What to do If you aren't Improving

[@ergojosh]

For full-length narrated breakdowns & tutorials you wont find here on KZbin, Brushes, and timelapses for my most complex and detailed paintings - Consider supporting me on Patreon! ▶ geni.us/ergojoshpatreon

[@Deragule]

For all of you saying you are getting worst at your drawings, make sure that's it and not you being more aware of your mistakes as a result of knowing more and better.

[@moldman5694]

Absolutely this. I've had many moments of improvement where I'm amazed by how my art has improved, and then about a week later they begin to look mediocre as if I've gotten worse. But looking back on that period of time objectively, the drawings stayed about the same level of quality whereas my ability to spot mistakes improved. I've found that 'skill' in art is actually two fold: execution and self-critique. And the two tend to not improve at the same time.

[@mrclouds6919]

There are no mistakes but only happy accidents

[@bonecag3]

that…actually makes a lot of sense, I think that might be what’s going on with me lol

[@Deragule]

​@@bonecag3 Like Bogos J. Binted said, it usually happens that they aren't skills that are developed at the same time, and I think that learning anatomy and gesture (theoretically and perceptually) surpasses the ability to draw it correctly when a certain point is reached, so it gives the feeling of making worse drawings, but the reality is this: while your perception and knowledge about the structure has increased -so you can see more and "worse" of these mistakes on your drawings- your ability to draw it correctly has lagged behind. That doesnt' mean that you are doing it worse, it may be the same or even better, but it has developed more slowly and will take a while until it balances.

[@boobeethecurious]

It was getting worse 😔

[@Ayumi30000]

Arcane actually got me re inspired to get on the drawing grind again. I want to some day be a character designer, their characters are so beautiful and well done. Saddens me that I'm no where near being at their level. Lol

[@Ayumi30000]

@Scout Dawson Art thank you for your kind words. it's funny you brought up the age of 30s, I am myself in my 30s. I won't let that stop me though, I just have to not give up on my dreams!

[@caysy9156]

Everybody learns at a different pace! There will always be people better, worse or at the same level. You'll get to their level eventually, i promise

[@notepadplusplus4923]

@Scout Dawson Art nice to know someone that started at that age, why did you start drawing at that age btw?

[@chicken588]

Keep It Up dood.

[@swisdom9117]

@@Ayumi30000 this is so inspiring. I guess at the end of the day that the only thing is that you don't give up

[@soulvz]

2:17 ~ Have a plan going in 3:18 ~ Don't throw away "failed" drawings 5:26 ~ Reward yourself for trying harder things 8:37 ~ be patient with your energy levels 11:27 ~ Look at your own art journey 15:00 ~ Being lost as a beginner

[@artworkbybernizzz2654]

Thank you for the note!

[@uncletea5632]

@@artworkbybernizzz2654 Oop I already failed #2 .. I hoard stuff so it was genuinely a challenge 😂

[@BubbleLolli]

@@uncletea5632 I’m such a hoarder 😭 I’m about to be a high school senior and I still have all of my drawings starting from 3rd grade

[@nimah9372]

Keeping layers of your prpgress is so crucial. Once i incorporated it in my work flow i could go back and open the old sketch and rendering layers and you can see the work you have done and also how much you can improve in a single piece. Very needed video.

[@BleezyB]

Make content

[@KarolineThePagan]

On paper you can't do that so I think a good trick is take a photo of the process of your work. This can be helpful for young artists who need to make an art portfolio for art school. I've learned the dos and donts of an art portfolio. I've done it before and hadn't done art in a long time. Because I was busy with my studies, my priorities, and my mental and emotional health.

[@aliciasam5239]

@@KarolineThePagan And send them in a cloud space.If only l knew that years before

[@Null834]

Damn sucks working mostly in Traditional medium. Layer's practically don't exist in traditional medium, all you have is your sketch layer and then your pen outline/ color, or you transfer and refine your sketch using a lightbox to another sheet.

[@Uberkilltoecheese]

@@Null834 take progress pictures :) helps for me i feel your pain though, about to start doing a lot more digital

[@Thesilentvoice...]

I think the best advice is to not discount your talent or hard work just because a drawing you did comes out bad. Normally you need to warm up before drawing as the first piece you do isn't always good. It's after you practice what you've learned and give it a try multiple times that you come out with better drawings consistently. Art is a process that takes time and it's always something you can learn or relearn. The best way is to try new exercises or studies, and always keep trying. Art is HARD! But just because it's hard does not mean you are untalented if a piece comes out bad. Also to get very good takes a lot of years, so don't rush the process. Nice video Josh.

