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Basics

So I tried the whole art school thing, wanting to be an animator. I realized that I didnt have the drawing skills needed to be accecpted by and accredited animation school. I then realized it was film that I wanted to pursue. Now I am bored and am looking at just doodling as a hobby. I realized that many of my drawing problems stem from a lack of knowing the basics. Line quality, thickness, accuracy.
Anyone know any good practice techniques to improve these basic techniques?
thanks
grim

Just draw. Keep drawing. Get feedback from anyone and everyone. If everyone goes "eeehhh..." then keep trying until they start saying "hmmm... not bad." Then keep drawing until they go "wow." Feedback is important along the way. Just don't give up.

http://www.amazon.com/DC-Comics-Guide-Pencilling/dp/0823010287/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-0413108-9208818?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1183156402&sr=8-2

I think after the looney toons book, Im going to start going through this book. I really like his art, although does anyone know if it is a good book to go through?

True

Life and art are so much more than competing with each other or winning fame, fortune or focusing on a limited goal. Life is about living and doing what you love. Those that wish to benefit from the sweat of others love to pit us against each other. I say if you want to create, start plying your hand at it and take enjoyment out of the small successes. Give yourself a chance to have a little fun with it without trying to meet others expectations, and don't be too critical in the beginning, but also don't expect to reap huge financial rewards while you are just learning, actually don't expect them at all and you will be happier.

Taking a modest approach to the obvious is a somewhat neutral way of viewing the big picture. Don't you think? But you're right, life is more than just winning fame and being rich. I was not implying that that's all there is, I simply meant that if it is you wish to seek something you had best do it to the best of your ability. We all compete in this life
for the best of everything, that includes but is not limited to: The best jobs, homes, mates, cars, jewels, friends etc, etc.
To those who disband this conclusion are those who ignore the prevailing notion of this obvious fact. But I believe that we all should try and be the best that we can be--at what ever it is we excel in and try hide you might, but life is a competition: one worth fighting for--one worth winning.

He who seeks the truth, must first empty his heart of a false pursuit.

Diemeras Dark Angel

I do my best, I don't have to have others acknowledge it or vote for it. I am happy with a twenty year old truck it gets me where I want to go, and I don't need a fancy home to impress others...all I need is what meets my personal needs. My life is not a competition. It is my life to lead as I feel it's right to lead it.

Pat Hacker, Visit Scooter's World.

To those who disband this conclusion are those who ignore the prevailing notion of this obvious fact.

"To those who break up the order of this conclusion are those who ignore the most frequent or common notion of this obvious fact."

...what?

That's okay...

"To those who break up the order of this conclusion are those who ignore the most frequent or common notion of this obvious fact."

...what?

Don't worry about it Scatter and Phacker. If you don't understand it, that's completely fine, I'm not saying that we all need to be rich and have nice things. It is completely okay to enjoy the simple things that life has to give and who gives a shit what other people think. I don't and you don't either. I am now segregrated on this forum and it's completely fine, I said some stupid things once and it haunts me to this day. But that's okay, I was only trying to tell that dude that he needs to get focused and be prepared to work hard for what he wants. I guess sometimes my words are somewhat irrelevant and irreverant, but that's okay. Next time I'll think before I write, which is the wise thing to do.

He who seeks the truth, must first empty his heart of a false pursuit.

Diemeras Dark Angel

"To those who break up the order of this conclusion are those who ignore the most frequent or common notion of this obvious fact."

...what?

Just more numbskull ramblings from the nitwit that is DDA, incomprehenisble as always.

Remember folks, this person, Diemeras Dark Angel, was try to convince people that he/she was a 17 year old, college degree holding, anime "expert" producing their own anime series in California.
Of course they were found out to be a big flat nothing.

But Scatteredlogical is a cool cat.

Adjust your bullshit detectors accordingly and carry on.

"We all grow older, we do not have to grow up"--Archie Goodwin ( 1937-1998)

Don't worry about it Scatter and Phacker. If you don't understand it, that's completely fine, I'm not saying that we all need to be rich and have nice things. It is completely okay to enjoy the simple things that life has to give and who gives a shit what other people think. I don't and you don't either. I am now segregrated on this forum and it's completely fine, I said some stupid things once and it haunts me to this day. But that's okay, I was only trying to tell that dude that he needs to get focused and be prepared to work hard for what he wants. I guess sometimes my words are somewhat irrelevant and irreverant, but that's okay. Next time I'll think before I write, which is the wise thing to do.

