I believe anyone can become a great artist with the right strategies and mindset.
With over a decade of experience, I've tried and tested many methods to level up my art and also improve my inner self. The harsh truth is that it's never been easy.
Pursuing your goals, improving your skills, and working on self-improvement take time and effort. It involves many trials and errors.
Often, it comes down to simple habits that keep us accountable to our art goals and self-improvement journey.
In this post, I'll share six practical strategies to boost your artistic skills. These are my proven methods that have helped me improve both my art and my inner self.
Let's dive in and see how you can apply them to your journey!
#1. Follow the Right Information
In today's world, we're overloaded with information, but not all of it is valuable. To grow as an artist, filter out the noise and focus on trusted experts who openly share practical insights.
Years ago, I took a background drawing course from an artist with experience as a freelancer for a Japanese animation studio.
It was amazing! He taught how he created background paintings for 2D animation and shared industry techniques like matte painting and light rendering with layer modes.
I also love learning from tutorial books, but it's important to choose ones that match your skill level and teach exactly what you need.
The biggest lesson for me is focusing on quality learning over quantity. Learning from trusted experts ensures you’re gaining accurate, industry-relevant skills.
#2. Change to Environment that Support You
Your environment plays a crucial role in your artistic growth!
By surrounding yourself with inspiring art, supportive people, and resources that push you to improve, you can create a positive atmosphere that nurtures your creativity.
To enhance your environment, start by joining art communities, both online and offline. Platforms like Discord, Reddit, or local art clubs can offer valuable feedback, support, and inspiration from like-minded individuals.
When I worked in an art studio, my coworkers and I regularly exchanged techniques, participated in challenges, and provided feedback and support to help each other grow our art skills.
Next, create a dedicated art space in your home. Designating a specific corner as your art studio can significantly enhance your creative process. A well-organized art corner helps you stay focused and minimizes distractions, allowing you to immerse yourself in your work.
By keeping this space stocked with your favorite supplies, you ensure that everything you need is within reach, making it easier to dive into your projects without interruptions.
#3. Keep on Experimenting
Art is about exploration, so don’t be afraid to try new techniques, styles, or even learning something outside of the art field.
Embrace learning as a vital part of your growth and keep experimenting with different approaches.
To start experimenting without feeling overwhelmed, begin with small projects and manageable steps. This method allows you to build confidence and gradually develop your skills, laying a strong foundation for more ambitious work. Embrace this process and be patient with yourself as you grow.
Use sketching as a creative playground where you can explore new ideas without the pressure of creating a final piece. This approach helps you brainstorm and experiment freely.
Additionally, reflect on any failures to understand what didn’t work and why. Analyzing these experiences can guide your future artwork and foster continuous improvement.
#4. Cut Out What's Not Working
Growth often requires letting go of practices, tools, or habits that no longer serve you. While this can be challenging, it's a crucial step for improvement.
Start by evaluating your routines to identify what's holding you back. Are there habits that waste your time or drain your energy? Replace them with more productive ones.
Be honest with yourself about your weaknesses; acknowledging areas where you struggle allows you to seek ways to improve or simplify your process.
Additionally, seek advice from mentors or trusted peers. They can offer an objective perspective on what might be hindering your progress, helping you make informed decisions about what to cut out.
#5. Push Through Discomfort
Growth often comes from pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone. Let's embrace the challenge for improvement!
When you push yourself, you stretch your abilities and discover new strengths, turning discomfort into a powerful tool for growth.
To embrace challenges, begin by setting ambitious yet attainable goals. Opt for projects that push your boundaries but remain manageable.
For example, when tackling a complex illustration, challenge yourself by experimenting with painting unfamiliar subjects or integrating new lighting techniques and styles. This approach will stretch your skills for growth and mastery in your art practice.
Next, break down large tasks into manageable steps. Tackling a big project all at once can feel daunting, so divide it into smaller, more manageable pieces. Then celebrate small wins along the way for maintaining motivation. Acknowledge and reward your progress, no matter how small it may seem. Each step is a victory and a sign of your growing skills.
#6. Learn from the Best
Surround yourself with artists who are more skilled than you. Learning from their techniques, processes, and experiences can significantly elevate your craft.
Whether through observing their work or engaging with them directly, experienced artists provide invaluable insights that can accelerate your growth.
To find qualified art mentors, consider attending workshops and classes led by seasoned professionals. Both in-person and online courses offer hands-on learning opportunities that can rapidly enhance your art skills.
One of the top platforms for high-quality art courses is Coloso. I’ve spent more than three months last year working with their team to create the course “Practice Makes Perfect: Mastering Anime Character Illustration.” This course is perfect for beginners wanting to get started with anime art, offering essential skills and tips to help you create your own anime-style illustrations.
Coloso maintains high standards in curating art courses from expert artists worldwide. Beyond my course, you can explore many other valuable courses on Coloso, designed to fast-track your learning and minimize trial and error!
Your Artistic Growth Journey: Keep Pushing Your Limits!
Becoming a better artist is a never-ending journey! By embracing these six strategies, you can confidently advance toward artistic mastery.
Remember, your path is unique, so tailor these strategies to your personal goals and situation.
Embrace new experiences and step out of your comfort zone—after all, anime art thrives on creativity, experimentation, and fun!
Keep pushing your limits, and enjoy the process of growth and discovery together with me!
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Thank you so much for reading this post! I really appreciate your visiting and using your valuable time reading my content!
Much Love 💖
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