[@pogz1]

its amazing how other people do things flawlessly yet mines not even i struggle endlessly.. even though.. ill continue pushing on no matter what.. even though my art really suck, all i need is a harsh and honest critique.. even though itll hurt.

[@Thesilentvoice...]

@@pogz1 those who draw effortlessly only got that way after 10 plus years of non stop drawing. They’ve learned anatomy, did drawing exercises and actually kept drawing and learning consistently. My art only started improving in 2020, and I’ve been drawing my whole life. Before 2020 I didn’t learn how to draw the human body or face, I just drew for fun only without looking to learn. This is how it is with any new artist. You are going to suck and make terrible art. Yes there are those who are talented but if they don’t continue to draw and want to learn they will not get to a professional level. Please keep on drawing and know it’s at your own pace. Becoming a artist is a never ending process that’s on going. If you keep on learning and trying you WILL become better and be happy with your work.

[@mariamart_0]

i know art is difficult, but the main basis is that sometimes when a *insert name* feels that they are let down by negativity with how the quality comes out from their art. They just look so disappointed, just keep being so discouraged…we’ve just become so obsessed, observant and so overcritical of our importance of our work. Which can ruin our own perception of which is perfect or “imperfect”….basically were not there with our art journey if you keep self-sabotaging your slow success of just keep noticing that this is what…there can be a different feeling.

[@MisterFuturtastic]

@@Thesilentvoice... The crazy thing for me is that I always thought my art sucked and then I quit drawing for a long time and my skills have eroded completely and now when I look back at my old art I am amazed how good it was. For example I always thought my line work was terrible when drawing and now when I look back at it I am amazed how good it actually was. We get so deep in it that we lose perspective I think and only see the bad. This is why I think we should try to have fun when drawing more. Find a balance between trying to improve classic skills at times and just having fun and drawing like a kid.

[@Thesilentvoice...]

@@MisterFuturtastic yeah. It’s all a mind game. We have to keep drawing for fun, if it’s not fun don’t do it. But it’s hard not to get rapped into wanting to get better especially if you want to have a career in art.

[@frogturtle]

my only criticism of this video is that it didn't exist back when I was in art school haha. thanks for sharin brother these are some great perspectives.

[@asimian8500]

Your greatest and fastest improvement will be in the beginning. As you advance to intermediate and beyond, the improvements will be smaller (actually miniscule) and the improvement curve will flatten. This is the nature of training and learning a skill. At the highest levels, +1% improvement will be like climbing Mount Everest without an Oxygen tank. This is where talent differentiates the best of the best. With talent the learning curve isn't as flat, but you will still have to work mad. But honestly, talent is like having a skill modifier that accelerates learning speed. You can still reach the lofty heights, but you will have to work harder.

[@ergojosh]

This is very true! But I think for art (especially not to discourage those who dont see that beginner improvement) it takes a long time for things to click for you and actually understand what you are doing. Similar to lifting weights for 2 years until you realize 90% of gains are made in the kitchen. The people who are improving very little have years upon years under their belt and likely quite skilled to the beginners eye. I may be there when it comes to drawing faces, but I definitely am a complete noob at hands and feet still so remember theres tons of areas to improve on too.

[@mariamart_0]

Talent is a metaphor for just amplifying your ability to think you can use this as a booster, to improve yo’ circumstance of working hard for that skill. You just use that as an excuse to work hard towards your goal.

[@boocultist]

ive recently felt like my digital artwork isnt good enough because i always see so many great digital paintings on social media but when i look back and realize i havent even been doing it a whole year yet and my paintings are still "okay" it makes me feel a lot better. i can really see that my improvement in less than a year has been a lot more significant than i feel like it is most of the time

[@SketchesByKev]

I always see how much I've grown and I'm always so proud of myself. But everytime I see other artists, I just think to myself no matter how much I've climbed to get here, it's still not enough and I can be so much better. I'm not even nearly close to where I want to be, but when you start hitting plateaus, I think it's probably the best time to be really kind to ourselves. Because we are enough and we've done and can create things that no other human can exactly copy. That's such an awesome and unique thing about us artists, and no one can take that away. I hope to be a little bit less harsh on myself and just let myself grow through the process.

[@arcadia6081]

I’ve been struggling a TON recently with trying to progress as an artist and trying to cope with not always creating what I want. So many people post these beautiful pieces and I hardly ever post anything despite spending HOURS drawing because I’m just not happy with it. Thank you for this breath of fresh air, ergo. Hope you’re doing well 💜

[@JemiDove]

Thanks for sharing your experiences, loved the rock-bulldozer analogy at the end. What are the songs used at the end? Love them, very reminiscent of late 90's / early 2000's drum n' bass / breakbeat!

