Tips That Helped Me Become a Better Artist (And Still Do)

I wanted to share a few tips that genuinely helped me grow as an artist; these are the ones I keep coming back to. They may sound simple, but they’ve shaped how I work and perceive myself creatively.

1. Believe in yourself (I know, cliché, but it’s the truth)

If I had to choose one piece of advice that matters the most, it’s this. Believe in yourself, your potential, the version of yourself you want to become, and the goal you’re working towards. It makes such a difference when you have artists you look up to and truly believe that one day you’ll reach their level. Not because of luck, but because you’re showing up, putting in the effort, and growing little by little. That mindset is everything. It keeps you going when nothing else does.

2. Know your weaknesses and lean into them

We all have strengths, but it’s the weaknesses we avoid that usually hold us back the most. Maybe you’re good at portraits, but anatomy isn’t your thing. Or maybe your work looks great, but the structure feels off because you never really spent time on the basics. To be a well-rounded artist, you must face those weaker areas head-on. It's not always fun, but it makes all the difference. Take a step back, be honest with yourself, and dive into the areas you usually avoid.

3. Simplify what you see

This one changed the way I draw. Simplify everything. Before you get lost in the details, train your eyes to break things down into basic shapes. A circle, a square, a triangle. Complex subjects become a lot more manageable when you see them this way. It saves time, builds efficiency, and makes your process stronger. But it’s also something you need to practice, and the best way to do that is through real-life studies.

4. Study from life, not just pictures

Photos are helpful, yes, but they’re flat. When you study something from life, you see depth, angles, lighting, and subtle details you’d never catch in a photo. Real-life observation sharpens your eye and helps you understand form on a deeper level. It also helps you discover more about yourself as an artist. It’s one of those practices that always gives back, no matter how experienced you are.

There’s no magic formula for being a great artist. But if you believe in yourself, stay aware of what you need to work on, and never stop observing and learning from life, you’re already on the right path.