This stops the progress of so many self-taught artists

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VIDEO DESCRIPTION:
In this video we take a look at three factors that hinder the progress of self-taught artists. Learning on your own comes with its own unique set of challenges and you must be aware and prepare yourself to take them on so you can be the best artist you can be. Here are a 3 critical progress-blockers to look out for.

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[Aurumfae]

This was a great message.
I've gotten back into art after a decade of not drawing...and surprisingly, my art has improved greatly from constantly challenging myself whenever I draw. I keep pushing myself to draw difficult things I never would have 10 years ago.
I think the biggest thing for artists is to constantly be uncomfortable when drawing. Make mistakes and accept them. Then go back and do better. It trains the eye.

[Recenterco]

I like how you use the word "growth" instead of "results" or "success." a really subtle use of language, but very meaningful. Imo, growth is an intrinisic experience, where as results are always conditional to external circumstances( like comparing to others, standards.) I think this is a really key point for budding creatives in today's culture around results-based value. Having your painting achieve a specific standard is a result, seeing yourself make changes in how you compose a piece, or correct past mistakes is growth. Growth is an internal process, results are an external observation. Thank you for all the help you've given, you are a fantastic teacher that all are blessed to have access to!

[mexicanmosquito]

In case anyone wants to directly get each thing:

1- lack of discipline ( 1:08 )
2-no objective self-critique ( 1:57 )
3- resistance to change ( 2:59 )

Best of success to everyone watching and keep it up

[side_]

Aight, back to drawing, i'm pumped

[joaopauloduartedasilva]

Oh, thank you. My problem actually is too much self-critique, which paralyzes me to a point where I can't do it freely anymore. I'm actually trying to "un-structure" my process to a degree where I don't actually set a very defined goal, or where I'm not really bothered by failure.
It's a tough balance, discipline with freedom. Discipline outside, freedom inside. That's the goal now.
Lots of respect for you, Alphonso. Have a great rest of week.

[kyleshepherd]

I've been slacking in my self development recently. This is exactly one of the things I needed to hear at this time. Thank you sir

[robinfox]

I spent 3 years at an art school and I'm still "self-taught, " the process never ends. I just wish I had my discipline back lol

[fxbear]

I’m glad you made this video. I gave up after loosing use of my arm and trying to learn to draw left handed. I made progress but developed a bad tremors so I just quit. Now I’m on medication to control the tremors but I’ve resisted drawing again and discipline is definitely a factor in my not doing, well, anything. I needed to hear this.

[matta]

I learn watercolor and keep sharpening my drawing skills in between paintings.
I like challenging myself and when I feel frustrated with a session i usually follow up with some free painting or drawing to remind myself it's about enjoying the craft

[tsvh]

ive been wanting to get into drawing for a long time and i finally bought myself a cheap drawing tablet to give it a proper shot with and now im finding myself feeling very overwhelmed and not knowing what to do. theres so much to learn in not only the drawing itself but also the programs you use to draw in and whenever i feel like im starting to understand some stuff better it comes paired with a whole lot extra i dont know. i feel like ive been slowly getting a little bit of grip with learning but now my problem is the lack of dedication. im really bad at the moment and that makes it harder to enjoy committing to it. i think i might try out giving myself more strict of a schedule to almost force myself into working on it because i do think that once i get over that first hump that ill be enjoying improving a lot more

[nataliegonsalves]

A tip I have (I'm a self-taught artist too) is to just plan a project, then research and study it.
Art masters like John Singer Sargent always pre-planned his bigger paintings by making several drawings exploring what elements the painting needed to have (like anatomy sketches to find the right pose)
Even now, popular artists such as Loish make tiny thumbnails to experiment with composition, color, and more
It gives you a free space to experiment, learn, and relax without having to stress or be intimidated by all the stuff you need to learn and do to get better. U learn through one project at a time

[garyrichardson]

I have been watching your videos for a couple of years but this is the first time I left a comment. I have nothing specific to say but want to thank you for all of your advice and wisdom.

[martyaddther]

I bought your 'Pen and Ink Drawing Workbook' recently., and I'm currently using it as my foundation for technical ability with a ballpoint pen. I'm working through the first two drills right now for 30 days to develop some consistency in technique and some discipline, while then applying what I'm learning in at least a small way to some personal subjects of focus, those being octopi from image, octopi from real figure, and human form from a small adjustable action figure. After 30 days of the first two lessons, I'll be moving on to the next 4 lessons for 30 more days. So far so good; the most challenging line for me right now seems to be the curve in the 'direction' part of the drill. If you have any thoughts, let me know; I think that 30 days is a seemingly long time for some to focus only on a couple of drills, but I think that it will pay off. I love the book so far!

[ellalinko]

My heart nearly sank as I read the title, because it’s a fear of mine that I would be losing the ability to do art. I love love lovveee doing art, sketching, drawing, painting, well mostly on paper but regardless, art. When I look at my old sketched versus my latest ones I worry that I’m not improving, or that maybe I’m getting worse :( watching your quick little video gave me a different perspective. That maybe I should be treating it less as a thing I can do and more as an ability, a skill, something I can work on. And that I should indeed be setting “assignments” to myself, to improve. I still have a long way to go, in anatomy, side views, *hands*, and more. I am happy with my current progress, and I know i will improve if I just practice :) thanks for the little advice

[DefinitelyNotAMachineCultist]

The points mentioned in the vid, lack of: discipline, useful feedback mechanisms, and willingness to change, are like the main issues for any kind of self-taught professional, not just artists.

[jobejones]

Learning to accept mistakes and to be more loose was something I forced myself to learn at university, not for drawing at the time but for idea generation in graphic design. Having just started trying to focus more on my strengths, I have started to practice drawing again (and in dip pen and inks because I'm practicing calligraphy too) this approach has helped me to stop thinking and just draw.

[maiastniki]

i lovethis cuz i apply it to music and in my dail life. im having an extremely hard time navigating adulthood n gettin organized and making music makes things clear cuz i understand my process and where to improve n find myself saying alot of the same things in this video its all relevant and really important n you break things down so well

[torinthunder]

2:42
Love how “drawing hands” is its own category 🤣

[juulranch]

Sometimes, the simple reminder to just draw or create something you've never done before can point you in the right direction. Thanks for the advice, Alphonso! :)

[kyberkreeper]

You've just reignited my desire to get back into art. I've fallen off the wagon so many times because of what you mentioned, especially avoiding my weaknesses. Thanks for this!