How I Study Art WITHOUT Art School ✎ self taught artist plan 

I'm now offering art prints on my online shop!! check it outtt :) www.kelseyrodriguez.com/shop

Just a few tips as a sel-taught artist who dropped "official" art education: -Constance in practice but patience with the results -This is going to take time... like more than a year I calculate. -Don´t overdue yourself but don´t procrastinate.

im not even done with the video but i already agree with the intro. studying properly with/without art school is tricky. ive learned myself that no one can really tell you upfront what to do, step by step, so you have to push yourself to do it yourself, in your own way. this video is pretty motivational, ive just realised i havent drawn in a week lol. ill pick up my pen now

Thank you - this is what I needed - EXACTLY!! I put my pencils and brushes down over 45 years ago. I didnt study art because my parents were against me going down that road. Guess what it is my passion, I am teary just talking about the feeling I get from creating. I am so thankful for you and the path you are sharing.

Composition, perspective, color theory and learning how to REALLY SEE what you’re looking at, is pretty much all you need to learn for art. Other than this, all you have to learn is your desired medium. You master this and you can save yourself hundreds of thousands on an art degree and that’s coming from someone who actually went to school for art and benefited far more from being self taught after I left doing so because it definitely wasn’t worth what I paid-and am still paying for!

I am already in my 50's. I love art but friends and fam laugh at what I do. In as much as I want to enroll in art school during my younger years, but financial difficulties hindered it from doing so 🥺. I continue to practice whenever time permits. Thanks for this video, it boosted my low morale 🙂

When you said the things that hold you back the most are the boring bits...I felt that to my coreee. Wanna be an artist, but I hate drawing 3d shapes to practice volume. Want to be an animator but keep skipping over the bouncing ball and sack of flour exercises lol. You've definitely inspired me to try creating my own modules and mixing up those boring exercises with something fun. Thank you!

I so agree with you, it is so tricky to learn art regardless with or without school. I studied art in community college I loved the art classes but as for learning and grasping things like I didn’t really get anything out of it. After I graduated with visual fine arts degree I went to textile design school, was so excited to study textiles but I didn’t really learn anything new. I was pretty much bored after a while. Due to language barrier (My Professor spoke Korean). And the way he taught I felt like it was more about me paying than learning unfortunately. I spent so much money for that school. I think I get more out of by teaching my self and learning from other artists that are self taught. Thank you for this video!

As someone who went through art school (printmaking/ lithography and also a degree in art history) I watched lots of people come in and out of classes and programs frustrated and confused and it was often because they didn’t take their early drawing and drafting classes seriously because they just wanted to get to the “good stuff”. I think printmaking and especially lithography students might be built different in that all we do is practice the fundamentals in lengthy processes over and over and over again. To be a decent printmaker you have to be a competent draftsmen and so the craft itself forces you to become one. A lot of my friends who were painters told me they felt very lost, or as if the professors weren’t helping them in the ways they needed to be helped, and it could be the luck of the draw with teachers and it could be the ego of both student and teacher that get in the way. The problem with art school is that you often just start to make breAkthroughs when it’s time to graduate. I truly wish there was more of a trade/apprenticeship program when it comes to artists. I wish we could apply to be under the practice of a master for years like it was in the old old days. It sounds like your going about it in the right way, the only thing I’d say to try and find is a little community of life drawing class or something. Being around another artists once a week and asking other people who are more advanced some questions and critiques can be so so helpful.

This video popped up at just the right time. I was just feeling so frustrated with a bunch of art projects I was trying to work on- I always thought of myself as someone who can't draw and I get easily frustrated with myself for not being able to do the simplest things in art when it comes so easily to people around me.

Note: -Mix boring stuff with the fun stuff 1-Drawing fundamentals 2-Advanced fundamentals (Brings in colour theory and light) 3-Painting and composition e.g. simplify objects in landscape 4-Landscape painting Extra: Resource link in description box

I love the blend between structure and fluidity you struck here! As artists I feel it’s assumed we lack discipline or focus, but in reality we all know we have to put in the hours mastering our craft and without any kind of intention we end up spinning our wheels. Random unsolicited advice: For simplifying your structures, I’ve found that studying artists who create characters for video games is incredibly helpful. They talk about shape breakdown and show you how even the most intricate characters in video games are just made up of a bunch of foundational shapes like cubes and spheres. Hope that helps and thank you again for this! 💛

I am self taught as well through online subscription schools- I got a lot out of New Masters Academy. It’s worth it if you can stay motivated :) your journey is really inspiring- excited to see your thoughts

Not only have you motivated me to make up my own learning path, you've given me excellent ideas for making my own courses to teach & possibly vids. Thank you!!