[@ergojosh]

They are from a video game called Ridge Racer Type 4! Quite a few people enjoy the samw vibes. Pearl Blue Soul and Silhouette Dance.

[@kpdelaney6460]

@@ergojosh Thanks! Listening to the soundtrack now. It's great! I love the Gran Turismo soundtrack, and this has similar vibes

[@slipperychicken6939]

Thank u sm I feel like I’m getting worse even tho I’m trying so hard I nearly gave up but I realised I came 2 far to give up :]

[@slipperychicken6939]

@@AlFirous yeah that’s the the exact feelings like too many years to just stop now but it’s so hard not to but at some point it does get better and every artist has their good days and bad days

[@vixiestarfire]

omggggg yes I have older drawings that I like and then I’ll try to draw something new and I’m like dude I know I can do better wtf am I doing? 😭 y’all make me feel validated thank you lol

[@pogz1]

anatomy is like me trying how to fly.... my brain just cant take it. lol can you critique my art vid pls. it just my never improves even if i try so hard

[@Themanwithnoscreenname]

I think you hit the nail on the head with the whole deleting one's work thing. We artists tend to forget learning is an iterative process that requires periodic reevaluation, but that can't happen if we just toss, delete, or just otherwise ignore the stuff we did previously. Our current abilities need a point of reference, and possibly contextualization, and older work is the best way to figure that out, lest we get stuck in our own headspaces and start feeling like we're getting overwhelmed. It's like grades or finances, in that you wouldn't be able to gauge where your weak points are unless you have some sort of record of what it is you're doing.

[@davekeyart7641]

Thank you for this Josh. Im burned out as an artist for a few weeks now. I painted with a same realistic technique many many years and its not fun for me anymore now its more of a job bcs ppl pay me to do it. I want to reinvent the whole work flow and brush flow and everything I already know about an anatomy from art school and come back after some time practicing. I feel like Im starting to learn to paint again but its all going to be better, I believe that. Thank you, keep doing what you r doing with your content. Much love!

[@Ogshantel]

It’s really hard, I get frustrated easily and it can get very overwhelming, I always try to watch different videos tutorials to draw and there’s always looks so clean and good and mine looks completely different which makes me give up 😭 it hard to love your art when ur in the process of learning from some other highly talented artists. thank you for the tips

[@radioactive_angel]

This was SO encouraging, thank you so much. Ive been drawing for 12 years, and have finally started a professional career to some extent, but I felt so alone when I feel like I'm stuck and not like, at conceot artist level. I realized I threw away so much of my sketches I didnt like, and from now on I'll keep them so I can look back. Thank you!

[@noraelmtalssi5180]

That's totally what I needed !

[@scribadibdib]

This frustration has been a struggle for almost five years . I have adhd and sitting down long enough is so hard but with Arcane im going to try harder to push through that

[@silas537]

I relate to this so much

[@saxenart]

I also have ADHD but I also have autism so sometimes it's a struggle and sometimes it's not. Very annoying.

[@SennTherna]

If you have adhd, turn on some music that stimulates your concentration while drawing or doing something, it helps me hyperfocus personally and just ground me, so my brain doesn't scatter everywhere

[@cryforhelp7270]

Hello person who just figured out they have ADHD here.... So I didn't know that ADHD might be the reason why I hate spending too long on art. I'm gonna try the music thing but I just get so frustrated because I feel like I'm not Improving. It's gotten so bad that I start crying over it sometimes. I want to be able to draw well, but it's so hard to draw poses, figure out anatomy, etc. It's like I can barely understand how to use references. I'm trying to use Refs but they just don't work for me

[@charles.2001]

Perspective is everything. I can't draw in perspective. I watch Kim Jung Gi drawing videos and his perspective and detail is amazing.

[@Prederick]

Thanks for this. That point you made about how, on social media, you're almost never seeing any process or mistakes, you're always seeing people's best, finished work is INCREDIBLY true, and it will do your head in if you're not careful. EDIT: Also, I wish more people would say what you did more often. Art IS hard! Art is very hard, and it takes a lot of persistence and discipline to get any good at it. And that's okay! There are barely any skills I'm familiar with that aren't like that. So you can't really obsess over getting good in a year, or even five years. You don't know how long your journey is going to take, but the only way to find out is just to put one foot in front of the other and keep going.

[@ghost_pirate1383]

I saw Jinx and clicked instantly. Though in a serious note. I really needed to hear this.

