How to Become a Better Artist is a continuous journey of growth, skill development, and artistic evolution. As an artist, pushing yourself beyond boundaries and refining your techniques are essential steps in mastering your craft.
Improving as an artist means embracing change, experimenting with new methods, and even transforming your artistic style multiple times throughout your life. Every challenge you take on contributes to your creative progress and enhances your ability to express yourself.
The journey of how to become a better artist is not just about technical skills; it’s about dedication, persistence, and a passion for learning. By building on what you already know and continuously striving for improvement, you’ll find greater satisfaction in your artistic endeavors.
No matter where you are in your creative path, always remember that how to become a better artist is about the process, not just the destination. Keep pushing forward, explore new possibilities, and let your art evolve with you.
Part1 Stocking Up
1.Buy All the Necessary Supplies
Gather Essential Art Materials
To begin your artistic journey, collect the tools you need for your preferred medium. Essential supplies may include drawing pencils, erasers, sketchbooks, pastels, paints, and an easel. Experimenting with new materials can be inspiring, and starting with beginner sets of artist-grade supplies is recommended, as they are often easier to use than student-grade alternatives.
Choose a Quality Sketching Set
Start with an affordable sketchbook that has plenty of pages, along with a sketching set containing a kneaded eraser and a variety of graphite pencils. Many sets also include charcoal pencils, graphite sticks, and colored sketching sticks in brown, gray, or reddish tones. Buying bundled sets is usually more cost-effective than purchasing each item separately.
Understand Pencil Grades
Different pencil grades serve different artistic purposes:
- H pencils (2H, 4H, etc.) – Hard pencils that create light, fine lines, perfect for design work and underdrawings.
- F pencil – Slightly harder than an HB, offering precision and control.
- HB pencil – A balanced, all-purpose pencil similar to a standard No. 2.
- B pencils (2B, 4B, 6B, etc.) – Soft, dark pencils ideal for shading and depth. The higher the B grade, the darker and smudgier the mark, with 6B or higher resembling charcoal.
Having the right supplies will help you develop your skills and make the process of creating art more enjoyable.
2.Purchase How-To Drawing Books
Choose Books on Specific Subjects
Invest in instructional drawing books that focus on topics that interest you, such as animals, horses, seascapes, or human anatomy. Selecting books that align with your passion will keep you engaged and motivated to practice.
Commit to Daily Practice
Aim to complete at least one drawing per day to develop consistency and improve your skills. Consider framing and displaying your best work as a source of inspiration, reminding yourself of your progress and encouraging you to keep going.
Explore Before You Buy
If you’re unsure which book to purchase, check out different options from your local library. This allows you to explore various teaching styles and find the one that resonates with you the most before making a commitment.
Follow a Step-by-Step Approach
Work through each exercise in your chosen book systematically, rather than attempting everything at once. Taking a structured approach will help you absorb techniques more effectively and make steady progress in your artistic journey.
Part2 Progressing with Your Art Skills
1.Date Your Daily Sketches
Keep It Simple and Consistent
Your daily sketches don’t need to be intricate or time-consuming. A quick five-minute gesture sketch can be just as valuable for improving your drawing skills as a detailed half-hour piece.
Prioritize Quantity Over Perfection
If you have 30 minutes to draw, consider creating multiple short sketches instead of focusing on one highly detailed piece. This approach helps build muscle memory and improves your ability to capture form and movement efficiently.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Strive to improve with each sketch, but don’t stress about making every drawing perfect. The key to achieving strong, recognizable artwork is consistent daily practice, which will refine your skills over time.
2.Choose a Favorite Subject
Pick Something Meaningful
Select a subject you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s your favorite animal, a specific flower, a unique rock, or a bottle catching the light. Choosing something personal will keep you engaged and motivated to improve.
Practice Through Repetition
Draw the same subject multiple times in different ways. Experiment with angles, lighting, and perspectives. For example, if you love drawing cats, sketch them in various poses, from different reference photos, or focus on specific details like paws or facial features.
Build a Deeper Understanding
Repeatedly sketching a subject helps you master its anatomy, proportions, and details. Once you’ve drawn your pet cat enough times, sketching a tiger will feel more natural. Likewise, practicing small elements—like pebbles—will eventually make drawing larger, complex structures like mountains easier and more intuitive.
3.Sketch and Draw Anything You See
Capture Everyday Moments
Draw whatever catches your eye—whether it’s a homeless man asking for change or a little girl skipping with a balloon. The world is full of interesting subjects, so keep your sketchbook handy and sketch whenever inspiration strikes.
Start with Still Life
Still life is an excellent starting point for beginners since objects don’t move. Begin with simple items like a plain vase, a few pebbles, or a flower with minimal petals. Draw each object individually before arranging them into a composition. The advantage of still life is that lighting remains consistent indoors, allowing for uninterrupted practice.
Master Animal Drawing
If you love drawing animals, start with your pets. Sketch them while they sleep to practice proportions without movement. Use photos for reference, or visit the zoo with a camera to capture animals in different poses. Online sources like Wikipedia Commons provide open-source images, and you can also request permission from photographers on platforms like Flickr or Facebook. Once you’re comfortable, try sketching live animals at the zoo or even birds at your feeder. Quick life sketches will help improve your gesture drawing skills.
Explore Architecture and Buildings
Perspective is crucial in architectural drawings. Study books on perspective and practice the exercises to improve your accuracy. Be mindful when drawing from photos, as they can distort vertical lines and alter perspective. Drawing buildings in person is ideal since they remain stationary, allowing you to focus on structural details.
