Entry 11: Autodesk SketchBook Pro

   For this blog, I'm doing it about my art program, Autodesk SketchBook Pro. Personally, I do really like this program, but my main issues is that it doesn't have basic settings. By that I mean, it doesn't have a transparency setting, you can't do anything that is pixelated, it often times needs to be updated from their website, and the drawing gets a little bit fuzzy when it is saved to your computer. Besides all of that, it is actually a fantastic program if you don't care about the things listed above. For now, I'll go over some of the features that it has. First off I wanted to show how I first organize my program when I draw and what it looks like in general.

   To begin, it has a large variety of pencil and drawing tools to choose from. Some have sharper lines, textures, smudging, blending, and so much more to choose and decide from! I love how many different options there are to choose from, yet it's not so much to the point of it being difficult to choose. This picture only shows some of the few things that it has to choose for drawing.

   Now I wanted to go over the little two circles that you see and those are called pucks. One is a color puck and the other is a size puck. Obviously, it's in the names' of each of the pucks for what they do: one changes the color and the other changes the size of your tool. I really love the pucks because it makes it super duper fast to change the colors and sizes of the medium to either fill larger or smaller spaces.

   The bar that is at the top has other additional features such as basic shapes to make, or straight lines. There is also another option for selecting your colors and that's with the color wheel, and there is even a Copic selection color wheel. It carries additional features such as redo or undo, zoom, crop, horizontal and vertical reflection of the page, text, rulers, etc. Plus, it is super easy to access since it is located at the top of your screen.

      For now, I think that is all I can give away and clarify through screenshots and typing. I suggest going onto YouTube and looking at explanations if you are interested in buying SketchBook Pro. I hope this was useful to some artists out there thinking about getting a program for digital drawing. Thanks and goodbye!

Entry 10: Digital Drawing of a Cat

   Okay, so this week I tried something a little bit different. I'm usually really comfortable and accustomed to traditional art (pencil and paper), but this time I tried out digital art (computer.) I have drawn digitally before, but I never really tried to explore the program that I use, Sketchbook Pro. I attempted to draw out a full body drawing of a cat with a very lazy and sloppy background for a friend of mine, and honestly, I really liked the outcome of it! It took me about two to three hours, I think, but it was mainly due to the fact that I was trying to get used to drawing on a tablet and switching between colors and tools. I will try doing more digital art in the future, since it is a lot more forgiving than traditional art is, especially with mistakes!

   It was really fun creating this drawing, but although I see a lot of mistakes right now, it was something new and I've learned from it. If you are someone who is willing to try out digital art, I recommend it, but if you aren't sure where to start, maybe next week I can do a blog to help those of you who are interested out. Thank you for reading this and bye!

Entry 9: How to Handle Critism

   Critism is a very important thing when it comes to trying to improve. It's something that takes a bit of practice to accept and attempt on getting used to those changes. Honestly, I personally get a bit upset when I get extremely harsh critism, but I found that when I accepted it and tried to make those changes, it made my art so much better! In general, one way to handle critism from someone is to think about how much it can change and possibly improve your art. I also recommend getting multiple peoples' critism and opinions to get a few different ideas on what you can change.

   As an example, I usually only ever ask for critism from my sister, and she points out a lot of things that I don't even notice until then! To people who are a bit more uncomfortable showing anyone your art, pretend you are a critic and really examine and observe what you drew. A way that you can try to notice the mistakes or flaws is to put it away and not look at it for a few days then get back to it once you feel that you need to refresh your memory on what it looked like. That's one way of trying to criticize yourself to help improve your art. 

   Another way to critize and fix your mistakes is to do the opposite and put it up on a wall and constantly look at it when you enter the room that it's put up in. Both of these methods work out really well for me! Handling critism is something that can be difficult for a multitude of people, but when you think and actually attempt the outcome from listening to what people have to say about your work, then it can make your art so much better in your perspective and be much more proud of your art. 

   Now, lastly, if you are criticizing someone, do not be rude or disrespectful. There is a huge difference in trying to help someone improve vs. making fun of their mistakes. This is very important to know because mean comments can lead to not handling or accepting critism very well. Thanks and goodbye.

Entry 8: Prismacolor Markers

   Since it was my birthday this week, my parents got me Prismacolor markers! I've never tried these out before, so I am super excited to use them. They are the Portrait set with 24 chisel and fine tip markers. I plan on attempting to draw something with only these markers, and practicing so I can get used to them and understand how well I can adapt to them.

   These are all nude and natural colors from the same color families, so it shouldn't be difficult to blend them together, at least I hope. There are a few pros and cons to these compared to the other brands that I use. They are cheaper than Copics, but they can't be refilled, so you'll have to buy a new marker, and they smell worse than Copics. I'm not discouraging that you buy them, but I think it's worth a try to attempt at using them!

Here are color swatches of them, along with their numbers and name.

