#advice for aspiring artists

[cannabrer]

As An Artist, I Want To...

Draw, paint, and create whatever I want I used to feel limited by what I was able to create. Drawing, painting, and music has always been a passion of mine. I tried to make things that I thought others would look good. This made me put my ideas on the back burner to impress others. It made me feel like I had to conform to their standards rather than my own. I don’t want to feel limited by what’s…

[evereverest2]

i like that half of my drabbles notes are just comments from the same three people who i always respond to shoutout to u guys ur adorable

anyway. little monster part 6 later today. only bc i felt bad for teasing too much. and certainly not bc im so fucking excited u have no idea

[theaawalker]

Character tropes are a writer's bread and butter, for better or worse. Because of this, it can be easy for your characters to be mistaken, copied, and boxed in with others. Especially in this industry, it's important to stand out. What’s the difference between a flat character and a well-rounded character? How do writers bring a character to life on the page? When it comes to character development, these are central questions—especially when it comes to using character tropes...

[ ~ a world that's waiting up for me ~ ]

What Are Character Tropes?

The word “trope” refers to a common motif or pattern in a work of art. In the context of fiction, character tropes refer to common attributes or even entire stock characters. The word trope comes from the Greek word 'tropos' meaning “to turn.” Originally it referred to rhetorical devices that a writer uses to develop an argument. Character tropes can be useful in fiction, but when overused, they can detract from a story.

Common Character Tropes

Every genre of storytelling has its own stable of common character types, and as a storyteller it’s worth being aware of them. Here are nine of the most common:

1. The chosen one:

The chosen one is a common fantasy trope. Their identity typically revolves around a task that’s been set aside for them, which they typically pursue without much hesitation or complication. Like Frodo Baggins, Luke Skywalker, and Harry Potter, the chosen one is often, conveniently, an orphan.

2. The damsel in distress:

One of the most common and pernicious types of female character tropes, the damsel in distress, whatever form she takes, is a passive figure who exists mostly as an object for the hero to save. Even versions of the character who turn out to be a little more plucky than expected (think Princess Fiona from Shrek or Princess Leia from Star Wars) have become their own subset of this creaky old trope.

3. The femme fatale:

A mysterious and seductive woman who uses her sex appeal to seduce and entrap her enemies, the femme fatale is a popular character trope in hardboiled mysteries. In many ways, the femme fatale is an updated version of supernatural witches or sorceresses. It’s no spoiler to say that she nearly always leads men to destruction. Sharon Stone, Uma Thurman, and Eartha Kitt are the queens of this trope. <3

4. The girl next door:

The small-town girl with a heart of gold is, in many ways the opposite of the femme fatale. A common film and TV trope, the girl next door is innocent, kind, and wholesome. In other words, she’s the embodiment of domestic femininity and typically a candidate for the male protagonist’s love interest. Take Mary Jane Watson for instance.

5. The mad scientist:

Going back to Dr. Frankenstein (or any number of sorcerer antecedents), the mad scientist is usually a villain, driven by an eccentric, antisocial personality and unrestrained hubris or a desire to play god. The mad scientist’s benign counterpart is the nerdy “absent-minded professor” who’s so engrossed by their work that they struggle to relate to “normal people.”

6. The trusty sidekick:

Like the damsel in distress, the trusty sidekick typically has no life outside their relationship to the main character and their quest. Whether the sidekick is a loyal companion, like Samwise in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, a faithful butler, or a chatty best friend—as in any number of romance novels—their main quality is that they have no story of their own.

7. The wise old man:

Sometimes an actual wizard, sometimes just an old guy who’s seen his share, the wise old man is a long-enduring stock figure who usually imparts some special wisdom to the protagonist. Dumbledore, Master Oogway, Gandalf, and Master Miyagi.

8. The dumb muscle:

Based on the idea that it’s impossible to be smart and fit at the same time, the dumb muscle is an exceedingly common minor character, especially in action and adventure stories. As a bad guy the dumb muscle is easily outsmarted or otherwise bested by the main character. X-Men's Juggernaut is a prime example.

