The fear of starting over is a big one for me. I finally began telling myself that I’m going to do every drawing six times. So I start off knowing that my first attempt is probably going to fail in one way or another but it’s okay because I planned it that way. If I get lucky and it doesn’t, I am still get to try it again, probably differently, and I’ll learn from those. Thank you for your advice.

@fanatlarge

2 жыл бұрын

What a great idea. Will try! 😄

@Denada1350

2 жыл бұрын

this idea may actually really help me. thank you!

@IMHip2

2 жыл бұрын

This is a great mindset thank you!

@bharl7226

2 жыл бұрын

What they said! ^^^^^

@Diego-Designs

2 жыл бұрын

Usually that's what happens to me. The second time I draw it again it comes out the way I wanted it.

I don't even draw, but I'm trying to learn math right now and like all of this advice seems applicable to what I'm doing too. No matter the field, pro mindset is almost the same it seems.

So true! I read a quote recently that I really like: "Creativity is intelligence having fun". To me, this means playing/experimenting.

@starcomet8312

2 жыл бұрын

@@fluentpiffle that might be how you personally view it, but not everyone views vague concepts such as creativity and intelligence the same way, and that's perfectly fine. In fact, it's what makes things interesting, getting to explore how someone views things and experiences things differently from you should be an exciting thing!

@fluentpiffle

2 жыл бұрын

@@starcomet8312 It is not a personal view. It is the nature of existence..

@starcomet8312

2 жыл бұрын

@@fluentpiffle to you, and to someone else who shares that worldview, but certainly not to me. The nature of existence, to me, is something much more complex than simply "creativity"

@fluentpiffle

2 жыл бұрын

@@starcomet8312 Your personal opinion does not alter the nature of how things exist.. It is itself an act of creativity..

@starcomet8312

2 жыл бұрын

@@fluentpiffle but it does alter how you perceive it, which is a fundamental part of one's existence.

In crocheting, the saying is "There are no crochet police." I think the same goes for art, although there are a lot of critics out there! If someone criticizes your work unfavorably, just tell yourself that that is only one person's opinion, and is not YOUR opinion. And your opinion is what counts.

@MrNoodlot

2 жыл бұрын

Worst advice i ever heard, except if you don't want to improve i guess..

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

👍👍👍

@MEOWMIX3DS

2 жыл бұрын

criticism is important.

@primaldeee1981

2 жыл бұрын

@@MrNoodlot 'unfavorably'

@MrNoodlot

2 жыл бұрын

@@primaldeee1981 criticism is kind of unfavorable by definition, so what is your point?

Thank you!! Believing that my art wasn’t good based on a comment by a so called art teacher blocked me from drawing for about 40 years. Time to move past it.

@crabbypupper7302

2 жыл бұрын

damn, forty years. it's sad how other people's words can wound so deeply :') i hope you enjoy drawing once again

@lisariordan2784

2 жыл бұрын

@@crabbypupper7302 thanks!

@peppermint5117

2 жыл бұрын

im curious, what was the comment? damn

@yellow_flash813

2 жыл бұрын

@@peppermint5117 same , like what was that bad that it hit that hard 🙆‍♂️

Thanks Alphonso! My new challenge is learning to use my right hand for painting or drawing; I was left handed until I had a stroke, which left me hemiplegic and left side paralyzed; but I can still use my functioning right hand, so trying my best to do digital painting with my iPad and my right hand. Your insights and knowledge are very helpful and inspirational! Thank you!

@idk-kj2jv

2 жыл бұрын

Woahh! You really have a passion for art. If you have this passion and courage, I am sure you will do it. Don't give up! God bless you!

Fear of making mistakes sits deep inside me. I have started my drawing journey about a year ago and haven't nearly made as much progress as I'd like because I procrastinate, A LOT. Even though I've had practice sessions were I finally overcame a wall and noticeably improved in a certain field, and it feels amazing to do that, I always find myself going back to procrastinating. Every time I move to a new aspect of drawing, and I see how much I suck at beginning it makes me procrastinate for several weeks without even so much as touching a pen. It's a struggle, but I am not gonna give up I am going to overcome this one of these days.