As someone 30+ with ADHD, this is inspirational. I've always wanted to learn to draw, but I often feel too old to start... Not to mention my attention span simply cannot follow a school program/art school/ even art courses I fail cause I just can't give it that dedication! But maybe I could do it like you, separate what I want to learn into tiny bits and try to make it fun by creating my own curriculum! Also an amazing way to track one's progress I'm sure! Thank you for giving me motivation and inspiration!

Hi Kelsey, after 20 years of not doing my art (!!!) I'm finally getting back to it and taking it seriously. Your video really encouraged me to pursue a more strategic path towards leveling up quicker (as I mentioned I have tons of time to make up for lol). Thank you so much for posting!

As someone who went to art school before fast internet and streaming videos was a thing, I can say that had I had these resources back then, I would absolutely be doing exactly what you're doing now. It took me a decade to pay off my school debt, and while some of those classes were great, some didn't pertain to my interests or goals at all, yet I was expected to take those credits to culminate in the final degree. Being able to design a curriculum to meet your needs, goals, and especially your personal learning style... that is a fantastic, powerful thing. I am so happy you're sharing your experiment and process with other young folks out there, and promoting the idea that they can make things happen for themselves in a way that doesn't have to break the bank but provides the same value (if not more, honestly), and providing them a supportive community to do it alongside as well. Because as you said, this is going to be hard work, but when the hard work fits your needs exactly, and you have a group of other artists rooting for you, it is so worth it. Happy arting! I love watching your work.

Thank you for this! I'm self-taught also and related to this video so much. I really drag my feet with all the art "practice" - especially of fundamentals. I love how you're breaking down your modules. What I've been doing so far is trying to do fundamental practice/aspects and turning that into a project/piece to make it more fun. So each piece goes through a bunch of different phases and fundamentals, so I learn and research new things during each phase which takes a really long time, but I like that I'm able to practice multiple things within a single illustration. Looking forward to the follow-up video(s)!

I'm so glad to have your channel. I had a horrible experience getting a degree in art (one particular teacher with an agenda/vendetta was the worst part, the flourescent lights combined with my autism being the other) and I'm just now at 30 deciding - screw it, that experience didn't define me and that I am an artist regardless of what anyone else in a position of academic power says to me.

I absolutely LOVE THIS!! Ive been trying to figure out a plan for studying art more thoroughly without art school and I feel like my prayers have been answered. This video was amazing and you explained everything perfectly! Thank you! Thank you! Thank youuuuu!!! I will be using your Notion template to help me on my journey :)

As a fellow self taught artist, this has helped me so much! I've been feeling so lost and overwhelmed recently. I wanted to do everything all at once. Perspective, anatomy, value. Thanks to this video I figured that I'll have to tackle only one at a time. I also need to make my own curriculum too. Thank you for this! I subscribed!

I’ve been slowly going through the videos on your channel .. you’re by FAR the most helpful art RU-vid I’ve found yet thank you for creating the content you do 💜

I applaud you for your self discipline. As a graduate of two art colleges, I do not regret my experiences. But all artists don't need formal training and student loan debt. You are doing the right thing for yourself.

Okay, YES. Your way of learning perfectly describes mine too. I have been wanting to do something like this with no idea where to start so THANK YOU for this video, the resources, and template

Heck yeah this is awesome Kelsey!! I’ve been working on firming up my practice + doing more studies and it’s really cool to see how you’ve structured this out for long term growth and commitment!! 😁😁 I’m pumped to see how your work continues to develop with this system!

Can we just take a moment to appreciate THE PLANNING!! Omg ily, color coordinated, separated into categories and you have a whooolleee freakin course. It’s beautiful. Thank you for this video

Thank you kelsey! I'm a very plan as you go person so I always enjoy having an audio/visual guide to follow, bc otherwise I'll just follow my minute-to-minute impulses. I love the editing in this video btw!

you dont understand how much this video saved my life. I've been feeling so lost for so long on how exactly I should go about studying art and you've pretty much made this so much less intimidating for me. Thank you and I definitely put your template to use!

