My art isn't improving.

Question

Before we begin, id like to make a few things clearer.

my art, in terms of where I want it to be, absolutely sucks.

I'm not looking for "just keep drawing I believe in you" comments.

I prefer if you answer this, you have broken through a similar "wall".

This is a discussion, any and all opinions are welcome.

anyway now that we passed those guidelines, its time to get to the real discussion.

I have been drawing for over 6-7 years now (I know its not a lot), and for the last two years I picked up digital art.

I started by of course, along side my art, learn anatomy and gesture drawings---which at first really made my drawings look better.

I was trying to study the realistic-cartoon shading style, like "League of Legends" is known for, or more exaggerated artists such as "Miles-df" (*if you google him watch out, he has some nsfw).

now as I said, I studied anatomy, and realistic shading and the such to make sure I know how to draw realistic stuff first like everyone suggests.

but then, for the past six-seven months, I have been getting nowhere. My art by no means got any better, and not even my line-art, which I worked on for months, has stabilized.

Please keep in mind, I have been following many, highly rated, digital art courses that I paid for, not including YT tutorials. and they helped--at first.

right now I'm in a state of constant disappointment. I rarely get the creative side of me nudging at me to start a new drawing anymore, and even when I do get the need to express myself, I draw for about 15 min, before wanting to punch a wall and throw away my tablet.

I love art. But I don't know what to do anymore. I'm just lost.

Answer 1

Sometimes, we hit plateaus, where we feel where we aren't progressing, and for me as an artist, I have hit a big one recently, so I get where you are coming from. The thing is, something that has always helped me to get off a plateau is to read or watch a new form of artistic media, or even just a movie. See some new art styles, or even new faces. Perhaps watching the motion of the people, or seeing a new style will inspire something new in you that breaks you out of your creative learning plateau. I was having the worst time with hands for awhile, but I started following some new artists online that had really great art on their pages that I found through reading webcomics. Just finding new inspiration to push yourself can really help.

Answer 2

Your question seems to resonate with a lot of people. It's a universal question for anybody who thinks they have something worth saying but it's like a nightmare, sometimes, where you're frozen and can't move when the monster is coming to get you. Any creative who says otherwise is bullshit. Now, here are the four classic stages (I myself am an artist and songwriter and the process is identical in this regard): 1) This thing is brilliant! 2) This shit is horrible and worthless and there's a window and why am I not jumping out of it to save everybody the trouble? 3) Maybe this is ok. I can tweak it. 4) This thing is brilliant!

So just, for the love of God, don't stop at #2!

Answer 3

Hello,

I'm an artist too, and I have experienced what you're going through. I think, it's helpful to draw without expectations when feeling this way. Viewing your art through other perspective besides perfection, might free you of the preoccupation. of being amazing at it. Art is meant to be subjective, it can't be measured exactly. It's your art to make!

Answer 4

It could be one of two things. Sometimes its the tools you are using that need a boost, and sometimes its your creative ideas/ subject matter/ approach. First, try a new tool , such as purchasing a new digital brush pack. Brushes can mean soo much to your art. The right brush can change your digital art life, I promise you. Consider also whether you are ready to incorporate the use of Adobe illustrator into your digital art in conjunction with the tablet. If you are working in procreate - consider going to vector. Affinity Designer. Procreate can eventually be frustrating because of pixilation. As for the creative change - you might be in a rut and need to try a totally different style. Try collage, try watercolor, try emulating different artists or trying techniques you have never tried before! You can even have no goal in mind and play with some new digital tools. That can be very liberating, and free you of those pesky high expectations. Art should be fun! You will get there again! Let me know if I can be of further help to you!