   It's a little messy, but I'm sure you can understand what it says and see the colors clearly. I have tried these out already and I honestly suggest and recommend using these with other types of markers like Copics and Promarkers. I am really excited to use these in my drawings and tell you all who are interested the outcome of it. That's all for this post, bye!

Entry 7: How I Draw Wolves (Cartoony)

    I'm not a huge fan of "how to draw" videos or step-by-step guides, but I'll this anyway since I've been asked to do so multiple times.
1.) Guidelines are super important for the proportions to come out evenly. Not only that, but it's a big help for you to get a better result instead of free-handing it. I suggest lightly sketching it out so it'll be easier to erase later on.
              

2.) This part I'm not a fan of because it kind of destroys the idea of creating your own style of drawing. But anyway, next you just want to add the basic shape of your wolf. There are many ways of making it how you want it to turn out. Don't get frustrated if it doesn't come out the way you want it, there will be a lot of erasing! Just make it your own!             

3.) Next is to add details that you want your wolf to have. This will add more personality and character to it.

4.) Pretty much the last step, now. Just add whatever designs you want on your wolf. You can mess with as much of it as you want. After that, your sketch is complete, and you line and color it, yaaayy! 

   I kept this really vague since I'm not a fan of these kinds of things. I feel like it teaches you how to draw more like that person vs. you trying to create your own style. Anyways, I hope you tried this out, and I hope it helped you some way or another. Peace out.

Entry 6: Helpful Videos

   Okay, this week, I wanted to share some really helpful videos on drawing and blending and such from youtube. Most of these will revolve around the art supplies that I use (see my last blog post). Out of all these videos, I found them to be really helpful with showing or explaining how to color in a drawing. There are also a few speed drawing videos that I like to watch, since it helps to display how the coloring process will work out, and it always inspires me to try something new with my art!

Promarkers:

   Kattvalk is one of my favorite artists, and out of all the Promarker videos that I've seen she has the best channel for it! I suggest you take a look at her videos and art.

Copics:

   This video both shows the process of their coloring, but she also explains throughout the video what she's doing and why.

This video comes in two parts. If you are interested, you can find his second part.

   I only decided to post three for each since it's mostly your decision and opinion on what you find helpful to your art and improvement. For example, personally for me, I prefer speed drawing videos instead of explanations on how to color. The way you draw and color is all up to you, but it's always great to be inspired and motivated to do so. Anyway, I hope you found this week's blog helpful and somewhat motivational, bye!

Entry 5: Q & A and Supplies

   I've decided it would be an amazingly great idea to post a questions and answers (Q & A) blog. Why you may ask? Well, I always get the same questions over and over again so might as well just make a post about it. Alrighty then, let's begin!

Q: What markers do you use?
A: I use Copics and Promarkers. Both are on the pricier side, but Copics cost more than Promarkers due to Copics coming and originating from Japan.

Q: What do you use to get the black lines around the drawing?
A: It's an ink pen for specifically drawing/doodling. I personally use two different brands; Prismacolor and Microns.
                                     

Q: What type of paper do you use?
A: It all depends on the drawing. If it's a marker drawing, I use Bristol or cardstock paper. If it's watercolors/acrylics I use watercolor paper and sometimes Bristol. If it's a smaller drawing or just a sketch, I use Sketch or Drawing paper.

Q: What's the point of buying such expensive supplies?
A: If you plan on sticking to art for the rest of your life professionally and as a hobby, then it's worth it. If you don't draw or enjoy art as much, don't spend your money on it. It's as simple as that.

Q: Difference between Copics and Crayola?
A: Copics last longer, are easier to blend multiple colors, evenly distributes the color, and you can refill the marker up to 5-10 times a bottle of Various Ink instead of buying another marker. Crayolas are good to use to practice as a beginner in art, so don't automatically run to Copics once you learn about them.

Q: What do you use to get the white parts of a drawing?
A: I use a magical white gelly-roll pen that can only be found in the dark depths of a spooky forest. The pen is guarded by a very powerful wizard. Not many make it out alive.

  

   And now, a message. For whatever reason, people think that once you buy expensive art supplies, you automatically become an amazingly perfect artist. No. Nope. Stop. Don't. The only way to actually become "good" at drawing is to PRACTICE! I cannot stress this enough! Do not buy expensive art supplies until you feel comfortable enough with trying to improve, or if you want to make a living off of art. For the love of everything holy, have common sense, please! Message recieved? Great! Bye.

Entry 4: Three Marker Challenge

   For this week's blog post, I will be doing a challenge! This is the three color marker challenge. This challenge is really simple: all you have to do is close your eyes and pick three markers being unaware of their colors. Then, you have to color in a drawing with those three colors only. This doesn't necessarily have to be markers, but other mediums of supplies, such as colored pencils, pens, crayons, or even digital. It is always interesting to see the outcome, but anyways, let's get started!

