Drawabox Lesson 0, Part 3: Changing your Mindset and the 50% Rule

Summary

The video emphasizes the importance of embracing failure as a critical part of the learning process, particularly in drawing. It introduces the '50% rule,' which encourages students to dedicate half their time to drawing freely without focusing on perfection. This approach helps break the fear of failure, allowing learners to develop both their technical and creative skills. The video highlights the value of play in learning and stresses that mistakes and imperfections are essential for growth. Ultimately, it urges students to detach from the pressure of success and embrace the journey of learning.

Takeaways

• 😀 Remove the word 'success' from your vocabulary for now; it can create unnecessary pressure when learning new skills.
• 😀 Failure is an essential part of the learning process, and fear of failure often stands in the way of progress.
• 😀 Drawing beyond your current skill level is necessary for growth. This is encouraged through the '50% rule'.
• 😀 The '50% rule' requires you to spend half of your time simply drawing for the sake of drawing, without worrying about perfection.
• 😀 Fear of judgment and embarrassment often hinders creativity and the willingness to try drawing new things.
• 😀 Nobody is judging you harshly for your early attempts, and the freedom to fail is essential for growth.
• 😀 Playing and experimenting in drawing, just like children do, is crucial to overcoming fear and developing creativity.
• 😀 The '50% rule' helps to balance technical learning with creative play, making learning more effective and enjoyable.
• 😀 Taking breaks and engaging in downtime activities helps process the information you've learned, optimizing the learning experience.
• 😀 Overcoming the fear of bad habits is essential; mistakes in your early work don’t define your abilities and are part of the learning curve.

Q & A

What is the main idea behind removing the word 'success' from our vocabulary in the context of learning to draw?

The main idea is that 'success' is often a lofty and intimidating goal, especially when learning something new like drawing. The fear of not achieving success can hinder progress. By removing the word from our vocabulary, we shift the focus from outcomes to the process, encouraging experimentation and growth without the pressure of achieving perfection right away.

How does fear of failure impact the process of learning to draw?

Fear of failure often prevents people from trying new things or experimenting with their drawing, which stifles creativity and progress. It leads to overthinking, self-doubt, and avoiding challenges. This fear is what holds learners back from reaching their full potential.

What is the 50% rule in the context of this drawing course?

The 50% rule requires students to spend half of their learning time drawing purely for the sake of drawing, without focusing on getting better or achieving specific results. The idea is to embrace failure, play, and experimentation, which are essential for creative growth and overcoming fear.

Why might beginners struggle with the 50% rule, and what is the purpose of this challenge?

Beginners might struggle with the 50% rule because it goes against their natural inclination to focus on improving and achieving measurable success. The purpose of the challenge is to help learners overcome fear, develop creativity, and learn to apply their technical skills without the pressure of immediate perfection.

How does the 50% rule help students process what they've learned?

The 50% rule encourages students to balance active learning with play, which helps the brain process and integrate new information. By taking breaks and allowing time for unstructured drawing, students can absorb the lessons more effectively and return to their studies with renewed focus.

Why is it important to separate work and play when learning to draw?

Separating work and play allows students to focus fully on each activity. When working, they can use all their cognitive resources to learn and improve. During play, they can let go of perfectionism and enjoy the act of drawing without worrying about the outcome, which helps build creative freedom and confidence.

How does drawing without focusing on the end result help students develop as artists?

Drawing without focusing on the end result encourages experimentation and risk-taking. It allows students to explore different approaches without fear of failure, ultimately helping them build a stronger foundation of skills and creativity that can be applied to more complex projects later on.

What role does play have in learning to draw, and why is it emphasized in this course?

Play is a crucial aspect of learning to draw because it encourages exploration, creativity, and the freedom to make mistakes without judgment. It helps students build confidence in their skills and fosters a more enjoyable and effective learning experience. This is emphasized to counteract the fear and pressure that often stifle creativity.

How does the course suggest handling the fear of developing bad habits while learning to draw?

The course suggests not to worry too much about developing bad habits in the early stages. As a beginner, it’s normal to make mistakes and develop techniques that may later be unlearned. What’s important is the willingness to try and learn from mistakes, rather than avoiding them out of fear.

Can students use reference materials during the 50% rule drawing time?

Yes, but students are encouraged to use reference materials thoughtfully. If reference is used because of fear or uncertainty, it should be avoided. However, if the student is comfortable with drawing from their imagination, they can incorporate reference, but the goal is to make their own creative decisions rather than simply copying the reference.