10 Things I Wish I'd Known as a Beginner Artist - Don't Make These Mistakes!

Whether you’re just starting out or trying to see where you can improve, I wrote this list to provide an insight into what I wish I would’ve done when starting out with art and how you can learn from my mistakes to help you in your own artistic journey. These are the 10 things I wish I would have known as a beginner artist.

1. PATIENCE

One of the most important things to learn not just in art, but in life, is patience. As an artist, your entire skillset revolves around being patient. Whether it’s with your process, learning and studying, or working with clients as a commission artist, you need the ability to calm down and know that making great art doesn’t usually happen overnight. Think about what patience looks like for you. Take time in your process to appreciate what you’re doing. Be mindful of what you learn and what techniques you use. Don’t try to rush yourself into a certain style or way of drawing. Take your time in what you do and it will pay off.

2. MINDFULLY COMPARE

Comparison is always a double-edged sword. That’s why when you find yourself comparing who you are, your abilities, or your work with someone else, take a step back to be mindful. Make sure you’re comparing for better and not for the worst. Use other people’s work to motivate, teach, or inspire you to do better in your own work, not in a way that puts down your own abilities or makes you feel bad. Remember that everyone’s journey is at different points and realize that most of the time the people or work that you see on social media is just the filtered version of themselves they’re okay with people seeing. You’re probably not going to see the hundreds of works in progress photos or failed attempts that got them to the level you see them present publicly unless that’s something they’re intentional in sharing.