@pelham123_7

2 жыл бұрын

I procrastinated a lot, the best way I found to overcome it was to challenge myself to draw every day for a month. I'm 4 months in and haven't missed a day. It's the momentum that keeps you going, like a snowball rolling down a hill. Am I happy with my drawings? Absolutely not, maybe 10 out of 100 I feel are not so bad, but I have 100+ drawings done and that's a lot of practice. Give it a go, it might help.

@TheInsanePhil

2 жыл бұрын

@@pelham123_7 I will, thanks mate

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

NEVER give up. Slow and steady progress is what matters, the big strides are hard to maintain. I have a video on getting started, coming up

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

Amazing!

@TheInsanePhil

2 жыл бұрын

@@alphonsodunn lookin forward to it ^^ Thx for the great videos

I used to be afraid of drawing limbs, but today I got over that fear. I learned how to draw legs, arms, and most importantly hands. They aren’t the best, but I’m proud of myself for over coming the largest block in my art.

When I think about the fear of starting over, I think about something I used to tell interns that worked for me. That was that the 4 most useful words they would ever hear were, 'I can be wrong." It was in a different field, however, it applies equally to all endeavors.

I remember in the past where I'm fine with having a simple artstyle that doesn't have a lot of details, but here I am looking at drawings that looks impossible for me to do, but trying to be as close to it as possible anyway.

Ive had a mental block for a long time now & this video has inspired me to pick up and draw again.

I have been struggling a lot with some of those fears but its complete true that if you don't face them, you gonna stuck. Thanks a lot for the tips!

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

Yup, square up

Alphonso, thank-you for this video!! This is why I usually don't make art unless I am by myself.. but I shouldn't be like that, and especially now that I have started sharing my art with the world. It's been confronting for me to do so.. but also strangely liberating as well! I think we all need to be brave about our art - and just keep on making it 🐝💪😃

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

Couldnt have said it better 👏👏👏

You are the best I have your books About 1/2 of my drawings now are pen and ink Thanks again you are a blessing to all Manley

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

Soooo cool 🙂

THANKS!! I really appreciate the way you speak TO US. I can identify with what you have said and just knowing that (even) you have had some of these issues gives me great hope!!! We often look at accomplished artists and just can't imagine them struggling, but as you have so clearly said, that is part of the process. I love continuing to learn and am constantly pleased with what I am doing every day. Thanks Alphonso, you really help me a LOT!! I have both of your books and keep practicing what you have shared with us. Take care!

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

🙂 thats inspiring. We all struggle at every level, the persistence and discipline is what matters and will carry us through💪

This is just what I needed. I have started on watercolours and I have bought all the best of the best materials...and a lot of it. And now I am affraid to get started. I watch soooo many videos of others painting....but I am too afraid to really sink into it. For all the reasons you just mentioned. Strange actually. Thank you for your encouragement. 🙏🏻

@kasiako355

2 жыл бұрын

I know what you mean! To me, it's kinda helpful to start on some cheap/small piece of paper, it is somehow less intimidating and easier to begin with! Starting is the most difficult step, when you loosen up it will go well from that point :)

@masja1790

2 жыл бұрын

@@kasiako355 Thank you so much. 🙏🏻💝

@kasiako355

2 жыл бұрын

@@masja1790 you're welcome

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

Getting started will be its own video

@kasiako355

2 жыл бұрын

@@alphonsodunn good to know, can't wait!

I bought your two books and just got them today. They are going to help me immensely. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into these videos and for putting out the books.

I like what you said there at the end. Celebrating the little victories is probably some of the best advice I’ve gotten in regards to drawing. Only paying attention to your mistakes makes it seems like mistakes are all you ever make. It HAS to be balanced out with appreciating what you did right in order to feel like you’re not just spinning your wheels without going anywhere

Celebrate the small victories. That's what life is about.. kind of. Well said Alphonso. Greetings from the south of Chile. 👍

This video helped me with my anxieties and fears when it comes to creating art. Thanks for the advice.

