The Benefits of Learning to Draw for Amateur Artists Creating Personal Comics, Cartoons, and Graphic Novels

If you are even remotely considering the possibility of maybe someday hopefully getting potentially more than just personal satisfaction from drawing, then yes, you should learn to draw. The sooner the better.

If you mean you are doing this for your own amusement and amazement, then yes, you are likely doing it because you want to get better at your craft. But let's put it another way: Anybody can get a camera and take a picture of Half Dome with the moon in it, but whoever sees that picture will know it’s not an Ansel Adams print, and you’re not Ansel Adams.

A photographer with good gear, they’re familiar with, and a bit of education, as well as a touch of luck, can create a great shot. But they’ll tell who did it the best, and believe me, they’ve gotten so familiar with their gear not just because they got familiar with the owner’s manual— but because they spent hours refining their craft from behind the viewfinder! And not just that, but they learned how to compose a shot and a hundred other things you don’t get without learning how.

So it is with you, good questioner. Sure, you can draw for fun, but why not invest in a few books on how to draw? You can get good quality used ones for cheap and refer back to them like the photographer I mentioned. And who knows, you may not end up getting paid for drawing, but you’ll like the end result far better, I suspect.

Improving Your Craft

When you start learning to draw, you will learn the skill of being able to draw anything. It is also the main place where all the fundamentals of visual art are taught. This investment might take about two years or so to master, but there is no other comparable way to create your own unique style.

Breaking Down the Basics

Understanding Fundamentals: Learning to draw involves understanding lines, shapes, proportions, and shading, which form the building blocks of any artwork. Developing a Style: As you practice, you will start to develop your unique style. This makes your artwork much more personal and recognizable. Building Confidence: The more you draw, the more confident you will become. This confidence will transfer to other aspects of your creative process. Visualizing Your Story: Learning to draw helps you bring your story to life, making your comics, cartoons, and graphic novels much more effective.

Tools and Resources

To start, you can use pencils, erasers, and sketchbooks. There are many good quality, affordable options available online or at local art stores. Additionally, there are countless online resources, tutorials, and courses that can help you improve your skills without breaking the bank.

Real-World Examples

Case Study: Pixar’s Original Artists

The original cadre of artists that worked for Disney were well-educated and competent, able to handle backgrounds, animation, and individual characters. Learning to draw gets you the skill to draw anything. It is also the main place where all the fundamentals of visual art are taught.

By investing in your craft, you can ensure that your artwork stands out. Just like a skilled photographer, a skilled artist can capture the essence of their subjects and convey their unique vision. This is especially important in the world of comics, cartoons, and graphic novels where your artwork is often the first thing readers see.

Conclusion

Learning to draw is an invaluable skill, especially for amateur artists creating personal comics, cartoons, and graphic novels. It not only enhances your ability to create emotionally engaging and technically proficient artwork but also helps you develop a unique style and build confidence in your abilities. So, whether you're drawn to the process or simply want to improve your artwork, investing time in learning to draw is a decision that will pay dividends for years to come.

Keywords: graphic novels, comics, cartoon drawing