This is excellent advice. I know in my own personal creative life (which encompasses many, varied forms of artistic expression) my best work has always come about when I was genuinely interested in and excited about what I was creating. That said, my best work was usually NOT one of my first projects - rather, because I liked what I was doing, I would KEEP doing it, and eventually I'd reach a point where I saw enough improvement to be proud of my progress. In other words, enjoying what I was doing motivated me to push past the discomfort of the learning curve that comes with any new skill. I think a lot of new artists (or other creatives) feel pressured to learn their craft in a certain way - the "right" way (whatever they think that means). But a lot of times, that means they reach the uncomfortable portion of the learning curve before they've truly learned to love what they're doing. As a result, many of them lose their taste for it and give up, which is unfortunate. It's better to do things the fun way than the "right" way, because fun will help keep you motivated.

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

So wonderfully expressed! I hope everyone reads your comment.

@orionwebster8727

Жыл бұрын

couldn't have said it better :)

@barblallier9413

Жыл бұрын

This is sooo true!! You know it helps so much to draw what you enjoy,,,that brings you to higher level of your expression! Thank you,,love your enthusiasm!! Always helping! ❤ 😊

@portalhead8905

9 ай бұрын

@@alphonsodunn this video acually adresses the reason why i haven’t had the motivation to start to learn how to draw. That mindset of that i have to do that thing before the other thing before the thing that acually made me intrested in drawing. Wich being drawings furies, instead of having the mindset of that i have to do ”the LONG list with the word long in allcaps" before i draws furries (Wich is more then enough to make me give up on the spot). Having the mindset of ”draw what made you want to draw in a way so that you incorporate the things that you have to learn to be able to draw.” Makes me feel more motivated to try to start to learn to draw. I'm so greatfull and happy and thankfull that you made this video, becouse if i hadn't watched this video i whould problebly had quited trying to get me to start to learn becouse of the old mindset i had before watching the video. This realy is the best art advise that you chould give someone. :) (There's still the issue of the thought of having to put years to be able to draw still is a issue that pucheses me down tho)

Sometimes the motivation everyone is searching for in life for anything you want to do is as simple as look for what you like. Sometimes you just need to hear this…Thank you.

@whatsnew955

Жыл бұрын

Damn those are some wise words that I haven’t hear in a while❤It reminds me of sth thanks mate!

Good advice, one thing I’ve often found to stop my progress is the fear of making mistakes, like drawing something new or practicing something you struggle with, the moment I see that I can’t draw it instead of thinking that I can learn it, my brain defaults into thinking I can never improve because I can’t seem to grasp it now. Art truly is a battle against one’s self at times.

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

It truly is. Thats an effective way to think about and approach it

@mikpearl

Жыл бұрын

I know how you feel. I have spent so much of my life avoiding the things, I was afraid to fail at. The amount of things I would do kept shrinking. Now, after realising the problem, I have made it a personal rule, to "go to battle" every time I feel like avoiding something out of fear. It has helped me grow immensely in terms of creativity and pretty much all other aspects of my life.

@ti-mani4648

Жыл бұрын

one thing that helped me a lot is to have the habit to draw directly with ink, and realizing that drawing, the action of drawing itself, is different from making drawings (it might sound vague but it makes sense to me)

@MorteDallAlto

Жыл бұрын

@@ti-mani4648 Wow, what you said has actually helped me internally reframe how I approach my drawing. Thank you so much!

Dude, that is some sagely advice in this video. I have long struggled to develop any type of drawing skills. I tend to focus on what the ‘manuals’ say you should do first before moving onto the next stage, and I get bored and put my pencil down for a year. What you have said here makes a lot of sense. I think about the times as a kid when you’re not beholden to conformity and you just draw. Somehow, as an adult, you get things thrown at you, from an educational point of view, that makes you say “yup! I need to do that.” You must learn perspective. You must learn a more classical style first, etc. It’s not necessarily the case. I’m not saying that we ignore the fundamentals, because they are important, but if you focus on what it is you like to do, then you will, hopefully, be able to bring it all together in a way and time that makes it all the more enjoyable. And when we enjoy what we are doing, we excel.

