Drawing Tips, Ideas, and Criticism.

[M.DerpyJane 14]

Well, I'm still working on coming out of a shell..

So uhm, I had this idea:

 

I draw now and then; mainly ponies and anime, and I know I'm not the best. I always enjoy tips and reasonable, honest criticism.

 

The thing is, I'm somewhat shy about just straight up showing anyone and everyone my drawings, especially since there's so much more room to improve.

 

So if there's any tips anyone has I would be glad to try them.

Also if anyone's interested we could possibly talk more about drawings, and what not.

 

 

[Demirari 454]

Well a tip I would give (if you are using a tablet,) is to do what I like to call the essay process. No, this does not include writing two pages worth of words. It is split into idea, rough draft, and final.

Or basically, first is do the circle. Second is to draw the lines to form a clear picture. Third is to what I like to call, "the final sketch." Then goes coloring or outlining. This, for me, gives more organization and you can fix your mistakes without erasing them (layers).

 

Another is draw the sketch and don't go further. Just save it and remind yourself to look at it a day or two later, or even more! This will hopefully erase the, "Oh my guuud, look at this awesome art I just made!" Influence. This will (hopefully,) allow you to see more mistakes than previously and correct upon them. (Many times I note a glaring mistake after a day of posting my art).

 

And the third is to let your hand do the work, not your mind. Don't fantasize what you want, just picture it and let your hand imitate it. Imagination may be key, but don't let it overcome your hand to eye coordination. (Which I had done). Does it sound confusing? Yes, yes it does. Just imagine your art and let your eyes and your hands do the work. Keep the imagination still and clear. Don't think of what your going to draw moving like Rambo or whatever. Just imagine taking a still picture. It'll be easier on your hand not trying to draw nine different poses on a single sheet of paper at the same time.

Edited June 10, 2014 by Demirari

[Guest]

If you don't feel ready to share your work, you shouldn't have to. If you feel you need some constructive critisism, maybe you could find a brony or two that you 'do' trust and wont be hurtful. Personally I wouldn't mind helping I was at your stage a few years back.

 

My tip to you is: draw, draw, draw. You don't have to finish every work, just finish the sketch if you get bored with it. Make sure you save your drawings, don't throw them away. Once you've drawn for a few months, and you feel there's been a little progress, go through the old ones and compare how much better you've actually become! It will give a big boost in confidence Maybe enough to start posting your best pieces

 

Second advise is to always have reference pictures. Don't trace, but perhaps find a pony in a pose you like and use your eyes to absorb all the little details that make a drawing amazing! 

 

Hope it was of any help and good luck

[Kay Dreamer 884]

I can give you a few generic pointers -

1. Always reference. Seriously, references are the most useful thing ever. That doesn't mean eyeballing a picture and reproducing a carbon copy. But having a few pictures of ponies (or even actual horses) up on your screen while you draw, just so you can glance back and check how they're put together is very valuable. Even the very best artists draw from reference as much as they possibly can. Once you have a 100% solid idea of the shapes used to make up a design it's possible to draw without any reference at all. But even then, it'll still look better with a reference.
2. Look up a few tutorials on colour theory. Even if you're just using Crayola pencils, seriously. Do it. Bad use of colour is one of the biggest mistakes of beginner artists, and it can ruin otherwise good pictures. Colour is one of my favourite things to play with, it's so much fun once you understand a little of how it works. (And I'm not exactly brilliant at it yet either.)
3. Draw from life, when and where you have the inclination to. If you hate doing it and you're only drawing as a fun hobby, don't worry so much. But if you plan to make a career of art, life studies are a must. They're so amazingly valuable.
4. When you become bold enough to post online for others to see, don't put yourself down or tell other's it's terrible. Have pride in what you are capable of producing. Accept critique graciously, as those critiquing are doing so because they see potential, and they want to help you improve. Take their ideas into consideration.
5. Draw. Draw heaps. Draw as much as you can. Draw what you love. Just practice your heart out and you'll see yourself improve. =D

If you'd like feedback or specific pointers, you are welcome to message me. I'm happy to redline a few pictures for you if you'd like.

[M.DerpyJane 14]

Well a tip I would give (if you are using a tablet,) is todo what I like to call the essay process. No, this does not include writing two pages worth of words. It is split into idea, rough draft, and final.

Or basically, first is do the circle. Second is to draw the lines to form a clear picture. Third is to what I like to call, "the final sketch." Then goes coloring or outlining. This, for me, gives more organization and you can fix your mistakes without erasing them (layers).

 

Another is draw the sketch and don't go further. Just save it and remind yourself to look at it a day or two later, or even more! This will hopefully erase the, "Oh my guuud, look at this awesome art I just made!" Influence. This will (hopefully,) allow you to see more mistakes than previously and correct upon them. (Many times I note a glaring mistake after a day of posting my art).

 

And the third is to let your hand do the work, not your mind. Don't fantasize what you want, just picture it and let your hand imitate it. Imagination may be key, but don't let it overcome your hand to eye coordination. (Which I had done). Does it sound confusing? Yes, yes it does. Just imagine your art and let your eyes and your hands do the work. Keep the imagination still and clear. Don't think of what your going to draw moving like Rambo or whatever. Just imagine taking a still picture. It'll be easier on your hand not trying to draw nine different poses on a single sheet of paper at the same time.

Thanks for the tips, I just traditionally draw, and I sketch a lot.

But the imagination concept makes a lot of sense, I always think things out too much and sometimes it's a let down when I don't draw what I imagined. 

If you don't feel ready to share your work, you shouldn't have to. If you feel you need some constructive critisism, maybe you could find a brony or two that you 'do' trust and wont be hurtful. Personally I wouldn't mind helping I was at your stage a few years back.

 

My tip to you is: draw, draw, draw. You don't have to finish every work, just finish the sketch if you get bored with it. Make sure you save your drawings, don't throw them away. Once you've drawn for a few months, and you feel there's been a little progress, go through the old ones and compare how much better you've actually become! It will give a big boost in confidence Maybe enough to start posting your best pieces

 

Second advise is to always have reference pictures. Don't trace, but perhaps find a pony in a pose you like and use your eyes to absorb all the little details that make a drawing amazing! 

 

Hope it was of any help and good luck

Thanks, I'll try to work at things.

I've been drawing for awhile now, I'm just very shy about personal work.

And I used reference pictures a lot when I started, but now it's more for new positions or other flaws I feel that I should work on.

[ErBoi 501]

Well I just might be able to help you out as well.  If you'll refer to me shamelessly plugging this thread of mine: http://mlpforums.com/topic/96856-advice-and-tips-from-a-professional/

 

Also, Kay Dreamer is really good and her advice is very solid too.

Edited June 10, 2014 by ErBoi