I've been wanting to write some kind of journal or create some tutorial for a while now about art and the processes involved. So, here is the very first of that desire, in writing.

I have people ask me often enough, "What kind of tips do you have for a new artist? How do I get better?" I don't know if what I have to say is exactly new or revolutionary, but I would like to share my personal experience in furthering my skills anyhow.

One of the tips that comes to mind first when I hear this question can be broken into three parts.

**Number One: Finish your damn picture.**  
Many artists just starting out have this problem. You sketch out part of a picture, maybe the head, the shoulders, possibly down to the pelvis almost; it's looking pretty good. But maybe you're bad at drawing hands and feet, or the drawing started out so good, but now it looks nothing like how it did in your head. You just want to call it quits and start a new one, not continue toying with this obviously cursed page.

Wrong! Keep drawing that business until it's done. Unless you are in physical pain from your sheer hatred of the lines you put on that paper, then grit your teeth and finish that whole thing. If you throw away every drawing when you reach a part that you're weak at, you will have a very hard time improving. Getting fed up with a drawing is a common feeling, and learning to work with or around that will benefit you in the long run. So please, sharpen your pencil and sketch it out, even if it never sees the light of day.

**Number Two: Don't force yourself to draw if have no drive to do it.**  
What's this? Doesn't this contradict number one? Why yes, yes it does.

Art is difficult. Some days you want to draw, and you make your best work; other days you need to draw, but you couldn't want anything less than to be stuck at a desk all day. What you need to do is learn techniques that can help refresh your creativity, so you can draw more in line with your own schedule. This is a bit tricky, as different things work for different people, but here is a list of ones I use. Try them all and see what works to get you back in the ring!

--Set a timer for 10, 20, even 60 minutes (depending on your level of giving-a-shit-atude), and make yourself draw for that time. It's important to not let yourself use the computer, get up for a break or food or whatever excuse your brain will give you. You *must* sit. Once the timer dings, you get a break, and you will feel much better about taking it. Or, you may find you don't even want a break! It happens.  
--Set an alternative timer; listen to a podcast and make yourself sit through the entirety. I often listen to Fast Karate For The Gentleman, and before I know it an hour has passed.  
--Draw something else! Take a break from your commission to draw a mini-sketch, or even grab a coloring book and scribble on that. Something fun and creative to relax and engage your brain. Be careful not to let this get too involved though, or you'll use up your time and stamina on the wrong project.  
--Meditate for 10 to 20 minutes. Find a quiet place in your house, outside, etc., set a timer so you aren't constantly checking your clock, and sit in a comfortable position with your back against something. Focus on your breathing, and try to let your thoughts go. You may find yourself more relaxed and ready for art after this; or, you may get so fed up with doing nothing that you get up and draw to spite yourself. Either way works, ha ha.  
--Listen to music that pumps you up. Some trance-inducing dubstep, maybe remixes of MLP songs, whatever works to get you feeling awesome.  
--Stream your art. This gives you the sense of obligation to your audience. You're more likely to draw for a certain length of time if you feel that you have a responsibility to some viewers, even if it's your own friends.

**Number Three: Don't be afraid of your tools!**  
Do you have beautiful, unsharpened pencils and some expensive paper made specifically for whatever you do? Maybe you just bought new tablet nibs, and you're afraid of wearing them down unless it's the perfect, coolest most best drawing ever.

*Too bad*. Art supplies are nothing but useless tube-shaped objects if they are not used. As I said above a bit, don't wait for the perfect drawing or the perfect moment to come along, because it won't. Possibly ever. The saying about artists being their own worst critic is very true for most of us; you're not going to one day become graced with divine drawing powers and the perfect idea that is just right for that special acrylic paint you've been waiting to open. You are either drawing or not drawing.

If you are worried about using a tool because it's expensive, then I encourage you to buy a cheaper equivalent until you have more knowledge about its use. Try borrowing a friend's tablet for a day and see how you like it, or buying cheap 2HB pencils until you feel that investing in a 10 piece set is worth your time. You could even go to the kid's section in a store and buy some crayons or acrylic paints. Whatever gets you trying instead of waiting, *do it*.  

If this advice sounds harshly written, I apologize. This is pretty much my exact thoughts I cycle through when I'm stuck on one of these problems, and I am very harsh with myself. Because if I'm not, who will be? Only I know what I need to get my butt in gear. Anyway, I'm sorry if my inner thoughts sound rough.

I hope this is able to help someone, somewhere, in learning what they need to get drawing. I will definitely write more of these, and possibly do some drawing tutorials someday, too. I really enjoy sharing the things I've learned with others.