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Years ago, when I was still a lot younger and I still drew like this, I used to admire people that had a certain drawing style that distinguished them from other artists.
No matter how strange or extreme it looked, at least they had something unique. Something that made people instantly know it was their work. I didn't have that at the time. Throughout my youth, I've been influenced by Dragonball Z, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, mecha anime, anime movie posters, chibi's and vector art. Sure, I was nothing more than a 11 to 14 year old kid at the time, and kids at that age are well known for basically copying anything they like, art-wise. But still my style was nothing more than just "generic anime". I was told so many times by art teachers. That I wasted my talent by drawing that kind of "anime crap", only because it was popular on the internet.
Comments like that used to hurt me a lot, because I was only a kid... remember?
And I actually liked anime.
It wasn't until I got older and I learned more about realistic anatomy, that I came to see that the thing we call "style" is nothing more than a bunch of symbols put together in a certain way. And that that so called "anime art" was in fact nothing more than a certain set of symbols (small body's, big heads, large eyes, small noses and mouths). Before that discovery, I always thought that you had to follow a certain formula in order to make a successful artwork. That it would look ugly otherwise. And really, it actually did, back then.
As I got older, I discovered that once you have a certain knowledge about anatomy, it doesn't matter all that much anymore. Because if you use that knowledge as the backbone to your drawings, you could put any symbol together, and still have to knowledge to make it look right.
Over the last few years, I've looked at art a lot, and tried a lot of things. I still copied small things from styles I liked, but I wasn't that bend on following a certain formula anymore. I just took parts and pieces of everything that I liked, art-wise. And I put them together in a way that I felt that fit me. So that, regardless of what people said to me, I would eventually end up with something that at least I liked. Something that would make me happy, at least.
Although I think my art is still pretty anime-ish, I lately got a lot of people telling me that they like my work. That I have a certain style to my drawings. One that distinguishes my work and that makes people immediately know that it's mine. Although I think that statement is debatable, many people still ask me how I came up with my style.
From what I read the topics on the forums and journals around here, I see many people being concerned over this style-issue. Over how they can develop an original style that sets them apart from the others. To them, I would like to say: stop worrying! Style is one of those things you can't force. It's something you'll gain through experience. Something that gets to you naturally, once you pass a certain line of expertise. Trying to force this, will get you nowhere but frustrated. Instead, try to focus on your basics. It's a good investment.
Regardless of what many people might tell you around here, there's nothing wrong with occasionally copying a style to see how it works out for you -- as long as you don't fall back to tracing. Copying from other styles might seem pointless to some, but it learned me what I liked and what I didn't like. Combined with some solid basics, all those small elements you've picked up over the years, might some day evolve into something unique. Something of your own.
I'm still alive
It's been a while since I last posted and people have sending me worried messages, so I wanted to let you all know I'm doing fine. I don't have corona and I'm not dead. My computer broke down a while ago, and the consistent problems of working with a broken system and not having the money to properly fix or replace it eventually made me very demotivated to draw. As an artist I've always suffered from self-doubt and massive imposter syndrome. No matter how good I get, I'm always critical at my work. The last batch of commissions I did (even though for a good cause) just emphasized that feeling of not being creatively ready to venture into professional spheres. I honestly respect the people who do, but it's not for me. The pressure of having to churn out quality work on a time limit (next to my regular work) burned me out, and I needed some time off the internet to recuperate. Thank you all for your supportive messages. I'm trying to pick up my art again. Slowly, and working on my
Emergency commissions for vet bills [ON HOLD]
Update April 23, 2020
I'm literally blown away by all the response I got.
I have now filled up a first batch of commissions.
As much as will help me cover the initial bill. And as much as will be possible to deliver, considering I have to do those drawings in my free time (I have a regular job to attend as well).
I expect to deliver commissions somewhere over the upcoming 6 weeks.
Depending on the situation with the cat I might open up more commissions in the future.
Original post
Hey guys.
My beloved cat, Pepper, fell sick. I had to go take her to the vet. It's at this moment yet uncertain what's wrong with her, but she needed to get b
Git gud
It's so tiring to hear people dismiss the ability to create art as sheer talent, and tell me they could never do the same as I do. What do you expect me to answer? That some divine being came down and blessed me with the ability to do art? And you haven't got that divine skill, so you never could do it, and we should all pity you for it?
The truth is that there isn't much of a difference, except that I spend a lot of time creating art. I learned how to draw hands, because I've drawn hundreds of them over the last couple of years. I learned writing because I write nearly every day, and read books when I don't. I spend a lot of time creating a
2019 art goals
Leaving this year as a reminder to myself.
:bulletblack: Drawing more detailed environments
:bulletgreen: Drawing more figures in perspective (Ref: http://www.posemaniacs.com/ ?)
:bulletgreen: Drawing more hands & feet
:bulletgreen: Finish writing my 5175 short story
:bulletblack: Joining#100headschallenge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A_kQsxeeTE)
:bulletred: Joining AdorkaStock (https://www.deviantart.com/adorkastock)'s DEJ 2019 (if organized this year)
If you're aware of any fun art challenges I might be interested in (geared towards improvement), please let me know.
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© 2014 - 2024 DamaiMikaz
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Just perfect ! I totally agree with you !
I could add some things, but ah fck it !
I just read what I wanted to read when searching for "style" in the journals, thanx !
I could add some things, but ah fck it !
I just read what I wanted to read when searching for "style" in the journals, thanx !