I don't need your approval to accept anything. You still say some very stupid things.

Pat Hacker, Visit Scooter's World.

Grab a book and stick your face in it.

Simplest path to gaining skills at drawing is to emulate the drawings that you like.
Try to duplicate the lines, shapes and forms you see in a image in front of you.
You already have these skills--if you've learned handwriting then you can draw, because the two skills use the same kind of associative observation.

Keep it simple for yourself at first and then build on top of the skills you master as they come.

"We all grow older, we do not have to grow up"--Archie Goodwin ( 1937-1998)

well guys
umm
thanks for the imput.
Im going back to drawing bugs bunny now.

If you're worried about your drawing skills I don't think line quality and thickness are your main concerns. You should practice drawing solid roughs don't be concerned with a perfect clean finished piece of art it sounds like you may need to work on the weight, construction and silhouette of your drawings.
I don't know what your approach to a final drawing is but if your roughs are tight then you can worry about line.
But if your drawings are to your liking then forget all I've said and work on your clean up :)

Grab a book and stick your face in it.

Simplest path to gaining skills at drawing is to emulate the drawings that you like.
.

that's the way I've learned to draw.
Also I've never went to an art school or an art academie before I went to college (which is an art school )

the books from which I've learned to draw were the comics/strips I used to (and I still) read.

Serie: Artist
Nero: Marc Sleen (and Dirk Stallaert)
Blake & Mortimer: Edgar P. Jacobs
Suske & Wiske: Willy Vandersteen

a couple of albums of the series that inspired me (and may be helpfull for others):

also strips dat inspired me were:
Asterix, Lucky Luke, Tintin...

some other strips/comics/bande dessinée that are very helpfull/inspirefull for their artwork are:

The Scorpion, Murena,
Guust Flater/Gaston Lagaffe

and many more, but I think, if some body has practisted all this styles (there are plenty of examples of this series on the web), you can draw your basicforms ;)

If you're worried about your drawing skills I don't think line quality and thickness are your main concerns. You should practice drawing solid roughs don't be concerned with a perfect clean finished piece of art it sounds like you may need to work on the weight, construction and silhouette of your drawings.
I don't know what your approach to a final drawing is but if your roughs are tight then you can worry about line.
But if your drawings are to your liking then forget all I've said and work on your clean up :)

I think the silhouette and weight could use the work. I can draw other peoples work just fine, it actually looks pretty good. Its just when i sit and brainstorm it always looks like crap when im just sitting there thinking.
Not good.

the white piece of paper...

A couple of thoughts...
An amazing professor once told me, the white piece of paper can be intimidating, so get a circle on there... and start from there. Go here to look at an example: http://lanimate.animationblogspot.com/ Scroll down to his "character demos."

Chuck Jones also said "[everyone has 100000 bad drawings inside of them, the quicker you get them out, the better you'll be.]" -Paraphrased-

Also, don't just sit down to a white piece of paper, collect as much research and reference about whatever you're about to draw or create. Pin it up and display all your research around you... whether it be key poses from movies, or google images of humphrey bogart, or old briefcases. REFERENCE is used for every movie, commercial, etc. Fill your brain and eyes with tons of observances and references. Go out to the park, or go online, watch documentaries, whatever... REFERENCE. Excitement for something... translated to paper.

One exercise (another example from "the cool professor"):
Sit down at a nice cafe with a hot coccoa and draw your hand -- on a sketchbook. Then, draw little characters all over your hand, interacting with it (sleeping on the hammock between your thumb and forefinger, rapeling off your forearm, etc).

If I had to pick an inspiring book to recommend to you,it would be Chuck Reducks. And just simply go for it.

