Why people believe they can’t draw - and how to prove they can | Graham Shaw | TEDxHull

Summary

In this engaging session, the speaker challenges the belief that drawing is an innate skill, showing the audience that anyone can draw with an open mind and willingness to try. Through step-by-step instructions, participants create simple cartoon characters, learning that drawing is a sequence of actions, not about talent. The speaker shares inspiring stories, including working with stroke survivors to boost their confidence through drawing. The session concludes with a call to reflect on other limiting beliefs in life, encouraging the audience to challenge them and unlock new possibilities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Drawing is a skill that anyone can learn, and it’s more about mindset than natural talent.
• 😀 Many people believe they cannot draw, but this belief is a limiting one that can be overcome.
• 😀 Learning to draw doesn’t require artistic genius; simple steps can lead to successful results.
• 😀 The key to drawing is having an open mind and being willing to try new things.
• 😀 The process of drawing can be broken down into simple steps, which can lead to creating various characters.
• 😀 You don't have to draw like Michelangelo to be considered good at drawing—small, fun variations are enough.
• 😀 A simple cartoon character like 'Spike' can teach you the basics of drawing and open the door to many more characters.
• 😀 Drawing helps build confidence, as shown by people from different walks of life—including children, adults, and stroke survivors—learning and enjoying the process.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the power of drawing as a memory aid, using an example of a student drawing a red blood cell with a handbag to help remember its function.
• 😀 Stroke survivors, despite challenges like using their non-dominant hand, were able to draw and find joy in the process, demonstrating resilience and creativity.
• 😀 The session's success shows how activities like drawing can boost confidence and challenge limiting beliefs in all kinds of people.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the speaker's presentation?

The main purpose is to demonstrate that everyone can learn to draw, regardless of their initial belief or perceived talent, by using simple techniques and a sequence of steps.

What does the speaker suggest is the reason people believe they can't draw?

The speaker suggests that the belief people can't draw is more about their mindset or beliefs rather than a lack of talent or ability.

What are the two essential things the speaker believes are needed to learn to draw?

The two essential things are having an open mind and being willing to give it a try.

How does the speaker encourage the audience to engage with drawing?

The speaker encourages the audience by having them follow along and draw simple characters, starting with basic shapes and lines, showing that anyone can do it with practice.

What is the significance of the characters 'Spike,' 'Thelma,' 'Jeff,' and 'Pam' in the presentation?

These characters serve as examples of simple cartoon figures that the audience can draw, illustrating how small variations in the drawing process lead to different characters.

How does the speaker suggest drawing can be useful in business?

The speaker explains that drawing quick cartoons or sketches can make presentations more memorable, helping to illustrate ideas or metaphors in a way that sticks with the audience.

What unexpected outcome occurred during the session with stroke survivors?

Many stroke survivors, despite drawing with their non-dominant hand, successfully drew the characters, showing that drawing can build confidence and help overcome challenges.

What is aphasia, and how does it relate to the speaker's session?

Aphasia is a condition affecting communication, such as reading, writing, speaking, or understanding. The speaker worked with a group of stroke survivors with aphasia, helping them regain confidence through drawing.

How does the speaker view the drawing session with stroke survivors?

The speaker considers the session one of the most inspirational and humbling experiences, as it demonstrated how creative activities like drawing can positively impact people with significant challenges.

What is the final drawing exercise presented to the audience?

The final exercise involves drawing a simple cartoon character resembling Albert Einstein, starting with basic shapes like a big nose, eyes, and a V-shaped mouth.