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The Daily Insight

How to become a better artist

Author

Mia Horton

Published Feb 14, 2026

How can I improve my art?

How can I improve my art fast?

If possible, draw everyday, or at least few times a week. The more you draw, the faster you’ll improve. Don’t worry if it doesn’t come out right, just keep drawing more. After a while, you will notice that your work is much better than something you did some time ago.

How long does it take to become a good artist?

10,000 hours to achieve expert level in anything. There are of course other factors, having a great mentor can save you years of frustration. As an artist I can testify that 10,000 hours is the minimum, as an artist you NEVER stop learning.

How do beginner artists make money?

Seeking commissions for original work

Commissions are a popular strategy that many beginning artists and illustrators can use to make money—both online and offline. The best place to start is by showcasing your work on your social media.

How many hours a day should you practice drawing?

Slowly Increase Drawing Time

It’s possible to see improvements by drawing only 1-2 hours per day. But if you want to see significant improvements you should be aiming for 5-6 hours per day, or more if possible.

Can I learn to draw at 40?

It’s not too late for you to learn how to draw and paint. Drawing and painting are skills which can be learned by most people at any age.

How many hours does it take to master art?

It takes 5,000-10,000 hours of practice to become very good at any skill; the same in drawing. To speed up the learning time, you need to have a professional art teacher or attend a very good art course. Learning on your own won’t bring the same results, nor would it be fast.

What should I practice drawing first?

The first thing that most drawing tutorials teach you to draw is shapes, starting with a sphere. After all, any object that you see around you can be constructed by using one, or a combination of, three different shapes: A circle – a sphere is a circle in 3D. A square – a cube is a square in 3D.

Can I learn drawing by myself?

You can learn to draw, as long as you can hold a pencil. Even without natural talent, you will learn drawing, if you practice often. With enough motivation and dedication, anyone will learn drawing, if he/she believes in himself/herself. Taking the first steps is never easy.

What are the 5 basic skills of drawing?

The “drawing basics” are the five main skills of drawing. They’re the ability to: recognize edges, lines, and angles; to reckon proportion and perspective; deciphering shadow, highlights, and gradations of tone; and lastly, the ability to unconsciously drawstring them all together – which comes to you with practice.

Can I learn to draw at 30?

No, it’s never too late to learn to draw. All it takes is practice. You probably won’t be much good until at least a year in, and by two years in you’ll really start to shine.

Can I become an artist at 30?

Most people won’t give up a career to start painting on a whim, but the good news is that we are allowed to have multiple interests, multiple paths, passions and pursuits in this lifetime. It is never too late to start again with a new beginning or to reinvent yourself.

Is 17 too late to learn to draw?

No,it’s not too late to start drawing, especially not at 17,you’re still young you have time. Drawing is a skill you acquire over time,all you need is consistent practice daily. Start by drawing human forms,then branching out to other things like,environments ,props,vehicles etc.

Is 30 too old to start drawing?

It’s never too late to learn how to draw. Most pros will admit they’ve been drawing since their age was in the single digits. It’s “just something they always did”. But not everyone is fortunate enough to have that experience.

What age should you start drawing?

Most children are ready to start their first scribbles between 12 and 18 months. By this stage they’re able to sit up without assistance, pick up an object in a fist and move it across a surface. they’re often still at the “taste everything they pick up” stage – so make sure all their tools are non-toxic.

Can I learn to draw at 20?

Nope, definitely not too late and never is. Started at 20 myself, 22 now, went straight to digital art with no art background so pretty much starting from 0 after switching from business/software engineering. Practicing drawing and digital now. Just begin and don’t dwell too long on deciding if its too late or not.

How long does it take to learn to draw?

Drawing well is a matter of developing your observational abilities, techniques, and self-assessment abilities. The basis to drawing well is making the firm commitment to the long-haul of it. You can get VERY good in two years with a clear path, excellent resources, and consistent work on the daily.

Can you be a self taught artist?

What is a Self Taught Artist? Simply put, a self taught artist is one who has not received any formal education. Many people – you, for example – may have artistic abilities and talent, and perhaps you‘ve been doodling, drawing, painting or creating digital art since you were young.