9. The antihero:

Antiheroes are typically cynical loners with major personality flaws, often darkly appealing bad boys. Like normal heroes, the antihero still drives the story, but often to a more amoral place. Tony Soprano, Red Arrow, Emma Frost, and the grittier versions of Batman are all prime examples of modern antiheroes. These days, antiheroes are almost as common as idealized heroes.

5 Tips for Avoiding Character Tropes

Character tropes aren’t good or bad in and of themselves. In some types of fiction, especially epics, satires, and more plot-driven forms of fiction, the use of stock characters can be expected and even desirable. The problem is when writers lean so heavily on these tropes that they’re no longer telling an original story. This is the point where archetypal characters can bleed into stereotypes. In order to avoid (or at least complicate) character tropes, you’ll need to develop a richer sense of your characters. Here are a few tips:

1. Figure out what your characters really want.

One reason writers lean on stereotypes is because they don’t know their characters well enough. Instead of playing to type, spend some time figuring out what really motivates your characters. Are they driven by a need to belong? By a thirst for knowledge? By a desire to be recognized? These super-objectives may lead your characters to buck their outward roles in interesting ways.

2. Look for opportunities to subvert tropes.

If you find yourself drawn to certain tropes, look for ways to undermine them. While this sort of self-conscious style may not be right for every story, it can be especially compelling in the context of genres that traditionally rely on tropes: think fantasy novels, horror movies, love stories, westerns, and other popular genres.

3. Get to know your characters outside the story.

A common writing exercise is to develop backstories for your major characters. Imagine them in real life. Ask yourself questions about your characters, like: What was this person like in high school? What objects are on their nightstand? How do they get along with their families? While seemingly inconsequential, these questions can help you get a sense of the individuality of your characters, rather than just thinking of them as adhering to a common type.

4. Allow your characters’ personalities to change.

Again, there are types of stories where characters may remain static, but in general, it’s important for readers to feel like your character changes (or at least has the potential to change) over the course of the story. Remember, the change need not always be positive, but there should be some sense that the experience they’ve had has marked them in some way.

5. Avoid clichéd situations.

Sometimes the issue isn’t with the characters you’ve developed but the scenario in which you’ve placed them. If you’ve created a pair of star-crossed lovers who are meant to fall for one another at first sight, it’ll be hard not to make the situation feel hackneyed—no matter how well-drawn your lovers are. If you’re only thinking in terms of common plot tropes, it may be hard to get your characters out of them. If you’re working in a science fiction or fantasy setting, this is where worldbuilding might help you find more interesting angles to explore.

Want to Learn More About Writing?

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Did I mention I'm publishing a book soon?! If you're interested in YA fantasy, fiction, and philosophy, then see my website, newsletter, or email me at guardiansofcamoria@yahoo.com for updates.

[zapsoda]

2016-2018 was like the renaissance for bad art advice

[fawningssart]

Also any tips for an aspiring artist? I started to draw references for a D&D campaign I'm DMing and really enjoyed drawing, but it doesn't look as good as I had hoped

honestly i wld say heavily look at references — draw over a reference, find the shapes, and try to replicate your draw over, it’ll really help understanding anatomy and being able to draw without reference or taking from multiple references!

understanding colors and shape language is also really helpful as well as learning to simplify certain things like yes learning details of the face, hands, and anatomical structure is important, but focusing on all those details can really trip you up when it comes to the bigger picture yk? my advice wld be to practice those overtime, learn how to draw faces, hands, and all that so you can simplify it correctly, but still just practice drawing your bigger pieces too!

figure drawing and quick sketches are super super helpful — doing like 30 sec figure sketches can really help you find things like line of action and what’s the most important thing to get down while also having correct anatomy.

along those lines, i wldnt focus on style too much. it comes naturally! it’s basically just artists little quirks or aesthetic choices like for example i like to draw either very small far-set or large close-set eyes in my ocs with a lot of highlights and i had to understand how to make that look anatomically correct while also keeping my style in there, so sorry for the ramble but art is a lot to think about LOL

[valeofpoppy]

[neil-gaiman]

Hello, Mr. Gaiman. Fat chance you'll see this, but do you have any advice for aspiring trad authors? I wanna be peak successful. Really leave my mark on the writing community & the world. How would I go about doing that? Could you break it down in, say, ten steps? Or perhaps just share some words of wisdom?

