047: Art for Amateurs
A drawing course. No experience required!
This is a free, seven-day drawing course.
How it works
I'll email you some prompts.
You'll draw for 1-2 min per day.
By the end of a week, you'll have made seven original sketches.
It's a low-stakes opportunity to express yourself, and maybe unblock some creativity. Much closer to DIY comics (or cave paintings) than "fine art".
Join 85+ courageous people who have completed the series!
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Assumptions:
1 / Most kids draw. But few adults keep going. Why?
Adults convince themselves that they are "bad at drawing".
2 / Art doesn't need to sit in a fancy gallery.
3️ / It's fun to withhold criticism, and explore within a framework: To simply enjoy something without expectation or quantifying "success".
More generally, I want more people to try low-stakes creative projects!
F A Q s:
- Are there any prerequisites?
Zero. No art skills or experience required. - Don't I need to know how to draw...?
Nope. We won't make things look pretty or perfect.
You'll choose an approach and commit, putting some ink on a page. - What supplies are needed?
🗒 10 pieces of paper
✍️ Two pens
📱 Countdown timer (optional) - What is the format?
You'll receive an email each morning with the day's prompt. Draw for 1-2 min.
For extra credit, take a photo of what you've made and send it back to me. - Will I learn the fundamentals of line, perspective, form, and value?
No. This won't cover aesthetic principles or formal technique. You'll just make quick marks and gestures to express things, in your own natural style.
Who is a good fit?
Anyone who is willing to draw for 1-2 min per day.
Anyone who sees value in low-stakes experimentation and play.
Ready to do this?
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Bonus
Draw with background music!
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Inspiration for this course :
Many of these exercises are inspired by Lynda Barry, a talented comics artist, teacher, and MacArthur Fellowship recipient. I think she's pretty awesome.
"There was a time when drawing and writing were not separated for you. In fact, our ability to write could only come from our willingness and inclination to draw. In the beginning of our writing and reading lives, we drew the letters of our name."
I'm a huge fan of @NearSitedMonkey's "Making Comics".
— Jeremy Finch (@thefirejar) January 19, 2022
Some her of her key insights:
- Drawing + thinking are connected
- Drawing comes from the body
- Drawing can tell you useful information about how you think and interpret the world (and yourself)
Comics are for everyone! pic.twitter.com/9GGkEUIwtb
Suggestions? Questions?
Drop me a note.
Update :
Here are some of your drawings!
I love seeing your sketches :)
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