“Practice makes perfect”
“It takes 10,000 hours to master a skill” (I cannot remember or find an exact quote for this but I am sure we have all heard a version of it)
I realize looking at this image that I have never been good at drawing the human form. There is nothing like attempting something out of your immediate comfort zone to make you question your abilities. The fact that I found myself working off of a wire frame to build the human forms just adds to my own personal frustration that this type of art has always eluded me.
It doesn’t help that social media is prevalent with artists who seem to draw the human form flawlessly and with what seems like little effort. I always find that when I have to draw a person that I am just not good at getting the look the way I want without help.
There must be a secret that I am unaware of when it comes to drawing the human form. It certainly isn’t like I didn’t take figure drawing classes when I was in school. It could also be that in my case, what I am doing is comparing myself too much to what others are doing when they draw. I do have a different style from most and it isn’t a style that seems popular when illustrating characters.
However let’s look back at those first statements I made…
I do firmly believe that practice makes perfect, or at least improvement. I may not be the best at drawing people; but if I do not try to draw people when the opportunity presents itself then I will never improve. We do not gain skills by avoiding things that we are not comfortable with.
The 10,000 rule, which I believe was coined by Malcom Gladwell, I do take issue with. The idea that if you start something and do it for 10,000 hours you will be an expert is utter bull-🤬 to me. There are people in this world who are just naturally good at things they try. That does not mean that they do not work hard at still improving, however implying that 10,000 hours is required to be an expert seems to disregard those who are naturally good at something. It also seems to disregard people who are so determined to get good at a task or skill but it will take them longer for whatever reason.
Personally, I am constantly questioning my abilities or skills. I am relatively certain that most artists do. However, other than spending time with my family, drawing and art is the only other thing I love to do. I hope that others feel I have talent but even if they don’t I will continue to make my way in the world growing and developing my skills. Even if it takes me more than 10,000 hours.
I would love to hear others thoughts on learning new skills and talents. Do you subscribe to the 10,000 hour rule? Do you enjoy trying new skills out of your comfort zone? Do you feel like an expert?