[@Bridget7521]

Hi Ergo Josh, I am in my 40s and I still feel like my art is at that amateurish stage. I draw traditionally. I have a hard time seeing my end results untill I completely finish the project and at times start another drawing again before I finish it because I don't like what the drawing or the colors look like. I get frustrated when I think I'm improving and see how I realize the lines and curves in my drawings don't look right. I struggle so hard to get that interesting and appealing look to my art. Thank you for your input. I will continue to improve in my art and never give up even when it gets rough. 😁

[@Will-o-Wisp]

Man Ergojosh almost bringing me to tears feeling so acknowledged for the longest time I’ve been worried about being stuck in a rut spinning my wheels so it’s beyond nice to hear from someone that those thoughts are far from the truth

[@suzume_artz]

The part about being Patient with your Creative Energy is something that I really needed to hear. I finished this painting a week ago & I put in a lot of effort to make it because of the unusual lighting with less references to rely on. But I was happy with it because it turned out well & I can see the improvement from the past 2-3 years of my art journey. I tried forcing myself to draw something big immediately after this, but it's not easy. I never thought of giving myself a break & let myself recover my creative energy to start a big artwork again. Your videos are really very helpful!

[@DChosenOneD]

To the point in the video about looking back at your journey and seeing where you were years ago and taking some of what you loved at those moments and applying it to your current work, that's one reason why I find having a traditional sketchbook to be really important. Due to focus on the present moment and being busy in our adult lives it's tough to navigate those moments when you feel stuck and lacking in direction. Having a physical sketchbook really helps to see tangible improvement though different periods of your life. I'm happy to still have old sketchbooks to look back on, though admittedly it has been a while since I've drawn traditionally, but it does help to break from those moments of artist block and humbling to feel the challenge of not having an undo or resize button and focus on what you can actually see (live figure drawing helps the most with this if it's available in your area).

[@strawberrymolk]

Im back here after discovering this video a few years back, and just needed someone to tell me therapeutic stuff instead of “Use a reference” ive been hearing from my other artist friends. I’ll probably be back here in the distant future, but it’s nice to know a video like this exists.

[@mandasmovingcastle]

After losing my hard-built career for over a year now and struggling to find any footing, I really am thinking about changing courses to focus on my creativity. Arcane really inspired me as well - that kiddo inside of me who loved to draw and doodle on her notes for years was dormant for so long, and I'm now trying to get back into art. However, at my age I feel like I've lost so much time to improve and feel stuck. Thank you for this. I really needed to hear it.

[@angelinedepita6054]

I'm literally just listening to your videos while drawing, and it feels really relaxing and fulfilling doing it. Not only am I progressing in my drawing by practicing to my heart's content, but I also am learning from your wisdom of experience. Thanks for your videos! It helps a lot

[@nierog1713]

A hobby digital artist trying yo make it a profession (drawn for 11years traditional and 3 years digital) I needed this video so much. I've been feeling off about my original style and what I get into compared to others. So thank you 😊

[@mangagnome9764]

I needed this. I've been discouraged and depressed about my art for so long now. I plan to revisit this video daily. I can't thank you enough

[@xellffs6258]

WHATTTT. you're 4 years younger than me? But you seem so much older. Not in a bad way. You come off as wise- someone with answers to questions I havent even thought of yet. Plus, your voice. Lol. Smooth. Love your channel! & these drawings are beautiful.

[@TheCherrylover85]

Thank you so much for this! Arcane really inspired me so much and I started drawing Jinx a lot. I did so many compositions of her and absolutely nothing felt right. I’m gonna keep at it, thank you!

[@seba.abarzua]

Thanks, I needed that. I’ve been struggling a lot lately. At a point I’ve considered giving up drawing… I don’t feel I’m going anywhere, and my skills are not getting better. My instagram is not doing better either, I feel like I’m so mediocre at what I’m doing. I dont think I’m THAT bad but I have bad habit to compare myself to other artists online, it’s driving me nuts. Thank you for this man 🤙🏽

[@caroly7066]

Thank you for the comfort. I have been comparing my artwork with the others'. When I am satisfied with my art and don't get as many likes as the others (yes, I have been comparing to the toxic level) I feel sad, stressed, really discouraged. So instead I draw what I like, I tend to follow trends and what people like since I think people don't like my art. It makes me really sad and insecure. Lately I try not to do what people want, although it's really hard to do, and start drawing the style I feel comfortable the most. The struggle is real and the insecurity keeps dogging me. Also reading the comments here makes me feel better. Thank you everyone

[@ericmacfarlane3604]

Your thoughts here have been super relatable and helpful for me! Thank you!

