Do you know how to optimize your art learning?

Have you ever felt stuck (artistically)? Art block? Since I started drawing and learning digital art, I began to realize that there were 3 major ways I made big breakthroughs in my own work. Most times I had a big "aha" moment, it came from one of these avenues:

    1. Direct learning - tutorials, books, etc.

    2. Exploring original art files

    3. Discovering better tools

Each of them play an important role in making the learning process active, memorable, and fun. I recommend that you bookmark or tag this email so that you can refer back to it from time to time when you're feeling stuck.

1. Direct Learning

Direct learning encompasses learning through written or verbal instruction. Things like learning art in a class setting, watching Youtube videos of your favorite artists explain their process, or reading an art book. You can learn how someone else has done things successfully and build on it. Direct learning introduces new concepts and makes you think in new ways.

The Ice King by Mike Azevedo

When I was in high school, I learned by watching video tutorials from Feng Zhu. I loved watching Mike Azevedo paint. I also filled in the gaps of my digital art knowledge with Ctrl Paint. Learning directly was a great way to build up a foundation and become acquainted with new knowledge, but it wasn't enough for me to start implementing this new knowledge in real art. It was too abstract and passive. The big downfall of solely relying on direct learning is that it's a passive learning process.

2. Exploring Files

While direct learning was great for me to get introduced to new concepts, I personally couldn't fully grasp them until I could see how they were implemented in real artwork. I'm a big believer in exploring original files and dissecting them to understand how everything comes together. Exploring real artwork turns abstract theory into reality.

Zephyrus by Ilya Kuvshinov

One day, I stumbled upon an original file of one of my favorite artists, Ilya Kuvshinov. My eyes were opened. Beforehand, I was learning about all of these theories and methods and nodding along like I understood. But by seeing how he implemented techniques in a PSD file that I could take apart, something clicked.

I was turning layers on and off, seeing how each added a new level of depth to the piece. I learned how he was using layer blending modes, how he was organizing his layers, and more. I felt that I was obtaining a deeper level of knowledge and immediately grabbed my stylus and began to paint.

Ever since, I've made an effort to explore the files of artists that I look up to. It did wonders for what I was able to implement in my own work.

After grasping these techniques, I wanted to get to the next level by optimizing my tools. I needed to be more efficient and effective.

3. Better Tools

I loved seeing how different artists used their brushes in their art. I was a huge fan of Tonko House and their artists Dice Tsutsumi and Robert Kondo. I admired the delicate textures and rough edges in their works and wanted to paint like them. I was dying to get my hands on their tools, because I could see how much of an impact they had on the look and feel of their paintings. When they finally released their brushes on Photoshop, I immediately downloaded them and understood the power of a well thought out and comprehensive toolset.

The Dam Keeper by Tonko House

When Procreate first released, there weren't many good brushes out there, and I couldn't find a single set that I was happy with. I stuck with Procreate's default 2B and mechanical pencil for my early experiments. But before I knew it, I was thinking of ways to make better tools for myself.

I never set out with the goal of creating my own brushset. But after painting, practicing, creating personal pieces, and working freelance, I would create a new brushes to help me overcome challenges in my work to become more efficient. Before I knew it, I had created over 50+ brushes and color palettes.

A few years later, I had amassed a collection of brushes and decided to share some of them on the Procreate forums. To my surprise, they quickly got the attention of a lot of artists. Fast forward to today, and over 100,000 artists around the world use them.

Concluding Thoughts

The 3 methods I personally used above can easily be applied to your own work to help you become a better artist. In summary...

1. You need direct learning to become introduced to knowledge and ideas within art.

2. Explore original files and different processes to get intimately familiar with the ins-and-outs of digital painting and how everything comes together in a concrete way.

3. Finding or creating the right tools can make a night and day difference for your efficiency and style.

My brushes, art files, and tutorials are all available today

Artists can become more efficient and improve their work by doing these 3 simple things: (1) learning, (2) exploring, and (3) creating. This inspired the 3 kinds of resources that I've created: (1) tutorial books, (2) my personal illustration files and video replays, and (3) my brushes and palettes.

Learn more about my resources on Gumroad.

Jingsketch All Access+ is the most convenient way to get all of my resources together in one elegant discounted bundle.

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