Been feeling unmotivated to draw lately after practicing the basics for a couple months. Just what I needed to hear, appreciate your devotion to helping others improve 🙏

Thank you so much for this advice! This is a bit embarrasing to share but it might help someone: as many others, I really like the manga drawing style, but too many channels focus on drawing the female body (or rather, cute girls), and I try to follow along but what I really want to draw is cute boys!!! I now see why I get bored practicing something I really don't care about hoping I can translate that knowledge into drawing what I do want. Thank you for this guidance, Alphonso, I feel as if I can finally see the light!

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

It is important that you draw what makes you excited to draw. There are a zillion artists drawing pretty girl faces and female figure. If that's what you like to draw, then draw that. If you path differs follow your path. Sometimes your path will be a lonely one, but its ok, walk in your happiness. Fulfillment you'll experience will be well worth it.

@adrianinha19

Жыл бұрын

@@alphonsodunn awww!❤ thank you!

I was starting from complete zero couple years ago. First year was not well spent. I haven't learnt a thing back then. Was thinking to drop idea of becoming good at art. Some time later i stumbled upon this channel and caught myself thinking "Omg. This is how i want to draw one day". This channel is so inspirational for me. I've watched and rewatched almost every video here learning each time. In just next year i became so much better as an artist thanks to you. With right mindset and constant practice even people like me can do reasonably good art.

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

I’m so happy you didnt give up. Sometimes its how we learn we want to be taught

This is something that I really needed to hear, since lately I’ve been holding myself back from drawing what I really want, and then it causes me to hold myself back from improving faster than I could be. I have been focusing on improving my fundamentals but not making anything fun out of it, like only drawing cubes in 3D spaces. It’s helpful but not really engaging. My true interest is drawing fan art for things like video games and cartoons, I’ve just been so afraid to draw it because I’m afraid that I’ll get made fun of for the things I like. It also made me realize that I don’t HAVE to share any of that stuff with the world if I don’t want to. Thank you and I can’t wait for your new book.

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

This video is especially for viewers like you. Cubes are nice to practice but don’t stop drawing fan art. Draw it! You have to crawl before you can walk, and you have to walk before you can run. Forget how people can be, hone your craft and think about where you want to be or will be. At least youre creating.

@speakstrange

Жыл бұрын

I'm with you, stuck on drawing cubes in perspective. And yes it has helped, but what next? Unlike you, I don't know what I like to draw, but fan art is cool. Don't be embarrassed! I'm going to observe myself and identify what I'd really like to draw. All the best in your journey ♡

Thank you for making these kinds of videos once in a while, it really helps us to calm down ,when practicing art gets a bit overwhelming. ❣️

I'm excited for the third book. I didn't really know what to expect with pen and ink, but going through the first book and performing some exercises, I find it to be a fascinating medium. I've never worked so diligently through a sketchbook before.

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Keep at at and apply the lessons you learn to your understanding of drawing on a whole

It’s so nice to have you back! I am excited to get the next book!

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much

You still are the best on whole youtube! And with a new book! Happy for you!

Fantastic advice as always! I look forward to the new book!

I’ve missed your content. I just got your book from the library and am excited to practice and play to improve my drawings.

Just got your book yesterday. Dude! So good.

I enjoy drawing buildings that contain many contrasting angles, expecially when roofs meet in differing directions. Thanks Alphonso.

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Have fun with it. And keep pushing your limits

Alphonso! I just love the way you teach! Your enthusiasm is contagious!

