10 Reasons You Should Start Drawing Today
(1) Minimal Start up Costs
In terms of art based activities, I’m not sure you can get much cheaper than drawing. All you need is paper and a pen or pencil. That’s it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you must have that special Arches paper or Micron pens to do it right. That’s brand snobbery talking right there. If you have never really drawn before but want to get started, take out any old piece of paper and pencil. It’s enough. If you want to be all tech fancy you can even get a drawing app like Tayasui Sketches, mentioned in this article on 8 drawing apps.
(2) Portable Art Form
Drawing embraces a minimalist lifestyle. Are you constantly on the go? Maybe you want something to do while waiting in a grocery queue; get in the “right” line in Muscat here and you can be stuck for gifted with 15-30 minutes of drawing time! 😉
(3) Drawing Helps Your Memory
Despite our belief that all doodlers are daydreamers who actively dissociate in boring meetings recent research consistently finds doodlers retain more information about a meeting the following day than non-doodlers. So, get out those pens. Share the research with your boss, too.
(4) Drawing Makes You Happier
Participating in some form of play lowers risk of anxiety and depression and maybe even tendencies towards violence. It is an active means of maintaining and developing a healthy mind.
(5) Drawing Fosters Connection
People want to know what you are doing when they see you making art in a public space. I was on a plane flying back home to Dubai from Jordan. I went for a week by myself to see Petra and go to the Dead Sea. I decided to get out my sketchbook and doodle on the flight. The turbulence got pretty bad, so I started to put it away when the woman next to me asked, “Do you draw?” She was fidgeting with nerves, she was terrified of the turbulence. I ended up chatting with her and drawing her for the rest of the flight. She was so relieved and flattered she insisted on inviting me to her home in Sharjah (an Emirate next to Dubai) as a thank you.
(6) Drawing Offers New Perspective
Drawing teaches you to “see” the world around with with a new set of eyes. Fresh views offer new ideas and inspiration; you don’t even have to leave your home town! Having a problem in your life? Draw or doodle while you think about it, it can be a great means of triggering new perspectives.
(7) Drawing is the Foundation of Art Skills
Drawing is a foundational skill for the arts. The more you do it, the better you are at it and the easier other art forms will become for you. Many schools encourage drawings as a means of planning out work in other art materials. If you want to be better in the arts, start with drawing.
(8) Drawing is a Means of Making Memories
We rush through our holidays and vacations, taking hundreds of photographs we never print out or display. In the Outer Banks (OBX) of North Carolina this summer I watched my family climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse while I sat on the grass outside and painted it. I love that little doodle of mine! What if rather than collecting more memory for your computer’s backup drive you created a drawing to remember a quiet afternoon sipping wine on the Thames?!
(9) Drawing is a Tool for Communication
Our ability to speak is only one form of communication. Drawing allows us to “speak” with people across languages, geography, and politics. We are so intrigued and fascinated by man’s first known drawings; it’s because we are “hearing” from our origins.
(10) Drawing Builds Confidence
We all start with a wee bit of insecurity when we try something new. Art can help build connection between people, foster communication and contribute to states of wellbeing; we are then primed to keep going and feel good about it as we develop our drawing skills. First, it will be all about the risks you take as an artist, but eventually it will intersect with your life. Drawing means a developing confidence not only in your art practice, but in yourself.
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No more immediate form of creativity than putting pencil to paper. Nice post, Carrie — reminds me that drawing is an easy way to scratch that creative itch.
Kevin thanks for reading. Creativity doesn’t have to be hard, and that’s the point of this post: sometimes we make it so! 🙂
My dad always said “only boring people get bored.” I was always sure to have a tablet and pencil to amuse myself. That advice has aided me well in life.
I also, used to tell my art students they should do the same. It is extremely cost effective and easy to travel with. I am going to keep a copy of this post for future reference. oxoxo
I love your dad’s quote! I’m saving that one for later Kori 🙂 We can totally overcomplicate creative practice, especially for beginners. Thanks Kori for reading, have a great day.
I agree with everything. I have no special talent, really, but I enjoy the process.
For instance, when I am in a queue, I love drawing whatever I have around me. It does create memories and it highlights what would have been just a dull moment, it makes it precious.
My perspective is all wrong, dimensions, everything. But I do see improvements.
But how do I toughen up, when people who do know how to draw, laugh at my endeavours ? I know I should ignore them but it does hurt a little.
It’s as if, if you can’t draw well, you should not be drawing ? Don’t worry, I am not quitting, it’s too much fun and is so rewarding.
Hi Elfin!
The only way to keep improving is to keep going.
I’m so sorry to hear people have been less than supportive about your interest in the arts. Of course it hurts! I suggest you consider a few different strategies:
(1) Be loving with yourself. On days people have said something hurtful about your creativity, coddle yourself a bit. I don’t mean wallow, I mean, care for yourself as you would a dear friend who has gone through something difficult. What words would you say to your friend? What advice would you give them? What would make you feel safe, comfortable, and secure again? For me that often means baking, or taking a bath. I also avoid social media on days I’m feeling particularly vulnerable (too much potential emotional influence from other people).
(2) Ask them if they draw. In fact, offer them your sketchbook to make a doodle themselves in it; encourage them to even finish your drawing for you! Be the example they clearly never had. Tell them how happy it makes you and how hurtful it is to hear someone laugh at something that makes you so happy. Most people will be thrown off by your direct admittance that it does hurt and feel sorry for their words. I’m also a firm believer that inviting people into our world is the way to make the entire world better. If people laugh it’s because your choice is bringing something up for them. While it’s easy to say, it’s true: their laughter has nothing to do with you. Help them see the creative joy lacking in their lives!
I hope you keep at it Elfin as you say – you are being a wonderful example to everyone out there who wishes to do the same thing, but has too many fears to take that leap and start making their art.
Thank you for sharing. Have a day filled with creative encouragement and inspiration. 🙂
I think it just comes down to the the cliché about art being only an expression of great talent. And I think it’s this, that inhibits many people from exploring art as creative play.
Carrie, thanks for your detailed reply and suggestions. I was very enthusiastic with my endeavours but you are right, this has nothing to with me.
Elfin, you are right about how much fear about skill (and lack there of) holds people back. And I’m glad to know it has nothing to do with you. 🙂 You are welcome, have a lovely day.