RESONATE

[@valentinataneva2283]

With the courses and tutorials on the Internet nowadays no body is a self taught

[@creativebodycoach]

Could you please share where you got that wooden keyboard Holder? Gracias

[@KelseyRodriguez]

linked and talked about in depth in my studio tour video, out now!

[@SlowPersuit]

Does anyone know how much the New Masters Academy is (referenced in the vid)? Ive just looked on their website & it doesn't say without doing an email sign up? Sort of puts you off.

[@SlowPersuit]

Oh found it by googling it- $39 per month.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

the real trick is to wait for sales, they often offer 50% off, it's absolutely worth it IMO

[@fuzzydragons]

I'd rather have friends (or teachers that dont iike me lol) talk about my art because I would hope they would be truthful about my art and if something sucked, told me

[@ilianaboheme]

Time blocking doesn’t work for me either. So how do you organize your every day with the different things that you do ( podcast - youtube - paint - admin stuff- etc). You only do art once a week? Thank you for all the tips. ;)

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Generally, I have one main goal for the day-- filming and editing a video, doing all my admin work, painting, etc. Then I have an ongoing list of smaller tasks to get done, like writing an email newsletter or editing a short podcast, that I do throughout the day. It's sort of turned into my own version of time blocking, but in a way that works for me. I'll be making a video on it in a couple weeks!

[@ilianaboheme]

@@KelseyRodriguez Thanks! Looking forward to your upcoming video ;)

[@stews9]

Observation is why many police CSI units employ an artist to draw the crime scene, to go along with photographs and videos, because often the artist notices things the lens doesn't.

[@pockypurse]

Wait, I'm confused. I thought you said you left school in junior year??

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I don’t think I ever said that! The pandemic hit in my junior year so we moved online, but I graduated

[@wownicole81]

I love all of your tips but I have to confess that the find community has been a struggle. I’m around other artists, even related to other artists, but none of them acknowledge me as an artist. Idk if it’s a trained vs self taught thing, but it’s very disheartening.

[@catsinpajamas]

Professional level critiques are WORK for which the person doing the critique deserves to be compensated. With money. Do you appreciate other people expecting YOU to give them art for free? Then don't try to make "art friends" so you can exploit their labor.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Obviously professional level critiques are an amazing thing to get from professional tier artists and should be compensated, but my point was more so pointing toward the positive benefits of surrounding yourself with a community, cultivating a relationship in which you give and receive feedback in equal measure

[@sharonwinters1054]

I feel Kelsey was saying to get critiques from someone whose skill level you look up to. Don't rely on your friend's critique for validation of your work. Many people are eager to assist with critiques, simply to help others achieve a similar sense of joy from pursuing something they too love. Both parties grow. My $0.02.

[@ct2530]

[@TheLifePhoenix]

Self taught isn't self taught when watching a self taught tutorial 😂

[@KelseyRodriguez]

lmao i mean like what do you think self taught even means, am i pulling the physical laws of the universe and color theory knowledge like directly out of my ass orrrrrr can i read a book lmao