I got this one my recommend, and I have to hand it to you, you are a great teacher, glad to subscribe and stay learning on your channel, thank you!

Thanks for the pep talk and reality check. So glad I got both books because they are a huge motivator as a pair.

I want to do art for videogames as a living, and while I've been doing 3D modeling for my dev team, I haven't actually drawn in literal months because I've gotten entrenched in the belief that I'm not good enough and I'll never be good enough, so I may as well not start. External critique isn't the problem, I welcome that. It's the fact that it's never good enough for ME and I don't know how to improve.

This is some of the best info for artists that doesn't get talked about a lot. Thanks.

Thank you for caring enough to identify issues that make you think, wow I should have known that, and setting aside some of your time to share them with us.

Thank you so much! I need to watch this every day until I finally get it solidly in my brain.

Thank you! Just what I needed to hear👏🏽👏🏽

Artist, teacher and psychologist. Alphonso does it all. Thanks for your help. I am new discoverer of this KZread channel. ✍️🎨

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

Haha thanks much. But hey, arent we all

Another thing that I feel like completely changed my view on art and ultimately mzde me improve more, was changing my internal thought process to be more positive and stop being a complete jerk to myself. Instead of looking at a drawing and being like "this looks awful, im not going to draw this ever again", I started to correct myself by saying "Ok, well, x, y, & z, looks a little off in this drawing and I'll try to improve next time". Like you said, art is mental and if you go into it with a mindset that constantly discourages you, it will get you nowhere.

This was the perfect thing on my recommended, I've been having trouble lately and feel like I'm not doing good and being a perfectionist. Thanks for this video

Good video. I started drawbox and got overwhelmed because I don't like school like structures. Something within me rebels whenever I try to get into a more lesson by lesson follow this step and this step mentality because I draw for the sense of freedom.

thank you so much this, I first started doing art just for fun but now, I actually wanna learn more but the longer I do so the more I realize how bad I actually am at drawing. these days, I barely have any motivation to draw knowing the it'll probably look awful. i've taken drawing seriously now for at least 1 year and a half and i still don't know how to draw the face consistently, so it gets me down a lot. not to mention the criticism I face. I really do like drawing, and this video reminds me of why I began to draw in the first place. so thanks a lot, it really helps:)

I'm a self thought artist recently I've developed a fear of making mistakes with my art .This fear made me stop drawing consistently for months I even stopped working on all of my projects and I didn't know why until now . This video was very helpful thank you☺

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Keep going! Don’t strive for perfection, strive for action, movement, progress. Sometimes you’ll even have to run in place, but its ok, the process is still on-going💪

@krystinjoseph

Жыл бұрын

@@alphonsodunn thank you so much!! I'll try my best I'm not gonna give up💪🏾

Thanks for all the great help from your videos,,, your so clear in your instructions,,, a great teacher and artist,,, cheers from Ireland 👍👍👍

The fear of trying new things is a big one for me. Trying new mediums is okay, but I often think little of myself and don't try putting my art out into the world. But then it stays hidden and I'm miserable. Thank you for your videos, they're so validating and help me feel like I'm not alone, and that I'm not lost so much as wandering

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom - it applies to everything really, piano, careers, relationships - I love that this learning process can begin with something “small” and progress to everything in life. ❤️❤️❤️. I came back to say I’m sharing this with my daughter.

I have been burnt out lately and I just couldn’t stop blaming myself for not doing anything productive and just genuinely not working. I wanted to feel the satisfaction of working and earning what I deserve and that was just not possible. But I know that nothing is impossible and thank you I will try my best man I hope you have a goddamn good day 🤩🤩🤩✨✨

I love this. You're so awesome. Keep it up brotha 💪🏾❤️💯

Fear 1 is basically me, I'm a beginner and yet I try to make what is supposed to be "the outline" or "the rough sketch" as perfect as possible because even though people tell me that you should focus on the details after the sketch, I keep habitually doing so.

