Hi. My name is Roland and I love to draw. I’ve often wondered why some people believe that drawing is a talent some people are born with. I don’t believe that to be 100% true. What I do believe is that anyone with the desire to learn how to draw can do so. For proof, or to get started right away, read “Learn to Draw in One Hour” or watch any or all of the following videos:
Video Tutorials
How to Draw Using Grids (FREE)
How to Ink Your Drawing (FREE)
In addition to “Learn to Draw in One Hour”, I’ve written several other articles (see the list of topics to the right) that are intended to walk you, step by step, through the process of drawing cartoons. They are geared specifically to beginners and habitual doodlers with a little or no talent who’d like to improve their artwork without investing a lot of time and money. I promise that you will be amazed by how quickly you will improve if you follow the instructions I provide.
I think it’s important that you understand there are many benefits to learning how to draw. Did you know that studies have shown that kids who draw do better in school than those who don’t? Did you know that drawing may prevent Alzheimer Disease? Read “The Benefits of Drawing” to find out more.
I’ve read books on drawing that suggest you start with a shape such as a circle and then you add a cone and then an inverted letter V and viola – you’ve drawn a wolf. That is so boring. It may be useful in teaching a small child but this article is not geared toward small children. I will point out that I’ve seen plenty of crude drawings that made effective cartoons. Mainly because they were supported by some other element – a funny joke, compelling dialogue, etc. If that’s what you aspire to then you may not find what you’re looking for here. What you will find here is an opportunity to develop your talent into something that will bring you great pride and joy.
Again, these articles are for “early stage” artists. What is an “early stage” artist? An early stage artist is someone who likes to draw but has not taken any formal training past high school. The early stage artist is someone who has been told that they have talent but they know the difference between their own work and that of a seasoned professional. The early stage artist doesn’t get paid to draw. The early stage artist draws because he (or she) likes to. There are three types of early stage artists; ESA-1, ESA-2 and ESA-3. Here is a cartoon I created a while back before I was an ESA-1 artist:
I read some stuff on the internet and applied some simple strategies and techniques and graduated into the ESA-1 category. Here’s a simple cartoon I created as an ESA-1:
I enjoyed my ESA-1 work but I wanted to get better. So I researched the internet and the library and I became an ESA-2 and I did more research and I eventually became an ESA-3. I realized that if I were to move forward I’d have to get professional help. I was reminded of the sports prodigies who after reaching a plateau they have to move away from home and get specialized training in an exclusive environment. Or how promising artists of the 16th century did nothing but paint all day when they weren’t sleeping or eating. But I wasn’t going to quit my day job and go to art school.
Then I discovered “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwards. I jumped from an ESA-3 to an ESA-10 (the highest ESA level) within about an hour of reading her book. Here’s one of the first pictures I drew:
Anyone can do this. Read “How to Draw Cartoon Faces” for step by step instructions. I promise that, by reading these articles and putting forth a little effort, you will be able to learn how to draw almost anything. You will learn how to draw cars, planes, trains, birds, bugs, dogs, cats, flowers, Manga, graffiti, dragons, sports figures, movie stars and much, much more. Want to take your artwork to the next level by learning to draw 3D? Read “How to Draw Foreshortened Images” for the secret to adding depth to your drawings. You’ll also learn how to color your cartoons like a pro. You’ll learn how to use different image editing programs and other tools that will enable you to work smarter and more efficiently. For example, I make extensive use of drawing grids which I provide to you at no cost. I also use Photoshop 5.0 and a Wacom Bamboo drawing tablet. These are not required but they make my job alot easier and they are relatively inexpensive. I also use my own home made lightbox.
All you’ll need to get started is a pencil and a piece of paper. As a bonus I will also describe the process of telling remarkable stories with your creations. This will allow you to create humorous or tension filled situations and dialogue for your drawings. Your cartoon can be silly or serious or somewhere in between. Your cartoon can be a single pane, a 300 image webcomic, or a 1200 image graphic novel. It’s totally up to you.
One great thing about being able to draw well is that it’s fun. Another is that it enhances so many of the innate abilities that you were born with such as your ability to observe the world around you, your ability to imagine and create, and your ability to remember things.
P.S. I made the whole ESA thing up. My point is that I am a much better artist now than I was before and it didn’t take long nor did it cost much money.