Greetings from Osaka! While traveling with my friend Eliane and her big family, I had a memorable moment that reminded me of why sketching is accessible to anyone willing to learn.
One evening, after settling into our apartment near Namba, I was reviewing sketches from my Sketch Like The Pros course on my Samsung Pro Note tablet. The youngest kids of the group, Angelina (11) and Theo (12), came over, intrigued by what I was doing even though they knew little about product design.
Theo confessed he thought he was bad at sketching. I smiled and told him I wish he could see my very first sketches—raw, clumsy, and far from perfect.
The Myth of Innate Talent
So often, people believe that sketching is only for the “gifted,” or that great artists are simply born with talent. You may have heard things like:
- “You need to be naturally talented to sketch well.”
- “Only geniuses can become great artists.”
- “Some people just can’t do it.”
These beliefs are simply not true.
Sketching Is a Learned Skill, Not Magic
Much like learning piano, no one plays perfectly from the start. You begin with basics and practice scales before performing full compositions. Sketching works the same way.
The foundation of sketching lies in techniques—a set of repeatable steps anyone can follow. It’s not about spontaneous inspiration or mysterious innate creativity. It’s about learning how to see, understand shapes, and logically deconstruct objects.
What You Really Need: Logic and Willingness
The secret to becoming a good sketcher is having a good sense of logic. By observing, analyzing, and following structured methods, beginners can progress quickly. Artistic ability is not a random gift but a skill developed through practice and logical application of techniques.
Encouragement for Aspiring Sketchers
If you doubt your ability, remember:
- Sketching basics are much simpler than complicated math problems you might have faced in school.
- With patience and consistent practice, anyone can learn to sketch well.
- Believe in your capacity to learn—your logical thinking and motivation will carry you far.
Remember, the journey to becoming a proficient sketcher starts with small steps and a positive mindset. Anyone with a little logic and a lot of determination can sketch beautifully!
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
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