DTIYS: part 38-ArtbyRisotoo [2022]

Have you ever stumbled upon an amazing piece of art online and wished you could try drawing it yourself, but with your own unique twist? That's exactly what a 'Draw This In Your Style' (DTIYS) challenge is all about, and it's one of my favorite ways to boost my creativity! For those wondering, 'DTIYS meaning art' is simple: an artist shares an original character or artwork and invites others to redraw it in their personal style. It's not about copying; it's about interpretation and showcasing your artistic voice. I recently participated in a DTIYS challenge, and let me tell you, it was such a rewarding experience. The original piece featured a captivating 'pink-skinned character with light blue hair, red horns, and pointed ears,' wearing a 'red top.' The challenge literally dared you to 'REDRAW ME IF YOU DARE!' and I couldn't resist! It pushes you to think outside your comfort zone while still having a fantastic reference to work from. So, why should you try a DTIYS challenge? Firstly, it's an incredible way to practice your drawing skills without the pressure of coming up with a completely original concept from scratch. You get to focus on things like anatomy, color palettes, and stylistic choices. Secondly, it's a fantastic community builder. When you share your redraw, you're engaging with the original artist and a whole network of other creatives who are also participating. It's inspiring to see how everyone interprets the same piece so differently. Some might go for a more realistic take, others might exaggerate features, or even change the entire mood of the artwork. To jump into a DTIYS, all you usually need to do is find an artist hosting one (they often use hashtags like #dtiyschallenge or #drawthisinyourstyle). Save their reference image, and then let your imagination run wild! Remember, the goal isn't to replicate perfectly. For instance, with the 'dark fluffy shawl' and 'red background' in the original I worked from, I thought about how I could convey that texture and mood in my own way, perhaps using different brushstrokes or a slightly altered color scheme. Maybe you'd focus on the character's 'pointed ears' and give them a more ethereal feel, or emphasize the 'red horns' with bolder shading. My personal tip for anyone attempting a DTIYS is to really embrace your own artistic identity. Don't be afraid to experiment with your usual techniques or even try something new. Maybe you're a traditional artist often working with pencils, but this challenge inspires you to try 'digital drawing' for the first time. Or perhaps you usually draw in a very realistic style, and this is your chance to explore a more cartoonish or stylized approach. It's a low-stakes way to grow and learn. Finally, sharing your completed artwork is a huge part of the fun! Tag the original artist, use the challenge hashtag, and be ready to connect with a supportive art community. It's truly amazing to contribute to a collective art project and see your unique vision alongside others. So, if you're looking for a fun art challenge that helps you grow and connect, definitely give a DTIYS a try!