I need to re-evaluate what I enjoy about art and why did continued for so long. What got you guys interested in art and what want to get out of it? I cannot remember exactly the day that got me interested in drawing. I just remember after one day in kindergarten, at age 6, I just started doing it at home as I was doing it at school. I'm sure what inspired me to get interested into drawing was being exposed to so much animation and comic strips as a child. My parents were strict on what I watched...so I just turned to animation at the time...still do turn to animation over a Rated R live action film in a heartbeat.

What I want to get out of it is to improve my speaking skills and my vocabulary in how I draw lines. To continue to push my observational skills when I draw, or when I create a composition for graphic design. Most importantly, I continue to do art, because if I stopped doing it altogether, I just might rather die on the spot. I have nothing else to look forward to outside of art as a hobby.

I love creativity, I love imagination....My characters are my friends, even when I may not draw them that much, they are still with me...so that if I talk with them, they can give me feedback. Exploration, freedom, the challenge to continue going, even when I feel pain. It hurts to know that not many people like your efforts or care. At the same time, I didn't start drawing for them. I did it because it gave me something to do...no matter how lonely I felt.

Don't throw away a blessed skill that people don't dare to try and attempt. Do it for fun. Do it to challenge your intellect. But most importantly my friend, do it for yourself. You did it before dA, and when dA is gone, hopefully you continue to do it for yourself.

--
I'm sarcastic due to the overdose of reality.

Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1963 (from Strength to Love)

It's good to hear from you

Strangely, it was writing that got me interested in drawing. I used to write a lot of fanfiction, well before I starting drawing, I got to the point where I was visualising new stories and directions in my head before I fell asleep but they would always stay there. Then one day I came across the fanworks of `Saimain and ~minarho1 and was amazed by how they turned their thoughts into actual images.

I started drawing on and off from there, copying pictures first of all and then trying to make up my own. It was lots of fun at that age, but the more I drew the more frustrated I became with myself for not improving. It was one of those vicious cycles, I wanted to be able to pick up a pencil and draw something amazing but nothing that came out ever matched my picture I had in my head.

But then one day, something flipped. I knew I wanted (and still do want) to get better and make these wonderful things, but I was so hard on myself that drawing became a chore. I had to take a step back to my younger days where I drew because I liked making something out of nothing, if I liked it then great, if I didn't then so what? At least I knew what I didn't like about it, as opposed to just staring at a blank piece of paper and getting annoyed at a picture I hadn't even drawn yet.

We're all prone to peaks and dips no matter what our chosen hobby is. I have this idea that one day I'm going to be able to truly capture one of these images I have in my head, but I'm not the sort of person who can stick to one drawing a day, week or even month sometimes. I draw when the mood takes me, so my dream is going to be far away, but I know that when I eventually get there I'll have had fun along the way instead of ripping my hair out trying to meet my unmatchable personal deadlines.

Maybe this dip of yours will help you. Like when you take a break from a picture partway through and come back to it refreshed, I think it's healthy to do that with a profession or a past time. It lets you think about what you're doing and gives you a chance to gain a different perspective. You can't be passionate about something without both loving and hating it at times, but when you get your balance back you might also find something new and exciting about it. I hope that you do.

--
Alpha Seru: ~Ap-Juka~
Artist of Disappearance ~Oni Kokuei~
Did someone say "random deviant"...?

I was young as hell like 4 when i started drawing. I use to like what i seen on t.v and thought that i could do it too. This has been my goal since birth is to bring my kids to life (characters) and set a new level of animation that what they are dishing out.

Sorry for the long delay in responding. I needed to find the time to think about what you posted. I too drew mainly for personal enjoyment, especially when I was younger. I was fairly imaginative in high school, but it kind of died later on for some reason. However, the long period of stagnation has made me frustrated. I didn't improve as much as I hoped. Perhaps, I need to slow down and take things a step at a time.

--

So you started with writing? That's interesting path to take. It's great if you like doing comics or illustrated narrative. I on the other hand used to not think much of fiction writing, but I'm regretting it now.

It's definitely a tough struggle to what your are imagining to something you can see on a piece of paper. The reality is most people do not possess photographic memories and have to draw from observation and soak in the what we can in a drawing session.

Anways, thank you for sharing your thoughts.

--

I too started drawing at a young age. I went through a phase of drawing characters from television and video games. lol

I wish you success in reaching your goals.

--

I think everyone did and thanks for the comment

Not a problem, anytime

--
Alpha Seru: ~Ap-Juka~
Artist of Disappearance ~Oni Kokuei~
Did someone say "random deviant"...?