This will be the drawing that I'll be working with:

   I quickly drew this out a little bit simple and plain around the face, and then added more detail and chaos around the head and hair. Personally for me, it'll be easier to test and mess around with the three different colors and add variety between the colors. If you attempt this challenge, just use a drawing that you are most comfortable with possibly messing up, or feel it'll be best to contrast between colors without a care in the world of what it will look like in the end. Now time to pick the colors!

These were the colors that got chosen:

Copics: R20 Blush and E29 Burnt Umber
Promarker: O928 Sandstone

   And this is the finished product!

   (10/10 cropping) This was honestly really frustrating at first because I couldn't quite blend the colors together correctly, but I was able to manage. I enjoyed doing this challenge otherwise and kind of liked how it turned out! This was fun and…yeah! Bye!

Entry 3: What Not to Say to an Artist

   This is basically what the title says. I don't mean to offend anyone by this, but it's best to listen to this because I'm not the only one bothered by this. So without further adieu, let's get started!

1.) Always avoid asking these questions or saying these statements if you can already imagine the answer, especially if you aren't close to the person:
"Did you draw that?"
"Can you draw me?"
"Please draw my assignment for me!"
"I bet you didn't draw that."
"You should draw this instead!"
  There are probably a million more to go on about but you get the idea. It's really annoying being put in that situation, especially if it attracts attention. It can often times bring anxiety to some people if you ask question after question and are invading their personal space.

2.) Don't ever ask someone who you hardly know to draw you something. Honestly, it is a bit rude since it gives off the impression that you are just using them. Also, don't even dare think about becoming friends with someone for their art and leave them once they've drawn you something. That is a big nope.

3.) When the artist says no, don't keep begging and whining about it. It's their decision and you shouldn't be mad or annoyed at them for that. Art supplies is really expensive and pricey!
  
4.) Don't compare your art to other peoples' art. It just makes them feel bad and ashamed to draw if it makes other people sad when they look at it.
"I can only draw a stick figure!!"
  
   Please, this doesnt only happen to artists but to other forms of art such as singing, dancing, gymnastics, etc. This is mainly being said to the people who are overly energetic and kind of push into your face and are really loud. If you have a question for them, don't whine, and be considerate of how the artist feels in this situation. Personally, I always feel uncomfortable and awkward, so its one of the worst situations I can get into. Thanks for maybe trying to consider this and listening to me rant.

Entry 2: Process and Steps

1.) The first step is the sketching process. You want to think of what you want to draw. Usually when I draw, it reflects my mood and how I feel at that moment when im drawing. Make sure the pencil strokes are smooth and gentle so its easier to erase mistakes.

2.) Next is the lining. When lining, you want to be very patient, slow, and precise. This step is very important because it adds a lot of interest and visual aesthetics to it.

Once you are finished lining it, wait for it to dry, then erase all of the pencil marks around it.

3.) Coloring!!! I love the coloring process because its honestly really fun experimenting and trying out new techniques.

These will be the colors I'll be using:

The colors are:

-Copics: E00 Skin White, E02 Fruit Pink, E11 Barely Beige, E13 Light Suntan, E33 Sand, R20 Blush, and R43 Bougainvillaea

-Promarkers: M137 Fuchsia Pink, R519 Pale Pink, Y747 Lemon, Y919 Primrose, O928 Sandstone, and M328 Pink Carnation

(The colors look really saturated in this picture wow.) The skin is finished and since they are different shades of one color family, it adds more interest to look at and appreciate more.

The hair… not much to say about it since there are so many different ways to color it, but its best to use three or more colors for one base.

Finished off the skirt, socks, shirt, ears, and tail. The skirt was a lot of layers of the same color pink to keep it a soft shade instead of a harsh darker color like the pink underneath the skirt. Same situation with the shirt: I shaded with a nude color to keep it soft against the white.

Last picture! I added a little more detail to the tail because I thought it would look cool???  I also did a little bit of high-lighting with my white gell-roll pen. It's pretty much complete once you finish high-lighting.

Entry 1: Supplies

   Alrighty! I always get questions on my drawings and art such as "What did you use to color it?" Or "How did you do that?" I feel the need to start this by sharing my supplies that I use when I draw.
To begin with, the main thing I use is paper (obviously.) Normally I use sketching paper when I'm doodling or sketching out ideas, and I use Bristol paper for full drawings due to the thickness of it and how well it holds the color. After I sketch out what I will be drawing, I use my black liners, Microns or Prismas, to line around the drawing to separate each section that I have to color. When I'm done with that, I erase all the pencil marks and take out my favorite handy dandy markers, Copic markers. I usually use around 3-4 different shades and values of the same color family for one part. For example, if I'm coloring skin, I'll use 4 different colors that are darker or lighter than the original base color to shade and highlight different parts of the face. Using multiple different colors of the same color family help to add interest, depth, and personality to the drawing. Often times, I also use colored pencils, Prismacolors, for smaller details or added texture. Honestly, those are the main art supplies I use when creating a drawing.