You Should Draw On Paper First
Don’t get me wrong. This is something I struggle with to this day, but it doesn’t make it any less important. As a beginning artist, or just someone interested in getting better at drawing, I think it’s vital that you start out on plain old pencil and paper.
A lot of times, if I have a quick projects, or just working on a simple tattoo design, I will commonly just head on over to Procreate on the iPad and start (and finish) the project digitally. But, practicing and drawing on paper will just make you a better artist. Or at least, I believe so. So I have a couple of reasons why you should at least bring paper back into your drawing process.
Paper Is Essential
Drawing on paper is an essential part of an artist's creative process. While digital programs offer a wide range of tools and features that make it easy to create art (like Procreate), there are many benefits to drawing on paper that cannot be replicated in a digital environment.
One of the main advantages of drawing on paper is that it allows artists to work in a more tactile and hands-on way. When drawing on paper, artists can feel the texture of the paper, the weight of the pencil or pen, and the resistance of the paper as they create their art. This texture of the paper can help create a more immersive and satisfying experience, as well as encouraging a more intuitive and spontaneous approach to creating art.
Paper Is Timeless
Another important benefit of drawing on paper is that it allows artists to work in a more traditional and natural way. Many artists feel that drawing on paper is more authentic and true to the process of art-making. It allows them to work in a way that is closer to how art has been created for centuries. Because let’s face it: digital art programs really haven’t been around for too long. So it can be dangerous to solely rely on them to do the work for you. This authentic process of using paper can help to foster a deeper connection to the creative process, as well as providing a sense of continuity with the art of the past.
Paper Is Forgiving
Furthermore, drawing on paper can be less intimidating than working with digital programs. Many artists may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools and options available in digital programs, and they may find it harder to get started with creating art in a digital environment.
Drawing on paper, on the other hand, can be a more simple and straightforward process, making it easier for artists to get started and to focus on the creative process. There are no rules, or guidelines, or restrictions, or error codes with paper. There’s nothing you can do to make paper “crash.” Well, unless you burn it haha.
So do yourself a favor, and keep paper in mind when you are about to start a new project. Or, if you’re a new artist trying to get better a drawing. Don’t believe the lie that you need to have an iPad, or learn how to use Illustrator to become a great and successful artist. Those things can worry about themselves later.
When you’re just getting started (or even if you’ve been drawing for a long time), don’t forget to make sure you give paper the love and attention it deserves. It will never lead you astray!