I love how in-depth you were able to be in creating your curriculum. I think one of the things you DID gain from art school is the ability to know language for, and to be able to identify, the things you want/need improvement on. This process overwhelms me I think because I wouldn't know where to start in my self-education.

this video is PERFECT. as i'm primarily self-taught, i try to create plans and "coursework" so to speak for myself, but mine are usually more jumbled and disorganized than what you've created. i guess it's because it's hard for me to know what to areas to focus or couple together. i want to incorporate yours into my own. let's become even better artists! thank you! :)

You’re literally a saint for doing this!!! This is so incredible. Thank you so much for taking the time share this! Also Notion is so handy, so I got really excited when you mentioned it. ♥︎

this is amazing kelsey! i feel exactly the same about needing structure and i am in awe of your organizational skills :) thank you so much!

thank you thank you thank you! I needed lessons, I haven't studied art, and where I live there are zero art lessons during summertime!

Lost & overwhelmed perfectly describes me & the fundamentals of drawing, as well as bored. I love how you’ve broken it down - best of luck!!!

OMG! I'm looking for a website/online course like New Master's Academy for a year. Thank you so much for this video and I really really agree with you on self-studying drawing. I think one "thank you" is not enough. Thank you and thank you! I literally opened the Beginner’s Guide to Drawing video after I watched your video. Good luck with your study!

I am literally so thankful for your videos, I feel so guilty watching this high quality content for free

I have been searching for this video since I graduated high school (5 years). Thank you! From one self taught artist to another. . . THANK YOU

I genuinely appreciate how you're being open about this and really there to help other people. I was concerned and scared about not being good enough to someone who are graduated from art school and being not knowing how to start. Again, thank you ♡ Such an underrated channel.

Great video! I see your perspective. I feel artists have the ability to create and teach themselves. I do my stuff daily and sometimes I get anxiety on how my work will come out. Thank you for sharing this! Keep up the amazing work!!!

I love your videos. You're so organized, I'm definitely needing some work in that area. I've been wanting to create videos of the things I make, to share and mostly for accountability, but I never know where to start, or what is holding me back. Thank you for putting this together and sharing it, it's great to have someone/something to help along the way. 💛

Hey Kelsey-I really loved how you laid out your own curriculum for what you want to achieve. I’m a comics/graphic novelist-in-training and was feeling overwhelmed by my own self-ed ambitions. But this has given me a way to breakdown my art training goals.

I am getting back to art in a general and your videos are really helping me to having a second view into this world. Thanks, Kelsey

I love the way you organized the art process into modules and sub goals. I even downloaded your curriculum for myself. Youve stated so eloquently things Ive been feeling intuitively for a long while. Learning art is much more methodical than the stereotypical creative and spontaneous learning process associated with it. I hope you become an art educator because you have a really organized and systematized way to think about it but you have the feel and vibe of an open-hearted artist! good luck! I hope you succeed!

I am really loving your content!! It's really delving into the details of your artistic thought process in a way that i've struggled to do for myself. Or at least i never really know where to start! Thank you so much for sharing such in depth videos like these, i love your vibe! I feel like i'm on a 'becoming an artist' course ahah :D I subscribed and liked to help out!!

This is an amazing video. you’ve framed this in a way that just makes so much sense to me! Thanks for the direction!

I love how you’re using Notion to organize your life. I have to do this for myself. I’m learning watercolor painting while also learning how to write a spiritual memoir. It all goes together in my mind. But it’s the organization of it all that is challenging. Learning how to learn and tailoring the learning to your own needs is so fascinating to me. You’re doing a great job.

Hey Kelsey! I liked the video where you taught us how to create our own curriculum, which led us to creating online courses. Similar but different. This just saves us some of the work, I guess. Thanks for all you do.

This exactly what I needed to hear! Was debating on going back to school to pursue my passion..art! ❣️ LOVE THE VIBES…SUBSCRIBED❣️✨

Absolutely love this video and all your others. Really makes my dream feel attainable. You have a lot of good ideas!