Alphonso, I have been watching your videos and they were huge help. You sure teach effective techniques. Thank you so much for your content!

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

🙏🙏🙏🙂

i needed this so much right now, thank you Alphonso

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

🙏

Thank you for sharing this!

Tysm for this video! Ur art is amazing btw!

Thx. Great advices man. I'm having that kind of trouble. Always second thoughts to not change my drawing eve if I knew something was off. Thx senior sir. Continue for more advices.

thanks bro!! lacking sketching practice messes up my oil painting and that im afraid of. sucks drawing cause hard for me to face that fear. amazing how deep it hows something that simple.

Thank you so much needed this ❤❤

Always appreciate your videos, sir. AND your books :D

Thank you for this, it helps

Beautiful work.

Thanks for publishing your helpful books that have been valuable guides in pen and ink they are so helpful and that additional work book is a tremendous help in my creativity Thanks again

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks much! I aimed to create books I would have wanted🙂🙏

Great advice, thanks

Bought the book for my daughter and me just now. Can not wait to get it!!!

❤

I feel like i need this, thanks.

Thanks for the video.

Thank you, that's very helpful!

Appreciate the output of ideas 💡

Thank you🙌🏾

All of your tips are very helpful, and every time you solve a problem I have in drawing. Thank you brother for what you do for us, and I hope you continue ⁦❤️⁩

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

🙏

We need this reminder for 2022

Thanks!

I appreciate you keeping the video short and to the point, I find myself struggling to watch these kinds of videos a lot of the time because of how much waffle they have in them

Thank you brother

You helped me conquer my fears. You get a sub from me. Thank you so much for this!

Great video!

GREAT! 👍

Can you please do a Tuturial about painting with ink , thanks always for sharing and making it easy for us

thank you🙂

Thank u💙

Thanks for the wholesome reminder dude. *e-hugs*

thanks for the video 😁😁

You are great

Great stuff Alfonso. Are you still working on a 3rd book?

Wholesome

This is awesome… Cause I do struggle with lots of fears. One being… “I’ll never improve” But I think back at how I use to draw stick figures. And not even that well as an young adult. I use to be into art as a kid. But my school kept removing me, cause I didn’t do good in gym. So I just gave up on that dream… I’m 38 now and thought I could never learn cause it’s a talent. But now I’m doing so much better and don’t go anywhere without my little sketch book. I still fear of failing tho… :(

The magic spell: SO WHAT.? 🌟🌟💪🏼💪🏼

Whenever i feel like my art sucks and that the message was not getting across, i just cuss to my self and say "f### dammit, this doesn't satisfy me at all! Another one, and i proceed to make abandon the previous work." And that's when i see improvements because now i'm aware of my mistakes. Remember it's always hard the first time around but given a couple or hundred tries and you'll get what you want, or at least satisfy partly what you want

Fans of Alphonso Dunn: Take this video very seriously. I can't stress enough how your fears, if not being aware of them early in your art career, can not only torture you over what you are passionate about but can eventually ruin your career later in life. Even if you are a commercial artist, this type of career originates from your soul. So don't let fear grow there.

Good advice. I have all 4 fears, but worst is a serious case of starting paralysis.

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

Me too, too often. I just tell myself I’m going to start the first 5 mins of something small

@fanatlarge

2 жыл бұрын

@@alphonsodunn I know it helps me with household chores etc., so why not apply it to sketching... will do. :-)

That is one impressive pencil lead, every time I try to hand shave my pencil I just end up with a stubby lead and missing half a pencil!

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry. Try to do it gradually, don’t shave off too much

Sir please suggest some good sources to learn anatomy easily or i want you to continue the series by making in depth videos of anatomy

When i saw the thumbnail i wonder am i have those fears ? After i watched video realized already beaten all the fears thanks to drawing everyday for one year and 2 months.( I still drawing everyday ) And thanks for the video :)

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

Good for you! Keep going!

I really need this now... I've been drawing for a few years now, and only in the last few months have I've been feeling proud of my work, but the last three days have been rough. I've been getting upset about having to restart over, and been telling my self just to quit all together, but now...I see a new light! Thank you!

