An example of this is a couple of weeks ago I drew my boyfriend's dog, a canine, and applied my same usual technique of sketching a canine face, same style eyes and mouth that I always do and it came out like this, pretty mediocre right?
I decided to break out of this cycle in a moment of inspiration. My inspiration was seeing a video on Facebook of someone holding a baby octopus. It was really pretty and adorable and has induced me into octopus-frenzy coma where all I think about is cuddling them ANYWAY. This prompted me to begin watching videos about octopus, looking at pictures of them and eventually wanting desperately to draw one.
This was the result. OCTOPUS
Much better right? I can confirm I drew both of these images, they are fully mine, please do not take.
Because I hadn't drawn an octopus before, it wasn't going to be the regular "draw what you usually do from memory and end up with the same boring result".
I spent 15-20 minutes gathering a collage of images I wanted to use to reference anatomy and colour. I then spent an extra long time sketching each part and carefully reverting back to the images constantly to make sure I got the right anatomy. THIS MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE.
After that I was well away painting my octopus in pretty orangey colours.
My Tips:
> Use photos; but DO NOT trace OR COPY A PHOTO LINE FOR LINE. Despite the obvious fact this is copyright infringement, it also prevents you from being able to progress. Tracing does not help you learn as well as drawing freely does (in my opinion). Drawing a photo line for line also isn't okay, just because you didn't trace it doesn't mean you haven't duplicated an image that wasn't yours!
> Do not rush; take plenty of time contemplating what you want, finding resources to refer to and researching how you want it to be composed.
> Draw something different; don't keep sticking to the same thing constantly! Mix it up and try something new.
NOW THE FUN PART
I hereby declare this thread to be used to post inspiration and deliciously wonderful stimuli for artists to look at and be inspired by!
Some tips on how to use this thread to it's full potential and properly;
> If you use another person's artwork ALWAYS credit them and link back to where it was originally posted. DO NOT post it here if they do not want their artwork reposted. If it doesn't say, or you doubt it in anyway, stay safe and don't post it!
> Do not use this thread to trace or steal others' work!
> Feel free to link to inspiring websites and tutorials! I will have a list put on this post if many accumulate.
> Have fun and enjoy the whirlwind of beautiful inspiration that will follow!
> Write a few words about why they inspired you! Try to post one image at a time and take the time to share what inspires you about it!
BIG IMG
This inspires me because of how glossy and rich the colours are! The speckles in the red are delicious to look at ;_;
[spoiler]