[@ItsLoHere]

I feel called out in the most comforting way

[@liamheinrich3420]

This made me feel a lot better about my work. I've been practicing seriously for the last year and I've felt like I'm not moving forward anymore. It nice to know that there are other people in the same boat that went through the same struggles. And that I can still get better. Thank you.

[@ohhhhdear]

i am so so grateful i stumbled upon this video because i am so sick and tired of hearing professional artists try to give tips to those who don’t have a such a huge skill set yet and they are all so condescending in a way. they always somehow make me feel bad that i’m not improving linearly or quickly. they always make me feel bad for not having such a large skill set or for not practicing certain things the way i should etc etc. you make me feel like i’m right where i should be, i’m learning what i need to learn and even though i could be doing something wrong, there’s nothing inherently bad about it. you put so much into the happy perspective that i’m doing fine just where i am. thank you :)

[@paroreo6972]

I've always wanted to improve and I do see improvement for the past few years that I've been drawing. However, something I always lack is confidence. Confidence in coloring, making fully rendered drawings, and making fanart. I always worried for accuracy and ended up either avoiding it or procrastination. Like now-- LMAO. I saved this video and never got around to it now, but it helps me realize that it's normal and I should look back and see what I did before and maybe just have fun with it for once than just constantly being hard on myself for not being where I want to be

[@bwowzah]

You laid down some solid pieces of advice here and I really appreciate it. I especially like what you said at the end with new artists using a stone to dig and an experienced artist using a bulldozer while still holding on to the stone. I love that imagery so much.

[@KommSpaeterWieder]

my fav thing about her are her facial expressions. They are just soo real I love it

[@nish_fishie]

i nearly cried, especially at the rock/digging analogy, because you described my frustration flawlessly haha. it's good to know that i'm not alone in this.

[@lunastryas_art1248]

Thank you so much for sharing. This helps me feel so much better. I always do look at other artists work and think wow their artwork looks amazing and inspires me so much to create my own artworks, but they are never up to a high standard. I often have to remind myself that the artists I admire have been learning art for many more years than me. I have so much work to do to get to the level I want to!! I often get myself down about it and I am just glad that it's not only me who feels this way. I really did think it was just my anxious brain overthinking things. It really does make me question everything and frequently feel art blocked. However, I have been drawing far more regularly lately, which has helped me develop my confidence and determination to continue my journey without letting it impact my productivity. I am still learning anatomy and forms of the body, and it has taken me a long time to get to grips just with this skill alone. I am still trying to get better at it. I just hope that one day, I'll be comfortable drawing the human form.

[@bonepaste_3336]

Watching your sketch process alone I feel like I've picked up so much, really needed this video since I'm finally able to grind out some personal projects over break

[@koirankieli]

Dude, thanks. I really needed this. KZbin recommended this to me today and I think it's exactly what helps me with my art (and artblock) right now. You gained a follower 👍🏻

[@DoLo_XO]

Whenever I get to a point where I feel everything I put down on canvas causes frustration, I take a step back and go admire others work and effort no matter the skill set. I also go back to drawing or sketching what I can. Small little victories goes a long way one brush stroke at a time. Patience and clear vision helps refocus my frustration into motivation as well.

[@Marshade]

Best explanation ive heard from an artist on yt thanks for this man, ill stick around this channel 4 a while

[@thlayliroo]

thank you so much for this. ive been struggling with this for several years now. felt like i hit a wall, no matter how hard i tried i wasnt getting any closer to creating what i really wanted to. tried to find ways to figure out what i was missing, people stuck in the same spot i was, etc. i couldnt find anything and got so discouraged that my attempts slowly happened less and less until they just stopped a few years ago. i miss drawing so bad and know the main solution is to just keep trying, try more often, all that, but that doesnt really help when what youre struggling with is "it hurts to keep trying". you brought up a ton of great points, some of which i had a vague idea of, and others that never crossed my mind, and like you said, it helps to know that im not the only one who's stuck. i think with this i can start trying again, and be a little less scared of continuing to fail as part of the process

[@stratovolcano7813]

I love watching you draw like this, the ways you diverge from the reference is so interesting!! And I love your philosophy on art and mental health 😭

[@MontieAdams]

Best video I've found for art advice. Period

[@jaegermonster9549]

Late blooming artist here. After finally taking the leap into being serious with my art and start refining it to industrial standards and make revenue, the feeling of constantly having to catch on to younger, more successful artists can be harrowing (well, younger in age, but certainly older in their art journey). Though I accepted the challenge and (mostly) set aside my 30s pride, feeling stuck and left behind is just another Tuesday. This kind of video is intensely insightful for me, both in the technical and subjective fronts. Thank you.