1) write your own books. Don't try to be like anyone else.

2) Write your own books. When you finish writing a book, start the next one.

3) Write your own books. Don't worry about the rest of the writing community only about yourself and what you make

4) write your own books. It's not a competition.

5) write your own books. Say the things only you can say.

6) Write your own books. Don't get bogged down in the commercial success or failure of a book in the long term. All that matters is the artistic success or failure of what you made.

7) Write your own books all the way to the end. So many frustrated and failed writers don't get through step one, where they finish writing books people might want to read.

8) write your own books.

[6vcr]

hi! if you're willing to share, what was the original pixel resolution for your recent piece titled "dish 🌆"? and do you have any advice on canvas sizing for aspiring pixel artists? x

hello! "dish" artwork is 500x500px! for beginners I would recommend using small canvases, I used 50x50 pixels when I started! also tips:

[justin-chapmanswers]

hi Justin! just want to say I ADORE ii and it's one of my favourite shows out there; actually inspired me to start my own!

which is a lame segue into my question- do you have any advice for someone wanting to make their own show?

That's so exciting!! Art makes art!

Oh golly uhhhh. There's so so much to say in so many different departments. So. I'll keep it broad and of course anyone can ask more specific questions haha.

My go-to advice tends to be for creators to start as small as possible early on. Even if you aspire to create projects that are huge-in-scale down the line. So much about becoming a great artist involves moving through the stages of your art (whatever type it may be!) from start-to-finish, every step of the process, over and over and over again. So say in show creation, idk if you plan to be hands-on in every department or if you have a lot of help, but that could mean breaking down stories and outlining, writing, recording, constructing audio scenes and boarding, character and prop and background design, animating, music assembly, mixing, finalizing and editing, etc, over and over again. Obviously not every step may be involved in your project depending on what your goal is, but whatever it is that you do, do it sooooooooo many times.

While there's nothing inherently wrong with jumping in and making your first project something say, movie-length, or something immensely complex in scope, I do find it can, for many (not all) be limiting when it comes to learning a lot of fundamental building-blocks in craft. As well, I see a lot of people get lost in an overwhelming project, trying to focus on quality>quantity right out of the gate. But spending the majority of your time just on adding some extra polish as opposed to running through the whole process again and again can only do so much for you. Obviously, a mentality of quality>quantity is great once you have a strong baseline understanding of production. But again, I think it's a huge plus to work on shorts and teeny-projects to start.

Since the above is pretty dry, I'll add an additional fun one. I've found that a lot of newer artists will toss away the concepts that make them joyous in hopes that they can instead create something that fits an objective perception of "professional." Nothing wrong with that, but I strongly advise artists of all levels of experience to toss everything they've love about the world and other media into their work. Their favorite genres and tropes, the stupid inside jokes that make them light up with their friends that they can invite the audience in-on, adaptations of stories that have made them cry. Create the things YOU love to experience. It's fine to let go of what you think the audience wants. Cause that's not easily guessable. But what YOU enjoy is something certain to you. It's sorta like how they say, it's better to go to the gym and do an suboptimal-but-fun workout that keeps you coming every day than a perfect workout that leads you to quitting. Share your joy with the world, and someone will resonate!

Be silly, be cringe, have fun!

[8pxl]

as an artist who is able to make a living off your art, do you have any advice for those with similar aspirations?

i started by selling my art via a 3rd party site (society6 - do NOT recommend them anymore, inprint is better) and was getting frustrated i was making society6 so much money while making pennies on the dollar.

so then i started to print my own prints, and stickers, and shipping them out myself by hand. the profit margins were MUCH better, but i was working full time as a manager in retail while doing art, while also packing orders and handling logistics.

and finally i started focusing more on my shop, offered more variety of merch and was able to start making more on my shop than i was making working fulltime, so i just decided to make the transition to focusing on my art and shop !!

truly having the support system from social media has been a godsend but i will say it is STRESSFUL not having the security of a 'normal' job so def take that into account too

[cannabrer]

The Creative Curse: How Societal Norms Stifle Your Inner Genius

Are you feeling like your creative juices have run dry? It’s easy to fall into a rut when you’re constantly bombarded with societal norms and expectations. But did you know that these norms can actually stifle your inner genius? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind creativity and the ways in which stigma and societal norms can snuff out our creativity. We’ll also provide you with…

[theaawalker]

how do i brainstorm my book? I have soooo many ideas but i don't know how to organize them. Do you have any advice? 🙏

Thanks for your query!

