Thing of the day Drawings advice

Hi everybody,
So when you draw small, maybe big for some people remember it is harder to get all the details. Also remember you are the biggest critic of yourself. If you think your art isn't good ask somebody else who will be honestly with you. Also realize for some people when drawing small with paint pen it is really hard to get all the details.
I just did a drawing. It is not perfect (I am the imperfect artist) but it's not bad either. I will be posting it in a few days. I just think sometimes it is important to remember it doesn't have to be perfect. Also while you might not want to stray away too much from the design it the drawing is perfect is it really your drawing?

Why Use a Tutorial

So you have access to so many pictures and your imagination and everything around you. You can draw whatever you want. So why would you use a tutorial? You are just copying someone else. Well I am here today to tell you why it might be helpful.

• It is easier for some people: Do you remember in school when you would get an assignment with no structure? Half the kids would cheer but the other half would complain. Some people need direction and this is easier for them.
• It is easier: You are just listening and drawing.
• It is quicker: You don't have to find the picture you are told what to do.
• Maybe you are struggling: So superhero masks are hard. Maybe you use a tutorial to learn them
• To develop your own style: Everyone has their own style but it takes a while
• To learn: This is the most obvious reason you are learning how to do it.
• Lastly, it is more fun: Everyone likes success and this is a guarantee that it is a  success. 

Realize that even when you use tutorials that is a guideline. It is still your drawing.

How to Pick an Art Project

Hi so I have done a number of "projects". So by project I don't mean like a drawing or a painting I mean a certain amount of pieces. These include Daniel's Animals, Daniel's Faces and Daniel's caricatures. So how do you pick a project what type you want to do. Here are my tips to help everybody out.

1. Realize your commitment/time: One of the things this blog is for is to raise awareness for mental health. If you are one of those people, like me that is going to take a lot of time doing this then this is the thing for you. But if you are trying this as a skill for a first time don't jump into a project. Also you know the amount of time you have. I am not trying to sound rude what I am trying to say is if you have a bunch of free time it will be different than if you are trying to rush it. 
2. Pick a material: Is it drawing, painting or paint drawing (using paint pens). Is it in one sketchbook? Is it on one canvas or poster board? Is it on a bunch of canvases? These are questions that need to be answered. 
3. But they do not have to be answered right away: So I am someone who doesn't like change at the same time I like to do different projects. So for me it is not a smart idea to buy one sketchbook just for a project because I don't know when I will be doing it. 
4. A project is your own personal checklist... and nobody else's: If you have requests then that is different but realize a project should not have an exact layout. 
5. Do not start on canvases: Canvases are more expensive than paper. At least practice on paper once or twice and on the canvas I would use pencil first.
6. Pick who you are making it for and what a theme that that person would like: Most likely it will be for yourself. So pick something you like. If you are that person who groans when a friend says: "Let's go see (a superhero) movie" then don't draw superheroes. Also it is okay to do it based on a recent event (like Captain America civil war so you do superheroes from that movie). 
7. Know yourself: If you are a fast drawer it will be easier to get a bigger project done.
8. Pick a timeline and be realistic based on that: So let's say you want to draw baseball caricatures there are so many baseball players. So if you want this to just be a project that you know no specifics when you draw you add it this could work. But if you only have time for a certain amount or don't want to do all baseball players then pick a more specific theme, for example the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates. 
9. Pick photos you like: If you are drawing from photos don't pick photos you don't like. 
10. Lastly, have fun with it: This is what the imperfect artist is about. No grades no critics. Just remember no every piece has to be perfect and if you aren't enjoy a project it is okay to scrap it or put it on the sideline. Keep the art though when I say scrap it I mean cancel the project. 

I hope this helps people let me know if there is a project idea you have done or there is a drawing request you would like me to do. 

Tips on Drawing Caricatures and Even Using it as a Coping Skill

Okay so today I feel for the first time I nailed a caricature face I won't say it was perfect. The body definitely is not great but I am the imperfect artist at all. Anyway I want to give some advice on how to draw caricatures because it has been a great skill for me to use.
Before I start this is for anyone. But some things will be aimed specifically for people with mental illness (BPD in particular) or who are trying to use this as a coping skill.
Here is my caricature it is Billy Hamilton from the Reds. However this applies for all caricatures

Okay here are my tips

• If you want to draw perfect things draw self portraits: One of the cool things about caricatures is that while they should look like somebody (like I can't say this caricature looks like Queen Elizabeth) however they are not supposed to be exact. If you are using this as a skill you don't need to be a critic just try the best you can
• It really does take practice...but how you practice is up to you: Some people might want to do the same drawing over and over. Some people might want to practice body parts. Some might only do faces some might only use tutorials. But as long as you are practicing you will see improvement. 
• It is one of a kind: For me every caricature is one of a kind so I just go for it. 
• You might do everything differently and that is okay: You won't hurt my feelings (well maybe if you thought the caricature about was Queen Elizabeth but otherwise no) it should be what works for you. 
• No judgement zone: So a lot of people with BPD judge themselves. If it isn't clear THERE IS NO GRADE, NO WRONG ANSWER, NO BAD Caricature. 
• Okay for the actual drawing of them start with the head shape: For me this is what I prefer at least because it gives you a range. Some people start with the eyes but then you don't really control the size. 
• Don't start with baseball players: I mean you can but for me drawing baseball caps is really hard so start with regular hair.
• Make it yours: Use a special type of eyes. Or maybe you always use a John Cena type head (square basically). Or maybe they always have facial hair. But make it your own.  Also there are other ways. Like I combine my sports memorabilia and draw caricatures of athletes I have autographs of
• Start more basic: Only use one mouth shape. Don't use highlights. Use really basic ears. Just to start and then add that stuff. 
• Use more than one picture: So a lot of people like to use one picture. But for me to make it yours plus to get more expertise on it use more then one picture.
• Imagine the shape in your head... and then try to draw it but don't expect it: So when I see a caricature in my head it is perfect. So I will try to draw something like that but I don't expect it. 
• Start with pencil then transition to pen: You don't won't to get upset with yourself. So it makes sense to use pencil but pen becomes easier. I NEVER thought I would be able to not use pencil. I am doing that now. 
• Caricatures are arts staccato. Staccato is a musical note that is very sharp and very short. That is a caricature. You should draw very quick strokes. 
• Start with tutorials: It makes sense at first to have someone guide you through it. RowserWorld is great or you could check out my tutorial tips on this page or right here.
• Practice by just drawing faces: They don't always have to be works of art just draw random heads and faces.
• Draw people you like: Draw presidents if that what you like. I like athletes, mental health awareness celebrities, SNL people and funny actors. But that is my. Even when I used tutorials I didn't draw people from Star Wars. I don't watch Star Wars so I have no connection to it. 
• When using a tutorial it does not have to look exactly like the tutorial: READ EVERYTHING ABOVE. Every caricature is one of a kind. Also if you want to draw somebody don't be afraid to draw. I tried to draw Tony Gwynn and he ended up looking like Kel from All That. 
• The nose and eyes are important: That is the first thing people look at. 
• Draw friends: Friends that are photo friendly. That way you have lots of options and you know their facial features a little bit
• There are a few others I can think of but they seem repetitive so I have one more: SIGN YOUR NAME. Especially if you are using this as a skill this is a pride thing this is saying look I did something. 

Please remember this is my outlet: Do you have an outlet that you want to write about? Let me know and I will write about it or you can be a guest writer. 

Have a good day everybody! More to come soon