@heidireiter1046

Жыл бұрын

When I watched this video, what really hit home for me was when you said you could draw the same subject repeatedly, & each time draw it differently. Also, the suggestion to start the drawing or painting in different ways, for example, first pencil , then pen & ink, or first watercolor, then pen & ink.. etc. So now I am starting to practice this more in my sketchbook. Thank you for your videos & instruction. It is very inspiring to me! 🎨🥰

Alphonso, you rock! I just bought your two books and you deserve the support. There are lots of great artists giving instruction online and you are one of them; AND you have an edge...a great way of explaining difficult cocepts to make them comprehensible. Thank you. I will continue to follow and support!!

@alphonsodunn

10 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! 🙏🙏🙏

I love the advice. And those doodles you are doing in the background are cool as hell...I'm gonna have to try a few of them myself. I just got the book from Amazon a few days ago and just from trying to recreate some of the texture and perspective examples, I feel like my skills are already improving. Keep up the great work 👍

I'm so excited to hear you are publishing another book! I bought the first two and diligently worked through the entire workbook. I love pen drawing and your books enabled a giant leap forward for me in skill and confidence.

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Thats wonderful to know, thanks so much

@barblallier9413

Жыл бұрын

Me too! It's exciting!

Thanks for this... I love drawing faces and tiny details/patterns

With this video, you thumbed the nail for me. I got your two books to refresh my old drawing skills, but I got stuck in practicing the skills. Realizing I do have to improve my basic skills every day a set amount of time. Then I watched your video of keeping two notebooks, one for practicing and one for.... with this video it finally connected in my brain. Motivition, enjoyment of what you draw. Question yourself how and where I could improve. Above all, enjoy the moment of the drawing. Just go with the flow, thett

thank you for another inspirational video, mr dunn! i enjoy getting out of my comfort zone and trying new things.

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Thats the key. Push yourself out there

Book number 3! I'm still working my way through the first two. Still. Something to look forward to.

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much.

Thank you! This video was very useful to me!

Thank you I needed this.

Thanks. Could relate so much with the topic.

It's been awhile. Nice to see a new video.

Yes...welcome back. Missed your vids

Great to see you Alphonso (well your hands at least ) Thanks for your time, talent and inspiration. Take care of yourself.

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

The pleasure is mine

Very helpful video. Thank you!

yay! so happy to see you are back!!! Edit: watching you draw is sooo relaxing, it's like ASMR

Just bought your two books: and they resonate so deeply! I have always loved drawing with pens and Indian ink- but am now just coming back to it . Your books and videos really have inspired me to just draw and to let go of the self judgement. Thank you for teaching me! 🙏

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much. Thats awesome! That’s ultimately the goal, to let go and just draw

This is definitely a video I'll come back to when I get lost or get an artist block. I give this advice to others too but it's always good for someone else to give it back to me.

Thanks for sharing! 🎉

can't wait to get home and take a crack at some of those container shapes!!

Really looking forward to ordering your books!

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much

I have different routine, when I don't know what to draw, I sketch things I'm really bad at. It's not necessarily a pleasant experience, but it's useful in a long run.

It was so interesting to see when you entered the FLOW STATE. Thank you for this!

This is such solid advice. I needed this. 😊

@alphonsodunn

11 ай бұрын

🙏

Absolutely! I like learning with new mediums. It keeps my interest alive even when learning something like anatomy. For instance I just got into crayon which can look pretty cool if you can work with it.

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Yup! Some mediums are conducive for learn certain concepts. Like charcoal and light and shadow and shading, ink for line drawing and so on

Thank you!!

Keep fighting the good fight, brother. ❤

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

🙏🙏🙏

Really great information to know. Thanks for another great video.

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

🙂🙏

Just watching you draw eases me that it is okay to overlap your drawings! Thank you!

