Learning to draw, no idea how to start

[robustescapist 9]

Hey there, everypony. So I've always wanted to learn how to draw and create stuff, but never had the willpower or inspiration to do so. But recently I've come back in to the MLP community after a year or so of absence, and all of the amazing artwork has inspired me to finally start learning. Unfortunately, I have no idea where to start. Any suggestions, ideas, advice, etc?

Thanks!

[DND 2,355]

But inspiration is the key part, to well, everything. You need to have the inspiration to pick up a pencil, pick a preferred art style, and most importantly, get better at it. Most don't try with art because they feel that they're bad just because they never draw. 

 

So I'm stuck with you there too. If this is truly what you want to do, you should have the willpower to look at other's art and create something, right? So... yeah.

[WafflePony 20]

Say you want to draw Rarity. Pull up a picture of Rarity, and try drawing her from the picture. Now pull up a picture of her in a different pose. Draw that picture. After a while, you'll get better. Try to fill a sketchbook every month. Start off slow. Try taking lessons. Soon, you'll be a great artist~!

[robustescapist 9]

Thanks guys! Is there a specific method for picking an art style? Or should I just imitate stuff I like, and I'll eventually develop one?

[Morager 149]

When I came to this fandom it brought back a lot of creativity for me. I didn't know where to start too. I just picked up some color pencils and and drew my fav pony from a seen in a episode. The inspiration you have is the start to drawing now all you need is a pencil and paper and just go for it. My first wasn't that great but I did it and it made me happy, and I continue to do it, started with color pencil to digital. All new ways for me but had that inspiration to do so and got motivation from that. Hold on to what gave you that inspiration and work with it to make something you'll like and be proud of no matter what people say. So good luck my friend and I hope to see drawing from you soon

[the_jetfighter 94]

i started drawing from animation. I was told that i should fill up an entire sketch book, so i did. and now, im on my second one, this time i filled with pony pictures, and although i started with references i have been actually improving, i have started drawing a lot better. and i no longer need lots of refrances  

Edited August 15, 2013 by the_jetfighter

[Octavia's Cellozoid 1,488]

Thanks guys! Is there a specific method for picking an art style? Or should I just imitate stuff I like, and I'll eventually develop one?

I developed my first style from imitating the show style until things started to look more like my own, but there's no specific way you have to get your own style. I've gone through a handful, and I've only been drawing ponies a year and a half. I still haven't found a style I'm happy with, so you can expect it to change a bit

[XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 777]

Thanks guys! Is there a specific method for picking an art style? Or should I just imitate stuff I like, and I'll eventually develop one?

 

          Your own style will manifest itself over time but for now use another style as a crutch such as FiM's until you can stand on your own. "Style" is, in my opinion, the manifestation of ones own personality and devotion to what they draw. So the important factor is to experiment, find what you like! As for where you should start you should definitely hit up some reference shots of what you wish to draw. While this may seem "dirty" to do the reality is that we don't know how everything is built in this world to its every fine detail. You can find plenty of tutorials via the EqD Tutorial Codex or by visiting the link in my signature. 

 

          No matter what you do it's imperative that you start out small and then build up from there. While it may seem admirable or the "right way" to immediately dive into drawing a city filled with ponies the fact of the matter is that you'll most likely be overcome with frustration and difficulties due to not knowing founding skills (I've had first hand experience with this!) Think small, start with portrait shots, then bodies, dynamic shots, etc. But most importantly, start small and build up from there. If you wish you can draw with us at @D1SC0RD's Let's Learn to Draw Ponies! Sketch this Picture (Current: Twilight and Cadence) or just dive straight in and post your results.

 

          Whatever you choose to do I wish you the best of luck! 

 

          P.S. Here's a link at Ctrl+Paint to get you started on what the "right" pencil is when starting out. Gotta know what kind of pencil(s) you'll need and what those numbers/letters represent after all. 

Edited August 15, 2013 by Accellerant

[robustescapist 9]

Excellent! Those resources are exactly what I need. Something to help get my foot in the door. Thank you very much. 

Edited August 15, 2013 by robustescapist

[DND 2,355]

          Your own style will manifest itself over time but for now use another style as a crutch such as FiM's until you can stand on your own. "Style" is, in my opinion, the manifestation of ones own personality and devotion to what they draw. So the important factor is to experiment, find what you like! As for where you should start you should definitely hit up some reference shots of what you wish to draw. While this may seem "dirty" to do the reality is that we don't know how everything is built in this world to its every fine detail. You can find plenty of tutorials via the EqD Tutorial Codex or by visiting the link in my signature. 

 

          No matter what you do it's imperative that you start out small and then build up from there. While it may seem admirable or the "right way" to immediately dive into drawing a city filled with ponies the fact of the matter is that you'll most likely be overcome with frustration and difficulties due to not knowing founding skills (I've had first hand experience with this!) Think small, start with portrait shots, then bodies, dynamic shots, etc. But most importantly, start small and build up from there. If you wish you can draw with us at @D1SC0RD's Let's Learn to Draw Ponies! Sketch this Picture (Current: Twilight and Cadence) or just dive straight in and post your results.

 

          Whatever you choose to do I wish you the best of luck! 

 

          P.S. Here's a link at Ctrl+Paint to get you started on what the "right" pencil is when starting out. Gotta know what kind of pencil(s) you'll need and what those numbers/letters represent after all. 

 

Style can also just be your little half conscious way you move around your strokes, or how you perceive and remember the thing you want to draw. Ever since I started to draw when I was very little, I didn't try to look at references. I just drew. And as I started to remember more about the thing I drew a lot and get better with strokes and anatomy, my style came naturally to what I thought everything should look like. Some people strive to find a style, when it most likely exists already because many different artists are wonderful, but each look individually different in style. It's better to just really notice over time what makes your drawing different other than trying really to make your own style forcefully.