Develop Your Landscape Skills
Landscapes are a timeless fine art subject. Practice sketching your backyard, a local park, or scenic locations during camping trips. Start with quick five-minute gesture sketches to capture the overall composition, then select the best one to develop further. Focus on light and shadows first, as they shift rapidly throughout the day. Avoid getting lost in small details early on—big shapes and textures define a landscape.
Draw People and Figures
People are a fascinating subject to sketch. Begin with friends and family members who are willing to pose. When sketching in public, practice quick gesture drawings to capture movement before your subject shifts. Public sketching can also be a great conversation starter, as people often stop to see what you’re working on, making it a fun and interactive experience.
Find Inspiration in Nature
Get down low in a garden or park and observe the world from a different perspective. Imagine yourself as an insect or small creature and explore the details of leaves, petals, and textures. Take photos of unique patterns and surfaces to use later as references for your artwork. Let nature spark your creativity and deepen your appreciation for intricate details.
Part3 Getting Lessons and Expert Advice
1.Look Into Art Lessons
Enroll in Community Art Classes
Many local community centers and art schools offer in-person art classes for various skill levels. While these lessons may require an investment, they can provide valuable guidance and structured learning from experienced instructors.
Explore Online Art Lessons
There are numerous online resources for learning art, including instructional videos, e-books, and interactive lessons. Websites like WetCanvas offer free tutorials, assignments, and feedback from volunteer teachers. Some platforms provide downloadable materials and premium courses for more in-depth instruction.
Learn from Professional Artists
Many professional artists create instructional DVDs and online courses covering different mediums and techniques. Before committing to a paid course, try free lessons to see if the teaching style suits your learning needs. A good instructor should not only be skilled but also engaging and easy to follow.
Utilize YouTube Tutorials
YouTube is an excellent free resource with countless tutorials from various artists. Watch different instructors to find styles and techniques that resonate with you. Most importantly, practice consistently after following these lessons to reinforce what you’ve learned and develop your unique artistic style.
2.Subscribe to Art Instruction Magazines
Expand Your Knowledge with Art Publications
Magazines like The Artist’s Magazine, Pastel Journal, Watercolor Artist, and American Artist offer valuable insights into drawing and painting techniques. These publications feature expert advice, step-by-step tutorials, and inspiring artist interviews to help you refine your skills.
Build Your Art Vocabulary and Techniques
The more you read, the better you’ll understand technical terms and various artistic methods. Learning art is a gradual process, and exposure to different techniques will enhance your understanding and creativity over time.
Embrace the Learning Journey
Mastering art takes patience, practice, and continuous study. While experienced artists make it look effortless, their skill comes from years of dedication. True talent isn’t just natural ability—it’s the passion and persistence to learn, improve, and embrace mistakes as part of the process. The moment others recognize your work, you’ll know your efforts have paid off.
3.Learn Composition and Design
Study Composition as Much as Drawing
Great art goes beyond technical accuracy—it requires strong composition and design. Read books on composition, take design classes, and analyze artworks to understand how elements are arranged to create visual impact.
Master the Art of Cropping and Framing
Knowing how to crop reference photos and frame your subjects is key to elevating your artwork. Whether sketching a landscape or setting up a still life, carefully choose which elements to include and how to position them for maximum effect.
Guide the Viewer’s Eye
Composition helps direct the viewer’s focus to the most important part of your artwork. Whether it’s the eyes in a portrait, a sunlit area in a landscape, or an animal bending to drink, thoughtful placement of elements enhances storytelling and engagement.
Enhance Even the Most Captivating Subjects
Some subjects, like a playful kitten, naturally draw attention. However, understanding design principles—such as balance, contrast, and negative space—allows you to transform a simple image into a truly irresistible piece of art.
Part4 Working in an Art-Related Field
Get a Job (If You’re Old Enough)
Explore Art-Related Jobs
If you’re old enough, consider working at an art supply store like Joanne’s or Michael’s, or intern at a design studio. These positions can help you learn more about the art world while providing valuable experience.
Volunteer at Galleries
Getting to know a gallery owner and volunteering to set up shows can eventually lead to job opportunities at the gallery. This is a great way to gain exposure in the art community and make connections that could help your career.
Sell Your Art Online and In-Person
Consider selling your artwork through platforms like eBay or Etsy, or directly at art fairs and conventions. You can also sell portraits, pet portraits, or landscapes off the easel. Bringing your portfolio to galleries or selling your work at events can help build your reputation and start generating income.
Find the Right Market for Your Art
Your art style will influence where and how it sells best. If you create popular subjects, like cute animals or cartoon characters, you may find quicker success in selling your work. Don’t underestimate the emotional connection others have with your art—even if you think you could have done better, their appreciation is real.
Don’t Undersell Yourself
While you may be critical of your work, it’s important not to undersell yourself. Your personal growth as an artist is what matters most, and the value of your art is subjective. When someone offers to buy your piece, embrace it as a sign that your art resonates with them.
Learn How to Be Self-Employed as an Artist
Understand the Business Side of Art
Becoming a full-time artist requires more than just artistic talent; it also involves managing your time and finances effectively. Learn how to plan, schedule, and complete projects independently to succeed in self-employment.
Consider Your Personal Situation
Being a self-employed artist offers flexibility, but it may not be for everyone. If you prefer a structured work environment with benefits and a steady paycheck, look for a related job with an employer. Understand your personal needs and lifestyle preferences when deciding whether full-time art is right for you.
Pursue Part-Time Work Until You’re Ready
If you’re not yet earning a professional-level income from art, consider pursuing your art career part-time while maintaining a regular job. This will help you build your artistic career at a comfortable pace without financial strain.
