Why you’ll never be able to draw like them…but that’s a good thing!

I know I’m not going out on a limb when I say you’ve probably seen the work of other artists, on social media and in the real world, and couldn’t help comparing it to your own work.

You might feel a touch of self-doubt when you think your drawings don’t quite measure up.

Maybe you even try to emulate the artist’s style in order to feel more comfortable with your own.

I know all this, because I’ve done it too! We’re only human.

And don’t get me wrong, emulating other artists work is a great way to learn the basics and build momentum in your own growth.

But remember your drawings are your own creation and are as unique as your fingerprint.  And that’s a good thing!

One of my favourite things about seeing my students coursework in the Facebook group is seeing how everyone interprets the same subjects so differently.

These examples from my ‘Oliver’ tutorial demonstrate this so well!

Your personal style is partly due to simple things like:

• How long you’ve been drawing

• How you hold your pencil

• The pressure you use

• How you decide to build your layers

• The colours you choose to use

But it’s also down to how you ‘see’ as an artist - because everyone sees and interprets colours and details in a reference photo differently.

And the way you translate that onto the page is what makes the drawing truly yours.

Just as every pet has its own uniquely personality and character, your portraits should too!

So next time you’re scrolling Instagram and feeling like you’re never going to draw just like all those artists, remember…

Your style is your superpower. It’s what sets you apart from the crowd.  Embrace it!

Happy drawing.