Tips on Improving Drawing Ability

[unicron44]

This summer I want to start drawing my own comic, but my drawing ability isn't the greatest. I recently picked up a book on drawing comics, but it's only helpful if you're actually already good at drawing. So does anyone have tips on improving my ability?

 

[PlasmaFrog]

Start out by working on your shading definitions and handwritting control. Once you feel comfortable, start by taking things from your environment and drawing them, and do this until you have a natural understanding of how lighting works alone with other mechanics if necessary. Then, you must find your soul. By your soul, I mean your style. What might help you to express your inner desires the most.

Just mostly keep an open and clear mind.

 

[nightshadered]

One thing I wish I had been told when I started drawing is that no matter how much you practice IT WILL NEVER BE GOOD ENOUGH. From you own point of view, the stuff you draw will always be terrible and you won't notice the progress you make until some one else points out that what you've just drawn wasn't half bad.

I say start the comic right away, if you put off drawing until you're good enough, you'll never draw the first page.

 

[-Dragmire-]

Depends on how rough you are at drawing. My first college drawing class and homework was to draw as perfect a circle as possible drawing from the shoulder(rather than the wrist). we needed about 80 for the next day, it's harder than it sounds if your not used to drawing like that.

once your comfortable with the movement and you want to move onto characters, you need to structure your character with a rough copy that gives the basic proportions and pose you want the character to take. A common mistake for new artists is to attempt to make the finished copy without planning first. Look up model sheets from animated shows for reference on structure.

Spoiler: Disney is a great option for reference even if it's not the style your looking for.

I've taken some courses but I am in no way a professional so I can only advise on the basics

Sorry if you don't find this info useful.