Rating Art I Forgot About ⏰
I used to draw so much that there are definitely drawings I completely forgot I did!
These were all done when I was around 13 and in middle school. That Steve drawing is going to haunt my dreams now 😫
After diving deep into those forgotten middle school art pieces, it really got me thinking about the magic (and occasional horror!) of revisiting our artistic past. It's not just about a quick laugh or a cringey memory; there’s so much more to gain from an "art archaeology" session. If you're looking for a fun way to reconnect with your creative journey or just need a fresh perspective, rating your old drawings is an absolute must-do! First off, why even bother? For me, it was a huge dose of nostalgia. Holding those old sketchbook pages felt like opening a time capsule. You remember the feelings, the inspirations, and sometimes even the specific moments you were drawing them. It's incredible to see how much (or how little!) your style has changed. Looking back at a pencil sketch of a woman with long hair that now looks a little "creepy" made me remember trying to master facial expressions – and clearly, I had a dramatic flair even then! When you embark on your own rating adventure, here are a few things I learned. Be kind to your younger self! It’s easy to be overly critical now, but remember you were learning and experimenting. Focus instead on the effort and the joy you clearly found in creating. I saw an early pencil sketch of a hand and recognized my attempt at a serious hand study – even with that random dot! It shows a budding interest in fundamentals, even if the execution was still developing. Also, pay attention to recurring themes or subjects. My colored drawing featuring a boy, a shadowy figure, and tall trees with a blue river was originally intended for an unfinished book. It immediately reminded me how much I loved storytelling and creating imaginative worlds, even at 13. You might discover a passion you’d forgotten about, or realize how far you've come in developing a consistent style. And yes, embrace the cringe! The colored pencil drawing of a young man with brown hair and a beard that I called "MC Steve weirdddddd IRL" is a prime example. It’s hilariously awkward, but it’s part of my journey. These are the pieces that make us laugh and remind us not to take ourselves too seriously. They show us that every artist, no matter how skilled, started somewhere. Beyond the giggles, rating old art offers practical takeaways. It’s an amazing way to track your progress. You can pinpoint specific areas where you've improved – maybe your proportions are better now, or your shading has become more nuanced. It can also highlight techniques or styles you used to love that you might want to revisit. Perhaps you used to be bolder with color, or more experimental with mixed media. My biggest piece of advice? Don't throw away your old art! Those sketchbook pages are treasures. They're a visual diary of your artistic evolution. Seeing my journey from those early pencil sketch attempts to my current work motivates me to keep practicing and pushing boundaries. It reinforces the idea that consistent effort truly makes a difference. So, go ahead, dig out those old portfolios, dusty boxes, or forgotten sketchbook pages. Rate your old drawings, reflect on your growth, and share your own "art archaeology" finds! You might be surprised by the inspiration and self-awareness you gain. What's the funniest or most surprising piece of old art you've ever rediscovered?
