Why You Shouldn't Settle for Your First Sketch
The Power of Multiple Drafts in Art
Hello Everyone!
Since I began drawing, I've always had a habit of sticking with my initial sketch, no matter how I felt about it. Even if I wasn't satisfied, I would push through, determined to finish it. But this approach often left me frustrated because the final piece never turned out the way I envisioned.
I've come to realize that this is a bad habit I've developed over time, and I'm now working hard to break it. The process isn't easy, but it's necessary for my growth as an artist.
Many artists understand the importance of iteration, they don't settle for just one sketch. They produce multiple drafts, especially when they're not happy with the first attempt. In contrast, I've always felt compelled to complete my initial sketch, believing that starting over would be a waste of time and energy. I thought it would just prolong the process of finishing a piece.
However, I've slowly started to change my mindset. The first sketch is not always the best, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with creating several versions until you're satisfied with the outcome. This approach applies to thumbnailing as well, producing multiple small sketches to explore different ideas before committing to a final design.
For instance, in a recent drawing I did of Chamber, a character from Valorant, my initial sketch was heavily focused on the reference image and ended up being more realistic than I intended. My goal was to create something more stylized, so I decided to do something I rarely do, I started over. I kept the first sketch, just in case, but I allowed myself to explore a different direction with the second sketch.
With this second attempt, I aimed to infuse more style and personality into the piece, moving away from realism. And you know what? It worked. I found myself much more satisfied with the new direction and ultimately completed the drawing with a greater sense of accomplishment.
This experience was a significant eye opener for me. It's okay to start over. You don't have to stick with the first draft if it doesn't feel right. The issue isn't fear of restarting but rather the perceived loss of time and energy. I often feel a need to complete my drawings as quickly as possible, a tendency I attribute to my ADHD and ASD, where urgency and impatience often take over.
Relearning this lesson, that it's okay to take my time, to experiment, and to start fresh when needed, is a process that will take time, but I believe it will pay off in the long run. The same goes for my goal of developing a more stylized approach in my art. It's all part of the journey of growth and self-discovery as an artist.
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🍂 My Art Journey
Had a very productive week 😁
I wanted to give you a quick update. I’ve closed down my Patreon again because I’m not happy with one of their frustrating business models, and I don’t want you to experience the same issues.
Long story short, I ended up paying the full amount for just 3 days of access, only to be charged the full price again on the 1st of the month. The payment system should adjust based on when you subscribe during the month, and then charge the full price on the appropriate renewal date. Unfortunately, Patreon hasn’t responded to my inquiries about this.
On a different note, I’ve spent over 50 hours playing Valorant and you know what? I’m really enjoying it! The only downside is the long game modes in both ranked and unranked.
If only they would add a ranked mode for Swiftplay! 😍
🍂New video
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