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. Closer to DIY comics (or cave paintings) than "fine art".
Join 65+ courageous people who have completed the series!
Sign up below :
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Assumptions:
1 / Most kids draw. But fewer adults keep going. Why? They convince themselves that they are "bad at drawing".
2 / Art doesn't need to sit in a gallery.
3️ / It can be fun to withhold criticism, and explore within a framework: To enjoy something without quantifying "success".
More generally, I want more people to do low-stakes creative projects!
F A Q s:
- Are there prerequisites?
Zero. No art experience required. - Do I need to know how to draw?
Nope.
We won't make things look pretty or perfect.
You'll simply choose an approach and commit, putting some ink on a page. - What supplies are needed?
🗒 10 pieces of paper (any type)
✍️ 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.
Then, take a photo of what you've made and send it back to me (extra credit). - Will I learn the fundamentals of line, perspective, form, and value?
Nope.
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 experimentation and play.
I hope to lower barriers and give people permission to try new things (provide creative "kindling").
Ready?
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Bonus
Draw with some music!
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Inspiration for this course :
Some of these exercises are inspired by Lynda Barry, a talented comics artist, teacher, and MacArthur Fellowship recipient.
She has said :
"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".
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
Other questions?
Drop me a note.
Update :
Here are your drawings!
So cool to see these come in 👏
Different topic, similar format
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