My advice to artists:

Hey fellow artists and aspiring creatives! I know that burning desire to get good at art, and to do it *fast*. It's something I absolutely obsessed over in my own journey, and through a lot of trial and error (and some brutally honest self-reflection), I've definitely picked up some tricks that accelerated my progress. One of the biggest game-changers for me, and something I can't recommend enough if you want to improve your artistic skills *soooo good sooo fast*, is making comics. Seriously! It might sound daunting, but it's an incredible workout for so many fundamental skills. When you create a comic, you're not just drawing isolated figures; you're placing characters in environments, telling a story through sequential panels, and making sure your anatomy and perspective are consistent from various angles. This constant problem-solving and repeated application of principles helps cement your understanding in a way that single illustrations often don't. My anatomy skills skyrocketed when I started focusing on comics because I had to draw characters in dynamic poses, interacting with objects, and conveying emotion – it's full-body practice! Beyond just practice, which is always key, I also learned the importance of strategic learning. Instead of aimlessly sketching, I’d focus on specific weaknesses. Struggling with hands? Dedicate a week to drawing hands from different angles, referencing photos, and studying anatomy books. Can't nail perspective? Spend an hour a day on perspective grids and drawing environments. Breaking down complex skills into manageable chunks makes the 'getting good fast' goal feel much more achievable. Another piece of advice I wish I’d fully embraced earlier, which also ties into the 'money addition' discussions, is considering practical backup skills. While drawing is my passion, having a solid foundation in something like graphic design, web design, or even architecture (as mentioned in my initial thoughts!) can provide immense financial stability. This isn't 'giving up' on art; it's smart planning. When you're not constantly worrying about paying bills solely through your personal art, it frees you up to experiment, take risks, and truly develop your style without commercial pressure. I've found that skills from graphic design, for example, often cross over beautifully into illustration, making me a more versatile artist overall. Finally, don't underestimate the power of showing your work and making connections. While commissions are great, actively participating in local art communities, attending workshops, and getting feedback from other artists can propel your growth exponentially. Seeing how others approach problems, receiving constructive criticism, and even just discussing techniques can open your eyes to new ways of learning and improving. It's not about being 'not good at drawing' forever; it's about continuously learning and strategically applying yourself. Trust me, I've got the deets on what truly works, and these are some of the fastest routes I found to level up my art game!