Welcome to the “I wish I knew” club. Population: Every artist ever.
When we first pick up a microphone, torch, stylus, or a brush, we all have this vision of ourselves: sitting in a sun-drenched loft, effortlessly sweeping a charcoal stick across a canvas while wearing an oversized sweater that stays inexplicably clean.
The reality? You’re hunched over a desk like a gargoyle, your neck is making sounds like a gravel driveway, and you’ve just spent three hours drawing a single left hand that still looks like a bunch of overcooked sausages.
Since I can’t go back in time to save past us, here is the survival guide for every baby artist just starting their journey.
1. The “Ugly Phase” is Mandatory
Every piece of art goes through a middle stage where it looks like it was cursed by a swamp hag. In the beginning, we think this means we’re failing. It doesn’t. It’s just the awkward teenage years of your painting.
The Lesson: Just keep pushing until the swamp hag leaves.
2. Failure is a Myth (But Giving Up is a Nap)
Here is the big secret: There is no such thing as failure. There are only “learning sketches” and “incidents where the paint won.” The only way to actually fail is to stop entirely.
And even then? Giving up is usually just temporary. You might throw your sketchbook in a drawer and vow to become a goat farmer, but three weeks later, you’ll see a cool sunset or a well-drawn elbow, and bam you’re back at the desk. You can’t escape the “Art Itch.” It’s a lifelong condition. Accept the breaks, but know that creative inspiration always has your house keys.
3. You Will Become a Hand-Hiding Ninja
At some point, you will realize hands are the final boss of art. You will become an expert at drawing:
- Characters with their hands in their pockets.
- Characters standing behind large bushes.
- Characters who mysteriously had their hands replaced by hooks.
The Pro Tip: Just bite the bullet and draw the hands. Draw them all the time. Trust me, you’ll get really good at it. Use your own hand as a reference. Yes, you will look weird taking 40 photos of your left hand in a “holding an energy ball” pose. Do it anyway. You’ll thank me later.
4. Reference is Not Cheating
There is this weird myth that “real” artists pull everything from their brains. Unless your brain is a high-definition 8K camera with 100% recall, use a reference. Using a photo of a toaster to draw a toaster isn’t cheating, it’s just making sure your toaster doesn’t look like a mailbox.
5. Your Workspace Needs Hazard Signs
You will eventually:
- Dip your paintbrush into your coffee and drink it. Recently, a friend said it happened with their tea.
- Wonder why your lower back feels like it’s on fire after being hunched over a painting all day.
- Realize you have a streak of Cobalt Blue on your forehead that has been there since Tuesday.
- Gas yourself with Flex Seal in an enclosed area until you lose your voice… oh, just me?
Just be careful. Yes, you cam probably withstand a lot when you are younger, but form better habits now, so you don’t regret it later. And, Buy a better chair. Your spine will thank you in ten years.
6. The Most Important Rule: Comparison is a Liar
You’re going to scroll through social media and see a 14-year-old who paints like Rembrandt. Your heart will sink. Stop that. That person’s Chapter 20 has nothing to do with your Chapter 1. The only person you need to be better than is the version of you that didn’t draw anything yesterday.
These are the six I’m sharing today, but there are many, many more. Have an awesome and creatively beautiful year!