[@thomasfarr16]

It’s amazing how every frame of arcane looks like a painting.

[@imperfect_cliche]

i totally get the thing of deleting old art off of social media out of "cringe." I was fortunate enough to still have all my deleted pieces still in a physical portfolio but I do miss looking back at the feedback comments because they for sure helped me and would have been a great way to see what it was to push me to improve.

[@keo21c]

I started digital drawing about 2 months ago. I always dreamed of drawing my own mangas one day when I grow up, but I seem to not have the feeling to start drawing in the past. Yet I wanted to draw so it was really confusing for me on what to pursue. Years passed I realized that i had no talent whatsoever and that everything was stressful for me on what i must choose to be in the future, I'm not smart. And I'm not that great at some things that are even considered basic. When I realized that the passion inside me was burning but i couldn't feel it, I opened the door and burning flame was locked behind it. I was motivated... So much that everyday I draw with a smile on my face, I still do. However I'm stuck on some places, this video made me realize everything in art is not that easy and at that takes years to master and I knew that it would take me years to become an artist, always going down the zigzagging path on your journey. When I felt the passion, everyone couldn't believe me but still supported me anyway, and without them I could've not come this far, it's been 2 months and looking back seems so different! I will chase my dream and one day become an artist, and one of the major reasons was because of you and this video with a wonderful message you conveyed. I feel burnt out the past weeks and its time for me to keep going down the road again!

[@BleezyB]

I hope everyone of you becomes DaVinci level or higher at your craft 👍🏽s/o Josh for providing value and insight.. it’s priceless! Keep it up everyone. Strive for perfection, expect exceptional Love y’all

[@sockyslush5852]

i'm watching a whole bunch of your videos and it's really comforting to know that you share the same exact feelings i know a lot of us have- wanting to improve very badly, plateu-ing, all that jazz ;v; i've been wanting to get better, and in order to do so i keep revisiting things i used to love to draw. but i'm practicing with all the techniques i've learned.

[@aval1on]

I think I might be in the most frustrating moment of my art journey right now, and watching this made me realize that I was being too harsh on myself even with the smallest things. Thank you for bringing a new perspective to me

[@jung.o.2080]

This video popped up quite perfectly for me. I just began drawing digital and it feels like learning to draw all over again. It's frustrating and I feel stuck. So this video helps to remind myself to take it easy and screw up until I improve.

[@belshazzarsf3ast]

I play play your videos with just the audio while I'm drawing. Helps me when I'm not focused.

[@brocckoeli]

this video came out at the right time T.T literally struggling with jinx fanarts and changing my media from tradional to digital.

[@julian7434]

i come back to this way too often. Being obsessed with improvement makes it harder for me to improve and have fun.

[@Locusthorde3000]

I wasn't even having problems with my Art, as I looked at one art vid now im being blasted. Clicked on yours because of the topic. Really glad I discovered this vid and your channel. So soothing and insightful.

[@rospeedpaints]

This was so refreshing to listen to at a time when I was struggling to continue improving!

[@farsawirart6456]

This is such good advice it's tough to do but if you learn to separate yourself from the final result it's easier to finish a piece before you overwork it and in a few hours all the mistakes will be really obvious but you can take that knowledge to the next piece it's crazy how much I grew in the last year after following this advice

[@twiddledeedee]

This is something I largely regretted growing up. I have little to no works from me from early high school or even elementary. lately I have stocked up since I returned to learning the fundamentals once more but having those peices would have been awesome to look at to remind myself how far I have come.

[@Marzena-24285]

Thank you so much for this,i feel like I’m starting to backtrack as my art is getting worse,like a-lot worse,so i thank you for this! Also i frikin love you’re art! You’re one of my inspirations to keep marching on with my work!

[@prcs420]

you might feel like your art is getting worse because you're trying new things that you're not well practiced at, or because you haven't drawn in a while, maybe you're tired or distracted or need to use more references or or or. don't be discouraged! figuring out the root of the problem (which you may have done already!) is the first and one of the most important steps. the problem might even just lie in your own perception of your art. you've got this!!

[@Marzena-24285]

@@prcs420 thank you so much,i think it’s because I’m trying new things and starting to forget the basics so i probably just need to practice the basics (also i don’t use references so I’m gonna try that and see it will help) thank you so so much, i never would have actually tried to find out where i went wrong if it wasn’t for you’re reply so I’m very thankful for that!

