One Trick to Draw Everyday with Ease

Summary

Struggling to draw regularly? The secret lies in embracing the process, not perfection. By committing to small, daily sketches on Post-it notes, you can build momentum without the pressure of creating perfect art. Overcome internal expectations and focus on the joy of the creative process. This method, similar to building small reading habits, encourages gradual growth and self-compassion. Whether you draw every day or not, the key is enjoying the journey and developing a healthy, sustainable relationship with creativity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Drawing regularly can be difficult due to internal expectations; focus more on the process than the outcome.
• 😀 To draw regularly, lower the bar and make the task easier; draw small sketches on post-it notes or scraps of paper every day.
• 😀 Set aside a small amount of time, like during coffee or before dinner, and don't worry about the quality of the drawing.
• 😀 Assume that you’ll discard your drawing each day, which reduces pressure and allows you to focus on the process.
• 😀 The biggest mistake beginners make is thinking art is about the end result; instead, focus on enjoying the creative process.
• 😀 Starting small and building momentum over time is the key to making real progress in any creative pursuit.
• 😀 Even if you only draw on small notes for the rest of your life, as long as you enjoy it, that’s progress.
• 😀 Developing discipline is important, but also give yourself breathing room; drawing every day might not be necessary for progress.
• 😀 Most professional artists don’t draw every day; it’s about maintaining a balance to avoid burnout and preserve creative energy.
• 😀 Drawing can be a form of meditation; focusing on the physical sensations of drawing can help you reconnect with the creative flow.
• 😀 Try using focused techniques, like concentrating on the tip of your pen or pencil, to shift your mind away from distractions and re-enter the flow.

Q & A

Why do many people struggle to draw regularly?

Many people struggle to draw regularly because they focus too much on the outcome of their art rather than the process itself. This often leads to hesitation and discouragement before even starting.

What advice does the speaker give for overcoming hesitation in drawing?

The speaker advises lowering the expectations and focusing on the process rather than the result. One suggested approach is to draw small, quick sketches on Post-it notes every day, and assume they will be discarded.

How can drawing on small pieces of paper help build a regular habit?

Drawing on small pieces of paper, like Post-it notes, takes little time and removes the pressure of creating something perfect. This encourages consistency and can help build a habit without the fear of judgment.

What does the speaker say about the relationship between beginners and the end result in art?

Beginners often make the mistake of focusing too much on the end result of their art, which can hinder their enjoyment and progress. The speaker emphasizes the importance of enjoying the creative process instead.

How did the speaker use a similar strategy to improve their reading habits?

The speaker applied the same strategy to reading by forcing themselves to read just 2 to 3 sentences every day. This small daily commitment helped them build momentum and eventually led to reading four hours a week.

What does the speaker mean by 'starting very small and building momentum'?

Starting small means beginning with manageable actions, like drawing for a few minutes a day, and gradually building consistency and momentum. This approach is more effective than trying to make drastic changes all at once.

Is it necessary to draw every day to make progress?

No, it's not necessary to draw every day to make progress. Many professional artists don't draw daily to avoid burning out. It's more about finding a balance that works for you and your creative energy.

What is the speaker's advice regarding the balance between discipline and relaxation in drawing?

The speaker encourages finding a balance between discipline and giving yourself room to breathe. While it's important to build a habit, it's also crucial not to force yourself too hard, as this can lead to burnout.

How can drawing be used as a form of meditation?

Drawing can be treated as a form of meditation by focusing on the physical sensations of drawing, such as the tip of the pen or pencil. This helps clear the mind and promotes a deeper, more immersive creative experience.

What does the speaker mean by 'dancing with the muse' in the context of drawing?

When the speaker refers to 'dancing with the muse,' they mean getting into a flow state while drawing, where creativity takes over and the artist is fully immersed in the process, often forgetting about external distractions or expectations.