Overcoming a fear of failing in drawing
Question from Tyler
I have a fear of my art not coming out very good and it sometimes keeps me from trying to draw. Do you have any suggestions on how I could work past this?
Hi Tyler,
Many thanks for your question.
Just take it as a given that not all of your artwork will come out as you intended.
There is no artist on this planet who produces every work of art as perfect as it could get.
You are not alone and your fear is not unique.
We know people who buy multiple sketchbooks and never use them because they are afraid their drawings will not be good enough, and will spoil a sketchbook in this way.
(Life drawing by Natalie Richy)
Here’s a simple mathematical fact – 50% of the drawings of any artist is below his or her average regardless what level this artist has.
Just accept that 80 out of 100 drawings you do in a sketchbook will be complete sh*t. The remaining 18 you may accept as non-failures but not very good; and only 2 pictures you would agree to show to other people.
To draw more than 2 acceptable pieces of artwork, you would need to make more than 100 attempts.
With time, quantity will shift into quality. Your percentage of good work will grow.
We hope this clears up your doubts and expectations.
Kind regards,
Natalie Richy and Vladimir London
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I agree with this answer. Practice will get you to where more of your drawings will be more liked by yourself. Just because you don’t like it that doesn’t mean others wont. I have drawn many things and find that what I like of my own work is sometimes different then what others might like. Don’t be hard on yourself. I struggle with knowing that I love to draw and create but don’t know what I can do with my finished projects. How do I show my work and get recognized for my work?
thank you for this, amazing drawing of natalie <3
I am glad you gave us such an important response regarding failure of drawing. I always wanted to be an artist since I was a child but the circumstances took me in a different direction, and also I didn’t get the parent’s support that we all need. They always thought that artists would not make it in life. Now, I aim 69 years old, retired, and I’m determined to start doing it regardless what anybody thinks, including myself.
Thank you so much for your comment.
Carlos