*pokes* I just wanted to let you know that you have been a huge inspiration to me for many years. I have been watching you develop your character Ily pretty much since the beginning, and I am always amazed at how much you continue to improve. It is truly motivational, and it helps me to work through most of my "bad-art-days". However, It still gets discouraging sometimes. I was wondering if you have any tips for when you sit down to draw and nothing seems to turn out right? Cheers!~

First of all, thank you for taking the time to write to me. I appreciate it–I never expected to inspire anybody with my drawings, and I’m happy to be a help to you.



I haven’t had bad art days lately–fear of my own hobby replaced that after high school, and I’m just now coming out of that five-year rut. If that ever happens to you, the solution is (in short) to make peace with your fear, let it go with grace, and refocus on your goal.



As for bad art days–I recommend identifying the core of the problem and practicing the heck out of it. For example:



1. What specifically is not working about this drawing?

2. Can I find a reference of a photo or drawing where that part does work?

3. When I draw from this reference, do I understand the problem better?

4. If no, draw from the reference again until yes, then proceed to 5.

5. If yes, move on to the next element of the drawing and start again from step 1.



You don’t have to follow those exact steps, but processes like that help me grasp the problem without becoming overwhelmed. Tackling large problems a step at a time helps you stay sane.



Does that answer your question? I may have gotten a bit off-track.