Thank-you so much for this motivational video, I thought I was the only silly person with no art experience trying to teach myself art techniques in an effort to make myself believe I can draw. Everything you said hits home for me, wow. I'm a self taught nature journal watercolour artist since 2017 but without any formal art experience or training, as I'm a professional astrophysicist! It was a slow sluggish journey, and overcoming the "art is a talent you have, not a skill you learn" mentality that I've been told since elementary school has been a real challenge to my growth. You are totally right in that no one will hold you accountable when you are self-taught. I also found that it was difficult to find the motivation to progress and improve to the level I wanted and know I could achieve, and that made it so easy to give it and harder to push through. I found I pushed myself more and could draw better when I attended workshops, short art classes or made myself complete a project of sorts (either an instagram challenge or a self-thought project), but on general days that wasn't the case. On some days I just can't draw anything sensible, let alone a straight line! However, the more I learned techniques (bless the negative shapes and contour lines!!) the more I was improving and the more I was enjoying myself. Treating your self-taught journey as an enjoyable academically enriching experience to better understanding (in my case, of the natural world, particularly birds) will naturally help you improve as you're not meeting a deadline or competing with anyone. You are so right when you say you have to find what is fun. What also really helped me improve and enjoy myself was drawing for loved one's birthday cards and notebook covers, and the veggies and herbs for the cookbook and botanical encyclopedia I'm compiling with my mum. Thank-you again for sharing your journey, and I hope that you make memorable and fun experiences in the future.

Thank you so much for showing us this side of how one can conduct his/her own art school. It came at a point where I am working on developing my art alongside studying for a different field in university. The idea of literally making 'modules'. wow Thank you so much once again.

Yes!! I am DOWN for this. I have been considering NMA as well. Thank you for doing this!

Oh my god, Kelsey! I love you already! I came across your videos at a time when I finally told myself to commit to learning more about Art. I have been super intimidated for years but your videos are super informative and give me hope that I can achieve to create the art I want by being self-taught. Your intro really got me because I was contemplating if I'm stuck because I should switch my major, but now I know that's not necessary lol

Hi there! I'm new to your channel and was looking for some good study tips and guides for continuing on the path of cultivating my art and making it a career. Your video and the links to your DIY Art School, as well as the other links, are so incredibly useful and I'm really grateful for finding your video! Thank you so much for your contribution!!

Thank you so much for sharing your independent Art Learning experience, I love how you are still on the go so we can get an immersive perpective on the whole process and in a way learn with you! I am also in a similar journey ans starting this off is of course intimidating for many reasons especially because it is unconventinal and lots of people don't really understand but having you sharing your content gives me confidence to keep up the journey of my own, will definitelly keep myself updated on your content

Thanks for this! I think one of the most challenging things is actually breaking down all the lessons into a curriculum. Also, New Masters Academy already looked good, but know I'll for sure get a membership when I have the chance!

💛 I respect you and want to show my gratitude for you sharing this inforrmation. The value of this is top notch.

GRL - thanks for the notion template, can't wait to see how this launches you forward!! btw I love how you share your thought process & journey!!

So glad I came across this video definitely what I've been trying to find for awhile because it's been hard to find a focus to learn to get better you earned yourself a new subscriber :)

I’ve been drawing seriously for around 2 years now but i’ve only been blindlessly drawing without really studying anything so i figured I should probably get started on that

so glad to see someone plugging the new masters academy. best source for learning the fundamentals imo.

This is exactly what I have been looking for! Thanks so much!

Halfway through I grabbed paper and pencil and wrote up my own syllabus. Will be starting to look for learning material after I finish it. Thank so much for creating this.

Thank you so much! I admire your hard work and diligence, also a very put together video for a beginner like me.

Thanks so much for this video Kelsey. My current situation is perhibiting me from attending traditional education routes. I'm feeling inspired to take matters into my own hands.

I'm on the same journey as you are and have been using NMA to teach myself as well! This was very helpful and made me feel like I'm not so lonely. I've been doing this for exactly a year now and i promise you i have never progressed so much in my life before in anything so fast, and despite the long, hard hours of sitting through boring stuff, i can say that was what actually helped me the most. Your plan seems much more elaborate than mine was at the time i started all of this though, and i think nma is a great choice for it :)

I just wanna say you are awesome, keep doing what you’re doing 💜

NMA is amazing. The courses can be a lot of work but if you stick with it it really pays off! I wish you well on your art learning journey.

Thank you for starting this. It's inspiring!

