How to Create Creatures Without Reference

Using reference to draw animals and creatures is the quickest way to mastering anatomy and making your creations believable and functional. However, do you struggle with inventing creatures from your mind if you don't have reference in front of you? Make sure to watch this tutorial because I break down the process for you!
 
Drawing is a skill that most people wish they could do but they immediately put themselves in the category of "Oh, I could never do that." I want to take this time and welcome you to my channel: Draw Sessions.

I've been drawing all my life and have had the privilege of working both for AAA game studios and also movies. I have taught foundation drawing at the University of Cincinnati and it's time now to give back. I understand the frustrations of learning art in general but specifically, drawing. My channel is dedicated in helping absolute beginners, intermediate artists, and industry veterans - all wanting to improve their drawing skills. Please like, subscribe, hit the notification bell and comment below if you're finding this channel helpful in your journey of becoming an artist.

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#drawing #art #education #fine art #sketching

[bobbyrebholz]

*Disclaimer* I do not encourage artists to continue to draw without using reference. This lesson was made with the intent of showing what you can do when you're first learning how to create creatures on the fly. Gathering reference is a skill in itself and unfortunately, stubbornness mixed with laziness is the cause of artists simply skipping the reference-gathering process. However, there are instances when you might not have reference directly in front of you and you want to create something quickly and this lesson can help you with that!

[moozey]

A weird tactic i do is i sit in dim light and listen to music that fites the vibe of the creature i am imagining. If i don't have an idea, music helps me make one. But in the dim light im forced to work in shapes instead of detail because i cant see well. Usually helps me get the vibe im looking for

[MrMisuma]

My son and I takes turn and make a weird, quick doodle and then the other has to make something out of that doodle. And I’ve made creatures, I never thought I would/could draw from it 😊

[noahlovesdoggosofficial]

Its so awesome to have found a creature drawing yt channel

[miserabledreamer]

"I ended up trying to draw it for someone else to approve of it" this hit me hard. I stopped drawing for 6 years bc I realized I was drawing for everyone else and there was someone constantly asking me to draw them something. I started to resent drawing. I'm trying rly hard to get back into drawing, but doing it for myself this time and it's so hard. I feel like I have a wall in my brain and whenever I sit to draw nothing comes. I spent so long obsessed with everything being perfect and I'm really enjoying these scribbling drawings and abstract things, to get me out of my fear of making mistakes. Anyways, I just had to say something, bc no one understands why I stopped drawing and it's been hard to explain it to family and friends and it was refreshing hearing someone say, what I was struggling with. Really enjoyed your video. I drew my own creature along with it, so thanks for the inspiration!

[LordDany]

i love to draw with ball pen its freeing the feeling of freedom with each line is incredible

[alienrobotcommando]

A cool little trick one (maybe two) of my hippie art teachers in high school taught me is turn your paper upside down. After you've doodle for a bot, turn the paper upside down and see what you actually drew. It's hard to explain. Just try it. 😊

[bubblingbubztheklown]

The reminder to move my shoulder and not at the wrist or elbow is actually very helpful. Thank you.

[treyrussell]

I really like your cadence when speaking, the unedited raw feeling makes it feel like I’m hanging out with you. Great video :)

[m.j.]

You are very kind to be sharing these videos and I hope that folks appreciate having this type of content at their fingertips.

[PsueidoEpic]

when i first saw the end product and you talked about it floating I thought of "cleptopod" which would mean "thief foot" because i imagined it floating by and yoinking your stuff

[cozmoznova]

i would call this creature, a Oob Lob.

[ceilingfan]

I remember when I was a kid, maybe... 10 or 12 years ago I was at an art show in Hammondsport, NY, I think, and there was an artist with sculptures and drawings that was a lot like this. I absolutely fell in love with the art, but couldn't remember the name of the artist, and as a kid I didn't really think to remember it, and the show didn't keep track. It would be amazing if you turned out to be him, but regardless it looks like you've blossomed and people are appreciating your art. I certainly do!!

[nicomichel]

I have been watching your videos for a while and this is the first time I comment. I'm a french young artist, who LOVES drawing monsters and creatures, from horror, sci-fi types of things to more supernatural or fantasy creatures. It's quite an obsession since I was little, watching monster movies and playing video games with all kinds of different creatures in them. I love your channel, your advice and encouraging words have helped me greatly in my artistic journey. Thank you again and I'll stay tuned for more of your videos !

PS : From where I'm at in the video, I definitely see this as some sort of alien, jelly fish type of creature, acting as a spaceship for smaller alien organisms, or an amalgamation of millions of alien organisms, as in a floating hivemind. It kind of does remind of a Necromorph Brethren moon from the game Dead Space or a Zerg ship in Starcraft.

[fizikahimiova]

This one here is actually the most solid way of explaining and teaching. Appreciate how understanding you're being as keeping it professional atst. Loved every second. THANK YOU

[CromwellDoc]

I shared your channel with a friend who also likes to draw. It's good for both of us to listen to your lessons. 😮

[HumbleDuckM]

I love long form content like this! Its the best to listen to as you sketch ✨️ so glad i stumbled across yoyr channel

[wendigoVRGT_official]

i foudn this channel on my recomennded, sometimes there's always that great hidden gem and this is one of them. im really glad i found this channel :)

[kooldisciple]

everything is reference folks. quit with the limitations

[septemberreign]

Fantastic concepting for ink. Your input inspires. I think your fire question was alluding to an "air bellows". Which focuses a blast of air to the fire. I believe there are sea creatures which use this concept for propulsion. I am super interested in checking out your workshop. I appreciate the instruction for both graphite and ink. This is amazing stuff, please continue your content...