Brainstorming ideas for your book is a huge, albeit first, stepping stone. Before I considered I might need to, well, actually plot my plots, my stories always tangled into nonsense or, worse, wound to a close without saying anything much. Why? Because my story brainstorming was off. I would come up with a vague idea and launch into writing; inevitably, the resulting stories lacked sense and depth.

[ ~ through the dark, through the door ~ ]

Although it’s tempting to skip to your favorite part of the process—the writing—you’ll get better results if you decide on a few key elements first. And considering the ease, and speed, with which I wrote my most recent short stories, I’m now convinced this 5-step method is a vital part of the process.

1. Genre

I seem to get into a pickle very quickly if I don’t choose a genre first, because as I write the endless possibilities of plot direction become overwhelming. Genre narrows your options, and that works in your favour.

Writers usually suggest you begin by writing in the genre you read most, and that’s good advice. Occasionally though, by choosing a genre we’re less well-versed in (assuming we read widely in other areas) we can end up bringing a fresh perspective. I don’t read a lot of horror-genre books, so when I wrote my short story Doll’s House, for example, it ended up having a romance-twist that works quite well.

2. Truth

Some people would refer to this step as “theme” but I don’t think that’s clear. Sure, you might be writing a story about a man who collects snails that’s really about the theme of love, but what is it precisely you want to say about the nature of love?

The truth you want to get across could be something detailed as how you think people should behave in an argument or expansive as what you believe happens after we die. It doesn’t matter; what’s important is your truth is something you believe will give the reader something to ponder beyond the action of your story.

Ordinarily, you’ll communicate this idea by the protagonist learning it at some point along their inner journey. In my short story Bitter Lemon, for example, the truth explored is that you don’t have to stay trapped in an unhappy situation: there’s always another way—but only if you’re brave enough to take it.

3. Character

If your protagonist is compelling, your readers will be interested in following their story; that holds true whether they’ve stayed home in a moth-eaten dressing gown for 5 years or they’re travelling the world, expensive leather suitcases in tow.

But what makes a character compelling? Complexity and inner turmoil catch the reader’s attention, because that’s something everyone can relate to.

You can obviously do a deep-dive into your characters by asking yourself everything from their favourite foods to their bedtime, but if you want to work quickly and still make them compelling, ask yourself these 3 questions:

What does your protagonist desire? (This is the thing they think they want or believe will make them happy.)

What are they afraid of? (I.e. what is standing in the way of them achieving their desire.)

What is their misbelief? (What about life or the world do they not yet understand.)

This last point should be the opposite of your truth and will give you the opportunity to explore it by taking your protagonist (or even antagonist) on a journey of self-discovery.

I’m currently writing a short story, for example, where the protagonist desires to be independent after the death of her husband but is afraid of facing the world without him. Her misbelief is that he was the “important one” and that’s she’s nothing without him, but through the story she’ll realise the truth was very far from what it always seemed.

4. Location

Always choose and research a location to anchor your plot ideas; it will literally ground your story.

When I wrote the short story Doll’s House, I spent a lot of time pondering the location: a pair of isolated cabins in remote Scottish woodland. I thought about what birds might be around, what the weather would be like, how cold it might be during the winter season, how the sky would look. Considering this before I started writing helped the story flow.

You could also find collecting images and research about your story location in on place, like for example Pinterest, helps spark inspiration.

5. Mood

Possibly the most delicious step of the process is deciding on a mood for your story. The quickest way to do this is to just pick a few words that you want to characterize the story’s vibe.

This will typically tie in with step 1, genre, but it’s also a chance to experiment. Your contemporary thriller could be tense, exciting and fast-paced but it could also be funny, romantic or heart-warming.

