How Long Does It Take to Get Good at Drawing: Every Media Considered

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Marilyn Grant
Marilyn Grant
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Last updated: August 11, 2023
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Drawings can look so amazing from an outsider’s point of view. Sometimes it can even look impossible to achieve. However, if you are thinking of creating a drawing of your own, you may be asking yourself, how long does it take to get good at drawing?

Of course, this is a good question to start off with as drawing is a skill that takes time to learn. Considering how busy life can get it is always good to find out how much time you have to invest in something to get the most out of it. You wouldn’t want to start learning how to draw and then realize that you’re too busy to ever master it in your spare time.

Below we will discuss how long it takes to learn how to draw and everything you need to know in order to reap the rewards.

How long does it take to become a skilled artist?

How Long Does It Take to Get Good at Drawing: Every Media Considered

The process of learning how to become a skilled artist isn’t easy, nor is it quick. So,  you may want to know how long does it take to learn to draw? Put simply, it takes time and dedication which you need to consider before going out and buying what you need.

It is said that when learning anything new you have to do it every day in order to become really good. If you set aside a few hours a day, every day, you could be a skilled artist in six months. However, everyone is different so it could take a little longer for some people. This is important to remember because you shouldn’t compare yourself with everyone else.

Maybe you only have a few minutes a day so looking into The 15-Minute Artist could be a way for you to learn how to draw on limited time. Achieving good results in a few minutes can serve as motivation to keep going even if you don’t have much time on hand.

Important: when you start learning how to draw, you have to forget everything you think you know. You have to start from the beginning.

Learning anatomy

The body is a complex thing. Not only to draw but to understand. There are muscles and joints that connect a specific way in order to move, which also has to be displayed in a drawing. You may specifically want to draw figures so you may be asking yourself, how long does it take to get good at figure drawing?

When you draw the anatomy of the body, you have to consider how the body moves and how drawing a figure would have to demonstrate the movements. It’s vital to consider these undue aspects of anatomy drawing because you wouldn’t want to ruin a drawing you have spent time and energy trying to perfect.

How Long Does It Take to Get Good at Drawing: Every Media Considered

Looking for your style

It is important to find your style of drawing in order to get the best results. It can take some time but it will be worth it in the end. Start off by looking at different styles, techniques and tools.

Maybe you think you’d like drawing animals with watercolor but when you try it out, it doesn’t work for you. This is completely normal, so don’t beat yourself up about no liking the same methods as the masters. If a style doesn’t work out, there are plenty out there for you to try!

Looking for the right style of drawing for you is a personal choice. Taking up the challenge to make new discoveries about your talent and interests can send you down the path you need in order to find your style of drawing.

Reference search

When it comes to learning how to draw we often have images in our heads that we want to put down on paper. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. We can sketch down a few details that we can remember but it would be easier to have a picture reference to follow.

If you’re thinking of printing out a very detailed picture, you may struggle more than you think. Rather start off with a simple image. To get some inspiration, purchase a book that shows off amazing art by other people such as Art That Changed the World.
How Long Does It Take to Get Good at Drawing: Every Media Considered

Tips for drawing skill improvements

You may want to make a shortlist of a few tips that could really help you improve your drawing skills. Here are the tips from the experts:

  • Draw everyday. It is important to make time to draw because if you really want to be good at drawing, you have to practice.
  • As stated above, practicing is important. It may be a good idea to carry a sketch pad and pens with you so you can draw when you get the chance. Investing in a good art set could make it easier for you to always have something on you.
  • Take in as many details as you can during your day-to-day activities. Noticing everything can help you bring your drawings to life.
  • Learn how to change lighting, contouring and shapes of whatever you’re drawing as naturally as possible. This will also take practice which is why you have to practice as often as you can if you want to improve quickly.
  • Invest in good equipment. If you want to draw, and draw well, you have to be using the right tools. Lead pencils, paints, color pencils and your sketch pad have to be made of good quality materials.

Tips for drawing styles search

There are a lot of different styles of drawing which should make you excited. Over time, you can find the right one suited for you. In order for you to draw something amazing, you should find the style that you can work with instead of getting frustrated when something isn’t working out the way you want it to.

You can look into architectural drawing, fashion design, cartoon, manga and so much more. Of course, each drawing style takes a different amount of time to learn. For example, how long does it take to get good at drawing manga? Well, it can start from two months but some students of this art take longer. As stated above, it’s all about practice. Practice makes perfect!

How to get good at digital drawing

I’m sure you’ve already looked into all the drawing styles you consider and digital drawing must have caught your eye. However, you could be apprehensive at the idea because you may think it could be harder than other techniques of drawing.

You’ll be happy to know that digital drawing is just like regular drawing. You need to practice and have good equipment such as a Wacom Student Drawing Tablet which can be perfect for a beginner. You need to take the time to learn the details and lighting that each drawing would need to look as genuine as possible.

Final thoughts

Hopefully with everything we’ve gone through you’re feeling confident and ready to start your drawing journey. Just know that when it comes to learning a new skill it’s normal to feel apprehensive and overwhelmed. Just don’t give up! You will need to constantly push yourself and learn more techniques in order to get the result you’re looking for.

Asking yourself, how long does it take to get good at drawing should be a question of the past. Now you should be excited and looking forward to whatever you create. Don’t worry if you struggle. Try to remember that as much as it is a skill that you’re learning, you can still make the activity fun.

Now, go out there and enjoy yourself! Grab a sketch pad, a pencil and create something amazing!

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