A Journey of Practice, Not Magic

September 19, 2024

Art is an incredibly fulfilling pursuit—one that I, along with many others, deeply enjoy. However, it’s important to recognize that creating art isn’t some kind of magical, innate gift. It’s a skill that anyone can learn, developed over time through dedication, repetition, and practice. I’ve been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. It’s always been something I’ve been drawn to, even though it’s also been a source of frustration. Despite those challenging moments, the joy of creating something unique is addictive, which keeps me coming back to it, even after taking occasional breaks.

But what if you want to learn how to create art? You feel the spark of inspiration, but you’re not sure where to begin.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

When you search online or browse social media, you’ll find plenty of advice on how to start—suggestions about which tools to use or what techniques to learn first. While some of these posts and articles offer valuable insights, you need to tread carefully. A lot of advice can be overly prescriptive. For example, many recommend starting with perspective drawing, studying anatomy, or buying specific art supplies while avoiding others. It’s not that these suggestions don’t have merit, but they often skip a fundamental question in the learning process:

What do "you" want to create?

This might seem like an obvious question, and you may already think you have an answer based on the art you admire on platforms like Instagram. But admiring art and creating it are two very different things. Some styles require a tremendous amount of time and patience, often taking weeks or months to complete a single piece. Other styles rely on techniques that are challenging to master. And, of course, your budget and choice of mediums will also affect your journey.

For me, the best advice on where to begin is simple: "just start". I know it sounds cliché or overly simplistic, but it’s true. Until you actually put pen, pencil, or brush to paper, how can you know what you enjoy? You can’t assume that just because someone else loves a particular method, you’ll feel the same way. And if you set impossibly high standards for yourself from the start, you may quickly become discouraged and give up.

Photo by Ricardo Viana on Unsplash

So, here’s my advice: make a mess. Buy some inexpensive materials and create freely—without rules, without expectations. Don’t aim for perfection right away. Just dive in, experiment, and enjoy the process. Over time, you’ll naturally gravitate toward the styles, mediums, and techniques that bring you the most joy. And that’s where your true artistic journey begins.

Joy is the heart of art, and it’s deeply personal. If you choose to share your creations with others, either in person or online, don’t let the critics or gatekeepers bring you down. There will always be people who believe they know “the right way” to make art, who claim there are rules you must follow. Don’t be misled—these opinions are often driven by insecurity or arrogance.

Be proud of everything you create. The courage it takes to even begin sets you apart. Let go, have fun, and immerse yourself in your creative process. Forget the outside world while you create—it’s your time, your space, and your joy.