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Yes it is

On the point 👍 I also like your voice, it is so dedicated and calm

This the best advice I've heard by far

Im about to finish the workbook About to order me a 2nd one

I've been drawing on and off for years, though mostly off. And though it's not easy to start, it's blinking hard to stop. I used to like drawing captionless cartoons. But for years I never touched a pencil. Then a few years back I bought a book on drawing horses and for months I couldn't stop, until I had to due to lack of sleep. LOL This is just my advice to any and all peeps; if you want to start drawing, get a book on drawing and start drawing the first images you see, even those on the front cover. ;) Btw, I've got both your books, Alphonso and I will get into them one day. I'm currently drawing from a picture book about the Polish language. So, instead of just remembering the pictures translations-I'm drawing them as well. Only trouble is, it's slow going. LOL

This is miniscule, but I genuinely appreciate the subtitles. I have ASD and I struggle with processing sounds, so this helps so much.

Picked both books up from Amazon. Both have been fantastic!

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much

This vid is so good, shared to FB - hey thanks ! 🎉

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much

Ive been getting back into improving at drawing so for a but now ive just watching videos on drawing while i obviously draw. And i have to agree that drawing something that interests you gets you to learn things, funny enough ive always suggested this to people but they also expect quick results and stuff when they should see it as a fun thing to do first and foremost. Not that you cant study either but like you basically said with the drive/interests it doesnt stick aswell for everyone. I feel we as kids (atleast in my case) are kinda proof of thay fact, as while i hadnt studied a lick of anatomy that much, me trying ro draw the characters i like to the best of my abilites when i was a kid helped me learn alot of the basic fundamentals and understanding. Not to a master level like some people but id say something im more prone to be proud of cuz i knew i understood drawing something like sonic the hedgehog of all things. Infact i like to doodle him still as a practice doodle of sorts to warm up due to his fun design

Welcome back!! So excited for the book release 🤩

I agree with the video about drawing what you want to draw or drawing what got you into drawing in the first place like for example anime characters or comic book heroes If I could offer one piece of advice as a beginning drawer myself don't compare yourself to your favorite artists just draw what you want to draw the figures and the shapes of the characters you like over time you will start to learn to Construct them with shapes and your form will just get better over time you can improve the more you practice the thing you want to draw you can use how to draw books or KZread tutorials it's possible you just have to have the motivation that is my goal towards the end of this year and next year to improve enough to where I could start drawing characters and the only way to start is to learn the forms and shapes by drawing the characters I am interested in

Excellent advice! Tks? 👌

Inspiration causes people to go and try to do better, brother..... Please dont forget that... and also, dont worry if they steal and do better.... Thieves are a no goer... Keep it unique, keep it yours, keep it brilliant and you are 👍

Yes, horses have my keen interest. Pencil, acrylics or embossing metal. All horses. Now 30 years later I am back to pencil in horses. Did not do it to sell but people wanted it. Yes, draw what you love and be motivated.

Fantastic advice

Glad to see you making new videos, Alphonso! Looking forward to your new book.

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Thanks much!🙂

Hello Mr. Alphonso Dunn. I was wondering if I can ask 2 questions? 1- I watch many tutorials and took many courses on inking and I was curious if you could tell us more on how was your art career to inspire us and give us more of an idea on choosing a learning path. some of the courses that helped me a lot were Dynamic Sketching with Peter Han (Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California) and Drawabox (and of course your tutorials) the way it teached me to show volume with contour lines and the way to contruct texture choosing a focal point and making the texture fade away as I go far away from the focal point changed the way I see drawing all together, a lot of the teachings of those courses complement really well with your tutorials (in a positive way, your tutorials helped me a lot when I was stuck in the texture lessons of Drawabox) and I was curious if in New York Academy of Art also teach Dynamic Sketching like they do in Art Center College of Design, another source that helped me a lot on my inkings was a book called Rendering in Pen & ink by Arthur Guptill, and of course your books that I purchased them last month and I'm really enjoying the read so far because Guptill book was way more dense and harder to read. 2- While I've been practicing a lot with inking in Pen, I'm still struggling with inkings using a brush (either the water filled brush or the wooden one I use for watercolor, though I prefer the later) and neither Dynamic Sketching nor Drawabox use brush for inking, and I haven't yet any good source of tips and tricks on using brushes, can you recommend me any reference on inking with a brush (either video or book), I mostly do figures and portraits, and I struggle a lot when I try to do hair with a brush, they are too wobbly and messy, and since brush inking is a lot more "wet" than pen I usually ruin the paper.