[@Rubiwashere_]

Thank you so much for posting this video, it helped a lot. As a younger artist who has been stressing and burning out for the past few months, this video inspired me to step back until my summer break and just let myself focus on me for a bit and come back stronger in my art, really thank you, I was blinded by my emotions till I watched ur vid

[@Ellie-cy2pp]

Thank you for this advice! I've tried to follow it throughout the week, and I don't think I've improved that much but I have have had a more positive mental attitude. I feel much better about where my improvement will take me, and feel like I won't be as downed when I make somthing that I don't like or that seems repeditive. ❤

[@AzerothGoPro2023]

Honestly the pep talk through the video helped me feel a lot better about where i am at skill wise. I am currently going through the process of relearning art, going through the steps to learn proper art theory and application because I realized i had been going it all wrong since the beginning. Going through and learning everything all over again has been daunting to think about, but this video hhas helped a lot. TLDR; thank you for the pep talk, it helps more people than you realize.

[@klep6719]

one of the few times i chanced upon this video thanks to the algorithm - and the advice was super appreciated! i burned myself out to the point where i haven't posted my work publicly in ages and even had shame for some of the previous works I've made for people, but, this video really inspired me to get back into giving my drawings a shot (and not deleting original sketches) - and i actually felt happy with an imperfect sketch for the first time in a LONG time. thanks so so much for this video!!

[@ahedjehad8514]

i'm a strict traditional artist, i.e. i only do traditional drawings. because of my slight learning disability, it takes longer time for me to learn. and it's not that i don't improve, i do. it's just so agonizingly slow, because of my slight learning disability, that it's so frustrating because it makes me think that i haven't improved, when i clearly have. my male anatomy skills have drastically improved over the last couple of month's in this year alone, and that makes me happy.

[@woofle2153]

Conveniently stumbled upon this video as I was feeling like I'm not improving at all. Yet despite that, I haven't given up, drawing each morning and night, but thanks to you, I've gotten a new idea on how to see the rights and wrongs in my works, go to the next level, feel like I've progressed and improved, thanks for sharing the experience

[@ergojosh]

Get my new Photoshop Brushes for 50% OFF!!! (today and tomorrow only!) ergojosh.gumroad.com/l/stVbl

[@trinfx]

what do you use to do your drawings? a traditional drawing tablet or a touch screen display one?

[@EATHER2468]

Its funny how the jinx in league of legends is different from the one in arcane. The game designs get as a more feminine design the same with her sister Vi. The design overall in the series illustrates a more gritty world and people when compared to the wimsy and camp of the game.

[@williambennett4440]

Please can you tell me the name of machine You are using- ? I would like to buy it and attempt to draw as you do Please tell me

[@bnewtz7492]

Bought these brushes to use in Procreate but when I try to import the brushes to the app I get a popup saying "Cannot import ABR file. File could not be read and may be invalid."

[@bnewtz7492]

@@vishnuupadhyay1283 I asked around the Procreate forum and was told by one of the mods that it's a problem with the file itself and not the app. There's a setting in the file, maybe from one of the brushes, that doesn't exist in Procreate, that is preventing the app from reading it and importing the brushes correctly. Hoping ergojosh sees this and can change it so the .abr file can be used in both programs.

[@gringlemcdingle3357]

8:07 damn this really just descrived my situation perfectly. it is cathartic to see im not just uniquely suffering. ive just set up this cycle for myself. now i get it

[@fkhan2006]

Your methods sound so simple but extremely effective. Thanks Josh

[@lavereads]

Yes warm up sketches do help I love to do it mostly I draw squares in different perspective or I draw eyes in different perspective and when I’m sleepy or I get too tired , I draw more confused I think getting a good sleep gets you’re brain motivated 🧠 and I love your art work 🥰

[@pogz1]

its amazing how other people do things flawlessly yet mines not even i struggle endlessly.. even though.. ill continue pushing on no matter what.. even though my art really suck, all i need is a harsh and honest critique.. even though itll hurt.

[@WCKD.LY44]

This video helped me a lot. I got to a point with art were I was ready to quit. I had went through an entire sketch book and nothing I drew was looking any better or any good. This video helped me relax and get back into the flow of drawing.

[@Heavenlystar987]

The best voice in the whole YT!

[@keelobrown4991]

I was thinking i havent improved a single bit for months. Then I realised its because i didnt look at my older drawings... and damn there was a MASSIVE difference. If you forget how bad you were before then you might not notice how good you are now.