Focus

So I tried the whole art school thing, wanting to be an animator. I realized that I didnt have the drawing skills needed to be accecpted by and accredited animation school. I then realized it was film that I wanted to pursue. Now I am bored and am looking at just doodling as a hobby. I realized that many of my drawing problems stem from a lack of knowing the basics. Line quality, thickness, accuracy.
Anyone know any good practice techniques to improve these basic techniques?
thanks
grim

Seems to me you have a problem with being consistent. Spanning from this, I gather that you are young and the world seems filled with so many opportunities to make money--opportunities you cannot decifer on which route to take.
If you love animation and film-making then maybe you should become a producer or director in the animation industry.

Shift your perspective: You don't have to become an artist to work in the animation business and you don't have to be a film-maker in order to enjoy art. Why not meld the two or focus on one thing.
In these times it is considered unwise not to be focused--why?
Because someone out there shares your dream and the odd truth lies in the parody of life: It is all just a big competition. One worth winning--one worth cherishing.
It may be a messed up view, but we all have our own outlook on life...I hope you will someday find yours.

He who seeks the truth, must first empty his heart of a false pursuit.

Diemeras Dark Angel

words

arent you the guy that was full of shit heahehaeh

ps. grim just draw draw draw draw draw

cool

I realized that many of my drawing problems stem from a lack of knowing the basics. Line quality, thickness, accuracy.
Anyone know any good practice techniques to improve these basic techniques?

If you posted some of your drawings, then we might be able to get a better sense of what you could focus on to improve your drawings. This would also help us recommend books and techniques for you.

Aloha,
the Ape

...we must all face a choice, between what is right... and what is easy."

Some nice notes and sketches from Walt Stanchfield on Animation Meat. There's even one called "Those that can't start can't finish".

Have fun!

Walt Stanchfield

I think the silhouette and weight could use the work. I can draw other peoples work just fine, it actually looks pretty good. Its just when i sit and brainstorm it always looks like crap when im just sitting there thinking.
Not good.

I don't know if you own a nice sketch book but if you don't..... get one, drawing your surroundings and the people in it is wonderful practice and if you want to do life drawing but don't have the time or money Playboy is a great way to draw female models that never move :)
If the brainstorming your trying to do is character design or trying to find your own style that can take time.
Learn to draw cartoons/animated characters you love well and do a lot of life drawing, you'll be suprised how it all works together to define you.
There's no real secret all you have to do is draw, draw, draw, draw, draw....
Oh, and have good drawing habits :) if you can surround yourself with other talented artists you can compare and critique each other as well.
Your peers can sometimes be better than any school you could go to.

It is all just a big competition. One worth winning--one worth cherishing.

Life and art are so much more than competing with each other or winning fame, fortune or focusing on a limited goal. Life is about living and doing what you love. Those that wish to benefit from the sweat of others love to pit us against each other. I say if you want to create, start plying your hand at it and take enjoyment out of the small successes. Give yourself a chance to have a little fun with it without trying to meet others expectations, and don't be too critical in the beginning, but also don't expect to reap huge financial rewards while you are just learning, actually don't expect them at all and you will be happier.

Pat Hacker, Visit Scooter's World.

although does anyone know about the penciling comics book?

hey guys thanks.
I just grabbed the How to draw looney toons book, The hardcover one. Im finding it really enjoyable to go through. does anyone know if this is a good book to use? I am realitivley good at drawing already, well actually I have my days, or drawings i should say. Its more bad drawings then good drawings.
Thanks for all the help tho. I would post some art but I dont have a computer at the moment. I am using a friends right now. So uploading art would be kinda hard.

hey guys thanks.
I just grabbed the How to draw looney toons book, The hardcover one. Im finding it really enjoyable to go through. does anyone know if this is a good book to use? I am realitivley good at drawing already, well actually I have my days, or drawings i should say. Its more bad drawings then good drawings.
Thanks for all the help tho. I would post some art but I dont have a computer at the moment. I am using a friends right now. So uploading art would be kinda hard.

Is it the Draw the Looney Tunes book? If so, I thought it was a excellent book on my few glances through it.

"We all grow older, we do not have to grow up"--Archie Goodwin ( 1937-1998)

http://www.amazon.com/Draw-Looney-Tunes-Dan-Romanelli/dp/0811850161
thats the link to the book on amazon, its hardcover and in an almost widescreen like format.

I never bought it but probably would if I were in a better financial position.

I know John K says he doesn't like it because it's the hard-edge, modern-commecial-purpose designs of the character, but...well...they're attractive. I can separate the two in my mind.

