Anyone Can Be an Artist — Even You

Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Photo by Alice Achterhof on Unsplash.

I’m sure you or someone you know has said, “I can barely draw stick figures,” when they see someone drawing skillfully. Some people think that drawing is a genetic talent, but that’s not true. In the film Ratatouille, they say, “Anyone Can Cook,” and I’m here to tell you that anyone can make art.

All you need to do is practice.

Bruno Buccellati: 2019 digital portrait created from paper transfer. YVHS senior Erin Arce created this portrait of a character from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure by transferring a paper copy of her drawing to her phone and revising it digitally. Digital artwork by Erin Arce.

Practice?

If you want to create artwork for any reason, all you have to do is do it. Again and again and again. If you want to draw, get a journal or some paper, get something to draw with, and start drawing. There are different styles and reasons to make art, and all of them are good as long as you like what you’re doing. If your drawing is not as good as you’d like it to be, don’t worry. Keep it, and keep trying.

After a while, you’ll be able to compare it to your new work and see all your improvements. Keep trying, and you’re bound to improve over time. There are also many different mediums you can use to make art, such as charcoal pencils, watercolors, and oil and acrylic paints. Sculptors use clay, wood, or metal to create something from nothing. Some people use computers and tablets to make digital art. Find the one you’re best at or most inspired by, and start there.

If your drawing is not as good as you’d like it to be, don’t worry. Keep it to look back on, and keep trying.

You Don’t Need the Best Supplies

To draw, you just need paper and pencil, but if you would rather paint or sculpt, put on some clothes you’re willing to get a little dirty and get the supplies needed, beginning with paints, brushes, canvas or paper, and maybe even an artist’s palette. If you are a little low on money, improvise — paint on rocks, boards of wood, or any other surface you can find. (Don’t deface public properties.)

Expensive materials don’t usually make a huge impact on your finished art, especially as you’re learning.

If you want to, take an art class to help practice and learn. If you can get some supplies, buy only what you can afford. Of course, some art supplies are better than others, but it doesn’t usually make a huge impact on your art, especially as you learn.

Tips Before Starting

• Don’t worry if someone else doesn’t like your work. Beauty is subjective.
• Try to practice every day. Repetition will help you develop your technique over time.
• Study what you want to create and how it’s done. Learn what you want to do.
• Don’t be afraid to use a reference to work from — very few people have photographic memories.
• Don’t lose motivation! All artists experience artist’s block at one time or another. Seriously, it’s a thing.

General Grievous: 2019, digital drawing. The author’s first drawing completed entirely digitally. Digital artwork courtesy the author, Instagram.

Make art because it will make you happy.

Reasons to Create

There are a ton of different reasons that people make art. Some people do it for money, and in some cases it can pay really well. Another reason could be that you just genuinely enjoy making art or have always wanted to try. If you are going through hard times, drawing, painting, or sculpting can be a great way to relieve stress and feel better. Art can be made for others, but if you don’t personally like what you’re doing, try something else.

You should make art because it will make you happy.

Ethan Roman is a member of the Class of 2020. When he’s not drawing in his sketchbook, he’s working toward a future as a character designer and storyboard artist.