• Do not expect your first attempts to turn out perfectly.
• Spend the time in carefully planning your drawing. Think about the layout, the perspective and the proportions of your subject
• Try different approaches and different materials.
• Keep a record of all your drawing attempts - even the ones you do not like. It will help you see how you are progressing.
• Pick a subject that you like.
• Ask fellow artists for any tips on drawing they can give you - but be prepared to try your own thing too!

What are Some of the Aspects of the Drawing Process?

Although drawing can be a simple hobby, there are many ways in which your application of the art can be expanded.

Applying Media - Different with drawing implements will create different effects. Before starting on a drawing, you may like to experiment with different implements to see how they work.

Tone - Tone is the shading of the picture. It creates a more realistic picture than simple linear strokes. Tone can be created through blending or through the use of different degrees of angle and pressure.

Layout - This is the method by which the author determines the placement of element within the picture. The dimensions of the subject need to be accurately drawn for a realistic drawing.

Perspective - This is the method of drawing objects so that those objects in the distance are smaller than those at the front. It creates a more three-dimensional effect.

What Kinds of Strokes are Common?

Strokes may be highly individual to the artist. Some standard stroke types include:

Slinky - This stroke goes from one side to the other, tapering down to a tip.

Squiggle - As the name suggests this stroke is a wavy squiggle good for shading small areas.

Cross-hatching - This stroke involves lines that criss-cross each other to create areas of tonality while maintaining an overall soft "focus."

Dots - This technique involves the use of small or large dots to shade in an area.

What Steps Are Involved in Drawing?

Depending on what you want to draw, there may be different steps involved. For example, someone who is drawing graffiti letters will not need to pick a subject and perspective, but will need to decide on the words they wish to draw and the style they will use. However, here are the basic steps for drawing images:

• Decide on the materials you will use for your drawing. Decide if you will need any extra tools. Ensure that you have all the materials available.
• Decide on the subject for your drawing.
• Pick the best arrangement for drawing your subject. From what distance and angle will you look at your subject? Will you need an easel? Will you draw from real-life or from a photograph?
• Decide on the layout for your drawing. Think about perspective and dimensions.
• Draw your picture.
• Do not limit yourself to pencil drawing. Try charcoals, inks and crayons.
• Look at different art works of the type you are attempting. Visit an art gallery or spend time looking at the way people are drawing graffiti letters.