The actual film models look good and are good designs for their purpose, and the same can be said for the designs in that book. Plus some of the demonstration drawings are really nice, like a sort of wireframe mesh (multiple crosshairs style) of Bugs' head to really get a clear idea of how the head shape deviates slightly and how the cheeks wrap around. For beginners too, a lot of basic ideas like perspective and line of action can be presented in an easier to absorb fashion because you see them applied to characters you're already intimately familiar with. Easier to spot the changes.

Plus it's almost half the price online. It's attractive and hardcover so might be sort of worth 40 but definitely at 26 (JUST enough to ship for free) it at least belongs on the coffee table of someone I'd like to visit. :D

hey guys thanks.
I just grabbed the How to draw looney toons book, The hardcover one. Im finding it really enjoyable to go through. does anyone know if this is a good book to use? I am realitivley good at drawing already, well actually I have my days, or drawings i should say. Its more bad drawings then good drawings.
Thanks for all the help tho. I would post some art but I dont have a computer at the moment. I am using a friends right now. So uploading art would be kinda hard.

I saw that book and I choked at the price. Would like to have it, but it is more of a coffee table book than something to work with.

It's funny you should say that. I've got the book, and in the introduction it states explicitly and with great emphasis, "Don't treat this like a coffee table book!"

John K might not like the designs compared to the earlier models - I prefer the earlier ones myself too - but the point of the book is really learning to draw in general, it goes beyond a collection of model sheets, and since I don't know of any books that have all the old Clampett or C. Jones models, the objection of JohnK the self-proclaimed King of Cartoons* is rendered pretty irrelevant.
Anyway -- solid (if "standard") concepts, good examples, but not a complete A-to-Z that'll turn you pro on its own, by any means. Use it up and move on to the next book or DVD.

* everyone knows that the real king of cartoons was that guy from peewee's playhouse

It's funny you should say that. I've got the book, and in the introduction it states explicitly and with great emphasis, "Don't treat this like a coffee table book!"

John K might not like the designs compared to the earlier models - I prefer the earlier ones myself too - but the point of the book is really learning to draw in general, it goes beyond a collection of model sheets, and since I don't know of any books that have all the old Clampett or C. Jones models, the objection of JohnK the self-proclaimed King of Cartoons* is rendered pretty irrelevant.
Anyway -- solid (if "standard") concepts, good examples, but not a complete A-to-Z that'll turn you pro on its own, by any means. Use it up and move on to the next book or DVD.

* everyone knows that the real king of cartoons was that guy from peewee's playhouse

So Ive read through the first 4 or 5 chapters and have found something that hit a note with me. Yes drawing is an art that takes practice upon practice. Learning to draw is essential. But so is, what the book calls rhythm. Its a concept that I have never stoped to think about. Maybe its because I have never really been an "artsy" person. I barley passed my art classes, and I have pretty much failed miserably at all other aspects of art. Pottery, painting, those cheap water colors ect. All with the exception of drawing and airbrush. And I failed miserably at drawing too. Maybe its just the mindset that I have never been the artsy type that has been holding me back the most. When all the kids with the crazy mohaws and piercings got it and I didn't. It is about rhythm, as the book puts it. The actualy connection with what you are drawing. I can't explain it persay, but it is something that struck a note with me. It made me realize that just because I have not been considered an artsy person, almost a business man, that I could still succeed, all I had to do was a sort of opening of the mind. Anyone know what Im talking about.
Im not on drugs I swear.

Actually, while I like Draw... a lot, I kind of prefer Animamting the Looney Tunes Way-- it has a lot more about construction in it, and uses a couple of walk cycles from old Clampett cartoons. Preston Blair's Cartoon Animation is a classic and a pretty good beginner's book. I also like Draw Comics With Dick Girodano. He has a fun 50s style, and uses solid Andrew Loomis construction.

Once you learn construction, a good practice is to get a xerox or print-out from a comic or cartoon you like, put it on a light box, and rebuild it. Don't trace it, start with the simple volumes and line of action, and then turn the light box off and draw all the center lines, etc, yourself. Just use the original as a reference. I'm at the point where I know what a lot of the tricks are, but I'm not that good at them yet. So stuff like this is very useful.