Are the books going to still be available on Amazon as hard covers?

alphonso i love your channel so much, thanks for sharing!! ❤️

Very cool content, I wish you happiness and success 🌹👍👍👍🌹🥀🔔🌹👍👍👍

This all coincides with my experiences as a university teacher. The best thing about your channel is that your videos are short and exact- to the point and not rambling about it. That helps. I like looking at your posts to prepare for practical drawing on site, so I know what to say to the students ! Thank you, the best for you!

Probably should add this, Fear of not knowing what to do especially unaware of the uses in then. I often seem to be in this mind set when I'm unsure what I want to use. Btw Hope you make a book with human figures especially animals... Good video

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

Hmm what do you mean by “not knowing what to do”? About what, exactly? Your tools, techniques, approach…etc?

@prodigynetwork8857

2 жыл бұрын

It's like this in music, sometimes just starting helps you figure out where you want to go

@labellaflora....

Жыл бұрын

It can be overwhelming if you have a lot of art media, but don't let that be an excuse to procrastinate. Walk in your studio and grab the first supplies your eyes land on and rejoice...it's PLAYTIME!

I have a really hard time drawing objects or certain things INTERACTING with each other. Like a hand holding a piece of clothe and producing a certain type of fold, or hair underneath a hoodie but still partly visible. These things are some of the hardest things for me to draw because I can just each element individually, but never together.

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

What is it that makes it hard to do? Are you visualizing all you see in the same language?

@labellaflora....

Жыл бұрын

At a regular time, get your perception to move back to see the whole. Focusing on small areas at a time will throw the proportions and alignment off. Sketch out the whole before focusing in.

I find the 'Subscribe and hit Like' prompt a bit too loud and distracting. However, it's still a great video! I always love the demos you do while you're doing your sharing.

I'm from Iraq ilike yor drawing💌

I never have these fears, the only thing I fear is whether I’m still gonna have time to draw or not when I get older.

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

Lucky you lol

@labellaflora....

Жыл бұрын

i'm 70. You will have the time to do what you want because you will schedule the time for it.

You are an excellent teacher and a wonderful practical psychologist.

Thank you

My worst fear is the more I draw, the more obvious it becomes to me that I suck because I learn to recognize my mistakes. I'm trying to tell myself it is because I'm developing, but it's hard to sit down to draw when i expect the result to be trash.

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

Well how about working on correcting the mistakes, but do exercises that isolates each one.

@labellaflora....

Жыл бұрын

A mistake is an opportunity to try a different way of doing it. You are developing each time you draw...you have to draw you know...to develop. Set a goal, what do you want to work on? Assuming that it's trash before you've done anything is getting off track. Shoot, literally draw some trash!

I take negative energy and say your not the boss of me XD peopalways say I'm too happy all the time it's like you can be too if the art is making you mad take a break have some tea and look at it again. Don't let it defeat you

Alphonso, your books have been helping me so much! I really have been enjoying them, and I learn so much from you. Thank you for sharing your wealth of experience and skill with us all!

It almost been an year i started learning but now ...its like i forgot what i knew lol wtf

how do you make your pencils so long and sharp?

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

I have a video on how and why

Lol. I draw at my job and get asked drawing advice all the time which makes me feel fantastic. And I just tell people (young people esoecially) exactly what I do: Sit down and draw the dumbest f**king thing you can. Go wild and keep going. Then try to to see what you can turn it into, shaping forms, playing with light direction, smoothing out lines. Your imagination is the most important thing. The hardest part is trying to get that beautiful thing in your head down on paper or canvas and getting it to look exactly like what your minds eye demands. This is likely not to happen, so if you already got a turd on the page the only place you have to go is up. Polish that turd. Throw some glitter on it! Some of my best drawings/paintings have happened this way.

@alphonsodunn

2 жыл бұрын

Love it!! Wonderful advice! 🙂🙂🙂🙌

@braxtonagee412

2 жыл бұрын

@@alphonsodunn thanks man. Love your videos.