As with location, this is another great opportunity to make a mood board that expresses the feeling of your story. I often even scroll YouTube for an ambient soundtrack that captures my story’s mood.

Some people believe creativity should be unhampered by structure, but I’ve experienced the opposite. Structures like this 5-step brainstorming process provide a framework that helps our ideas flow and, more importantly, ensures they have depth.

Want to Learn More About Writing?

Follow me here (theaawalker)

...On Instagram (_.sincerelyme._)

...On Twitter (theaawalker)

...Or Tiktok (@.the.aa.walker)

I post my fandom imagines, too. Check out my masterlister (pinned), and my latest one here.

Did I mention I'm publishing a book soon?! If you're interested in YA fantasy, fiction, and philosophy, then see my website, newsletter, or email me at guardiansofcamoria@yahoo.com for updates.

[sunlit-mess]

you are criminally underrated. *holds out hands like a sad victorian child* any tips for a young artist? :)

im a very. tired. artist.

To aspiring artists, I'm not sure what 'tips' or advice I can give that were not already said by another. However, I'll remind you anyway.

"There's no secret to art... just begin and keep going. That's all we can do."

Always set your pace, and take your time learning. Art is something that isn't rushed, rather it grows through experience. Think of it like exp points or something, the more you gain, the more you know and skills acquired. It doesn't mean you HAVE to abide by the principles or rules either, though it's best to know them. Knowledge comes in different ways and your method is yours to explore.

As for motivation, it's something you'd find attached to, a mission and values thing per se. Find your dedication, how will you strive, how much are you willing to pursue. What keeps you going? What WILL keep you determined?

We take criticism critically: Don't get your ego attached to every work, everyone has their own perspective. What I mean to say is to understand errors and find improvement. Be HONEST with yourself and your work. Nothing is ever wrong in art, hell- even the most fucked-up ones can look so beautiful and meaningful.

In social media or sharing artworks, it's cool to show them to your friends or relevant platforms your craft would be in, just gotta learn the long process of algorithm somehow... It's a pain, but never lose confidence! Believe in yourself. Even the tiniest of work, effort is counted as special. Because it's from you!

Lastly, enjoy what you do! Have fun once in a while, and best that you find fun all the time in your crafts! You create for a cause and not just to please. Art shouldn't be a cause to break you, rather it builds you.

I hope this message is enough? ::)

I've been drawing since I was young, now as an adult- my art is meh compared to other artists out there, but I still try my best to keep my mark around.

So much has happened in my life and I'm still VERY lost, especially in a path as an 'Artist'. Though, I fell off in art, burned out, and relapsed more than I can count,

nothing or no one can kill the part of me that just wants the world to see that I can still... Create.

[akanemnon]

Hello!!!! I am a aspiring artist that wants to make comic book/stories like you do! Do you have any personal advice or stuff that helped you when you make comics?

Hi there!

I'm by no means a professional. Heck, I'm self-taught when it comes to art and making comics. So please don't take my word as gospel.

What helped me the most was having a solid and easily understandable script. When writing stories and comics, it's very easy to drift off course from the main point of your story. This is where things can get messy. A good script is the main foundation you build upon. A comic is not only pretty pictures and cool action scenes. The writing is as equally as important, if not even more so.

Hope that helps!

[iwamimimimi]

hello, i hope you are doing well :) i really love your art and the little stories behind them. i aspire to be an artist like you but...i know this sounds weird but im scared of drawing+posting it. i suck at anatomy and whenever i try to practice i get discouraged so easily...do you have any advice on keeping the motivation high? i know passion is the key but i can't love something that im not even remotely good at. anyways, keep up the good work!!! <33

[ssavaart]

Welcome to Tumblr Scott! I hope people are treating you kindly.

I've been following you for nearly 2 years now and I gotta ask. Do you have any advice for people who would like to be aspiring directors/comic book artists or work in the industry in general?

Thanks. My answer would be... "do that thing". Make a comic book. Write a screenplay. Direct a short. Do it. Don't wait for someone to give you the job. Just make it on your own. Then... do it again. Keep doing it until people notice you.