[@zacharyhorvath3615]

Great video-I did inktober for the first time this year, and I really learned a lot but also burned myself out mentally, emotionally and creatively. I feel like I improved, but I’ve now been dealing with this existential crisis where I feel like I don’t know what to draw or what the point of even doing it is, why do I continue doing this thing that feels like a dead end most days. I don’t want to sound too disturbed lol, so I will leave it at that and say that these kinds of videos help soothe my mind.

[@tetrapak994]

this video is great, i bought a huion drawing tablet 6 months ago and have been trying to get comfortable with digital art ever since then, it sucks and its painful to not improve or not be aware if you are improving or not, this video really helped me be more optimistic, i hope i can master digital art in my own way as soon as i can

[@AntepenultimaRomantica]

When I'm sad about my drawings, I try to remember that back when I started drawing I would dream to be at the level I am now

[@HEYBadgerhere]

Right now i'm stuck I'm looking at my friends who are artists too I'm looking at their progress, arts and i feel myself so bad because i see myself from the side As a degrading little child Everyone around me doing so much work So much good, beautiful art And i'm stuck with mine "skill" for 2 years I'm already trying experiments with drawing humans even tho i don't like what i'm drawing And this video was recommended to me just in time Thank you It's truly helps when you "know that you're not the only one with that kind of problems and feelings" This video helped me a lot

[@jayquelinmydude]

Honestly when I saw your video I said "Oh thank god" aloud. You really posted this at the perfect time for me! Everything you said is something I've been struggling with lately and this has helped motivate me. So I want to say, thank you so very much!

[@thundercatvstheworld1855]

yo thanks man this really changed my mentality on drawing!

[@MidnightFae375]

I think i needed to hear this advice from the video. Im stuck in this exact slump and just hearing this makes me feel better and what I should work on to get out of that slump.

[@jaydegarcia1454]

Thank you. I just graduated art school and feel stuck. The bull dozer analogy made me really happy. Thank you so much again. This video really helped.

[@midgetwaffles8635]

I've always wanted to be a freelance/studio illustrator and Arcane definitely helped me kindle that fire recently. Thank you for sharing this. Your Jinx drawings look fantastic!

[@jacklynn.7150]

Thank you for posting this! I've always loved your videos to put on the background while I draw/do stuff and in this video, I really really related to what you said in the video. I'm a relatively young artist and I'm still trying my best to transition to a digital media. I feel like I never improve, but when I look back at my traditional drawings I wonder how I was able to capture a certain shape, or emotion. You're right, it's nice to listen and relate to other people's struggles while you're working through yours. I've been trying to improve my knowledge in terms of figure drawing and your videos help me greatly in terms of guidance and motivation! Thank you!

[@greendiamond255]

Thank you for your free classes! Greetings from Brazil 👍🇧🇷

[@Friendly__Neighbour]

the way this video started reminded me of adam duff i really love this!!!!!!!

[@ergojosh]

NGL I really did copy his intro vibe this time lol. I watched his recent video while editing! NIce catch.

[@Friendly__Neighbour]

@@ergojosh YESH!!!

[@mykal92684]

wow man, this was the best advice ever. Everything you said resonated with me. You put words to my feeling and emotions. Thanks for that.

[@1c3sly13]

This is very helpful. I gave up on drawing a long time ago. I would draw to compete with my friend but his drawings got exponentially much better than mine. I was getting stressed because I couldn't figure out body proportions. He went on and got a job for Marvel comics. I felt like a failure. Last year I got a tablet and watching videos to learn about the tablet, I realized people were using them to draw. Next thing I know, I'm drawing again and learning about perspective and having fun with it. My next challenge is painting my sketches and learning how to use layers in clip studio. Terrified. Don't want to lose the love again. Patience.

[@wyverz]

I saved this video 2 years ago, hoping I'll need it someday. 2 years later, I interned at an animation studio, illustrated for an indie game, and somehow started feeling lost. I needed this.

[@coagulatedwater937]

Thank you for your rambles. It really makes me feel better since I have been feeling like I've made no progress when in reality I have but I just can't see it. I'm glad you expressed such and it really helped me recognize that I just have to be more patient with myself.

[@quinnvariocurry6422]

Man your little speeches help me feel great about the day, thank you! And the energy part was definitely helpful i hope i can draw more from this moment

[@adamw5805]

Thanks ergo! I could watch u draw for hours!!

[@imhereforkaisa1555]

That bulldozer analogy was incredible

[@lilywilson9812]

i watched this video a good few months ago and didn't take much from it but coming back to it i am taking a whole lot in :,). Growth helps you take in more for sure