We often find ourselves discouraged by those that can do what we love better than us. We also often forget that they struggled and put a lot of work to be where they are now. One doesn't simply wake up one day and have been granted unsurpassed talent in any particular subject. The time old method of honing your craft is to practice. But sometimes that isn't enough. You need guiding hands. Support. Reassurance and peers to lean your shoulder on. In this thread you can discuss your art blocks, inspirations, favorite artists, share tutorials, and give your hand to your fellow artists. Whatever your niche may be, there's someone there to lend an ear and provide a step ahead. If you have tutorials/videos that may help or artists you find inspiring feel free to share them under the designated sub-thread. If you want to share your art without a critique say so when you post it. If you want one make sure to state that. Some personal guidelines I follow under the cut [spoiler] 1. [b]Use References. [/b] Unless you know you've got the feel of something completely memorized by heart and hand you should always use a photo to help you. You will learn faster and with less frustration/pain. Even if you're doing a cartoon piece. Cartoons are simply real things simplified. 2. [b]Do not ever learn anatomy from drawings. [/b] Art is often stylized and it's not always correct. While it's fine to learn style and carve out your own, studying anatomy from other artist's work will hazard fatal mistakes and minimize actual learning. 3. [b]Keep your old doodles. [/b] Even if you hate them. You can either later reflect on them to see what you've learned, or as what's happened with me, look back at it and realize it was actually very good. You were only being hypercritical. Old drawings can be salvaged, reformed, or stylized into something magnificent. 4. [b][u]Do not be discouraged by other artist's work! [/u][/b] I cannot tell you how poisonous this is. I am guilty of it and from first hand experience can tell you how detrimental it is. Your work is an expression of yourself. Different art styles doesn't equal being better or worse than someone else. You can admire someone's style without copying or stripping away your own. Instead of being heart broken by "better" work you should learn from them. Ask them questions. Get advice or see how they view their art. Chances are they think they're nothing compared to the artists that [i]they[/i] look up to. 5. [b]Practice and feel good. [/b] Enjoy what you do. Don't force it or feel you need to draw/create as much as others. For almost all of us art is a hobby. Hobbies are meant to be enjoyed. Create what interests you even if it's not popular or will get everyone's attention. If you have an uncommon style those that indulge in it will appreciate it all the more. 6. [b]Don't be afraid to experiment. [/b] You'll learn great things you never would have thought you were capable of. [/spoiler] _______________________________________________________________________ I am a SAI Paint Tool user. I have little to no advice about Photoshop! I am sorry. I also apologize if I haven't commented on everyone's stuff. I will get to it! (or I will at least "like" it so you know you're not forgotten) I've been very busy and I enjoy giving well thought out help instead of rushing it between work breaks.