As most children, I used to practice my drawing from a young age but never developed a real talent for it. As an adult, I wanted to pick it up again but there was never really a good moment. It’s something that always seemed out of my capabilities.

When I was stuck in bed because of a fall, I finally had the time to pick up creative pursuits and drawing was one of the first. It was the least messy which meant it was perfect for being bed bound.

I took to YouTube, searched for some sketching tutorials that looked fun and went for it.

The first thing I drew was a sea turtle, and I was thrilled with the results! I decided to stick with it by trying to sketch at least once a week, even when life went back to normal.

It’s be nice to say that with each drawing, my skill improved and perhaps in a way it did. But there were ups and downs. Some turned out unexpectedly well whilst others looked… less than perfect.

Perhaps it was to do with the tutorial, or simply my skill level but with each drawing, I could feel the concepts sketching.

In 5 months, I haven’t yet truly ventured to creating my own sketches but I can feel the principles clearly forming in my mind.

I now know how to build more complex shapes by building them from circles and lines. I’ve learned how to find the proportions of an image. But most importantly, I’ve learned to persevere and relax.

I wouldn’t call myself a perfectionist, but in most areas of life, I want to know that I can succeed in something before I do it.

With drawing, I assumed that I could follow a tutorial. But there was one of a fox that didn’t feel like it was going well. Half way through, I was frustrated and lost and it didn’t seem like I would achieve the desired result.

However, it ended up being one of my favourite sketches.

A similar thing happened with a drawing of a leopard. I was struggling with the spots, but I persevered and tried to relax in the process, pretty much just scribbling away.

Although it’s still following a tutorial, it is drawn on a blank page with nothing but my hand guiding a pencil.

When it comes to the last five months of drawing, I’ve obviously learned a decent amount with sketching, I’ve also learned a lot of life lessons.

I’ve learned not to take things too seriously. Trying to be a perfectionist often inhibits you rather than helps. Being relaxed always seems to help me with drawing and I would imagine it would help in other areas of my life too.

I’ve learned that being consistent pays off. Dedicated time regularly to a skill will make you improve with not too much pressure. There’s no set deadline. No real goal to reach. Just a habit of practicing when I can.

I hope to continue my sketching journey and I hope to soon venture off and draw without the need of tutorials. It’s an interesting journey and I look forward to sharing what the next five months look like!