Fantastic 🎉

excellent 👌 sir you are a genius thankyou so much for nice 👍 sharing

@alphonsodunn

9 ай бұрын

Thanks much

Nice video share 👌👍

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Thank you

Yup. Ive dropped gesture and figure for a bit. Drawing some demon slayer. I hate drawing faces but here we are 2h in and still eager to go. Did just notice everythings off tho. Idk if i wanna finish or start again for the 3rd time

this book is a work of art in itself

Tanks :) :)

Excellent subject and tips. Congrats on another book. Please let me know when it drops so I can take a look for my viewers!

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Steve! I most definitely will

That explains why i've been drawing giant daggers for the past few days.

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

If its daggers, let it be daggers

I'm enjoying the book, but I'm so busy with my own life. it is a relaxation exercise than enjoyment. thank you for the book.!!!

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much

Cool quick sketches, A! Thank you!🎉❤

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

🙂🙏

Good advice. Looking forward to your new book.

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Thanks much

I love your art and teaching style!

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

🙂🙏🙏🙏

Great video! What kind of pen are you using?

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Tombow Fudenosuke hard tip brush pen

I’m sorry, this has probably been answered like 10,000 times before but, what pen is that? It’s so smooth!

🔥🔥🔥

Looking forward to your third book! And more videos - you always inspire and just pull us into continuing, no matter how frustrated we get with our work.

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Never give up

i love drawing anime booba and got better over time, this advice actually holds

👏👏👏

you are awesome

Even though this sounds very simple, its quite meaningful and nice to know. Thank you

Exactly the conclusion I also came to.

awesome

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

🙂🙏

So good

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

🙏🙂

👍✌

Thank you for this . I never thought of it like this before .

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Glad it helps in some way

I absolutely love your voice

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

🙏

Will the new book launch on the kindle app as well as physical?

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

That's the plan : )

Thus video pretty much confirm on how I view improving art My special art motivation are my ocs I use to just draw them via head shots but since i love em so much I find myself wanting to do full bodies more thus engaging into anatomy a lot more as well as me wanting them to have rooms and hobbies so i ended up gwtting myself to learn how to draw backgrounds and objects 😭

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

See, look what your interest lead to, headshots to full figures to backgrounds

Alphonso.... Where and how do I get these books in India..?

I really love your art style

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much. Once youre you try to be present, thats what matters. Give a bit of time here and there

.... CYLINDERS!! I can't believe I'd never learned to draw cylinders that way, that's gonna be a HUGE help! Thank you!

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

I'm happy it helps. : )

This pen?! Where can I find it?! 🙏 Ps. Lovin your work 🫶🏼

Thank You for this!.

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

🙂🙏

What if the thing I most want to draw I was always told would hinder my development? I really want to draw an anime/manga style, but everybody said to not do that so I stopped. should I just ignore that advice?

What do you mean about complementary book? I bought your book on Amazon and when I order it it said the price was for two books and only got one. I can't find the original deal that I saw on amazon so I don't know who to contact

Can you do ecorches?

I mostly draw people and animals, but for a short moment, I really enjoyed drawing rocks.

3:38 i was literally jus thinking i wanna draw rn with his pen becuase his pen looks so cool and smooth to use😭 does anyone know what pen he is using

Agreed. At this time my "thing" is simple Loomis heads from all angles. Next week it might be animals or whatnot.

@alphonsodunn

Жыл бұрын

Haha thats right. Keep going