I’m definitely subscribing thanks for the video and can’t wait for you to dive more into The New Masters Academy. 👍🏽

Super helpful! I've struggled with continuing my education on my own because I'm so used to getting graded or maintaining a GPA. It's taken a while to remember it's not a race to the finish line. Seeing how you organized your stuff has encouraged me to write out my own modules too! (BTW Notion is also pretty handy)

smart lady, thank you for this video. I want to learn landscape painting and environment concept design but i can't go to school, and i've been having a hard time pinning down the order in which to learn things, so this curriculum you've created for yourself is actually perfect for me as well! i hope you reach your goals, but remember learning art is a life long journey. thanks again!

I can't tell you how thankful I am that you made this video ,it helped me short things out for me ... I m planning for me too let's see if this works well for me ❤️❤️

Thank you for sharing! I am just starting to get into painting again (consistently I should say) & I can't wait to keep it up. Thank you for this motivation, gives me hope :D

6 years of formal art education and i dont remember actually being taught anything (except a one off lesson on using photoshop) this is an excellent idea, ill be designing my own curriculum. once im earning some money ill definitely check out that art academy. absolutely subbing, this is exactly the kind of channel i need right now.

as someone who has been self-studying for the last 2 years, I can totally agree, that doing so without a proper plan is incredibly hard! also, your Curriculum sounds amazing. I am excited to see how your journey is going to go :D I wish you all the best!

Just from intro alone, you nailed exactly how I feel about my English degree. My writing isn't horrible, but I wanted to learn more grammar and sentence structure in college. But what I got instead was an associate's degree in essays... Nothing wrong with writing essays, but wanting to write better novels and getting essay structure instead for 4 years isn't what I needed. (and yes, I did take 4 years to graduate with an associate's, forgive me for starting off on academic probation and then graduating on dean's honor roll lol).

I LOVE Notion too, thank you so much for sharing the results of your research and your template 💖💖

I am so glad I Found your video. I went to college for art but unfortunately they were not finished upgrading their new art program so I moved from one condemned building to another and unfortunately my syllabus was the same each year. I’ve been hoping to figure out how to do this at home so this has given me a great start ups to learn from home.

This is really helpful. I look forward to using this a rough outline in order to teach myself to improve.

I really appreciate you and this video ❤ giving you a follow!

¡Gracias! Thank you for setting this up! I will try to follow it.

Very cool! It looks like we are on the same path. I built a nearly identical plan for myself including NMA and many of the same books. After getting started I'm realizing it will take 2-3 years to get through based on available time in my schedule. I look forward to keeping up with your progress.

Yes we are right! Art school is that School where you are practically meant to figure so many things out by yourself and on your own. I Guess it's a universal thing . Once can even say that this phenomenon has become a norm in or for Art schools. From finding your Style to studio practice etc one is just by oneself. I am new here. Glad to ve found your Channel beautiful sister 😘❤️

Hi Kelsey.I agree with you about studying art.I felt that I wasn't very encouraged in art college.I hated the boring fundamentals but I guess they helped me because I am qble to draw what I see.I really want to draw and paint what I don't see except in my imagination.I have really taught myself with the exception of a handful of good teachers who I still carry with me in my heart always.I wish you success in your plans You would be a good teacher.❤️

I needed your channel! Thank you so so much!!

Ammmaazing video as always KR 🌈I’ve never taking any art classes in course, however I still was practicing art throughout the years & learning from different artists on RU-vid & The IG. When it comes to being a Self-Taught Art, I understand that it requires full passion, dedication & motivation for improving drawing styles & it’s takes time & practice ✍🏾✍🏾✍🏾✍🏾✍🏾✍🏾

There are many ways to learn, the most important thing about it to me, is knowing how learning works and figuring out what works for you the most and keep improving what ya had

Preach! I feel very validated by nearly everything you said!

wow! thank you this really motivates me.

I like your method for art study. I'm a digital artist and I will be using your method the craft my own art study plan. Thanks for the video!

This is exactly something Im making for myself right now. Having everything planned out and sticking to it as much as possible should help me solve the feeling of being overwhelmed by all the things I need to learn every time I sit at my desk to draw.

Thank you so much for this fantastic video and the Notion template!

I have always wanted to pursue art unfortunately, I never knew where exactly I should start. Your video helped me out. THANK YOU!

Great to see learning how to make art from more of a student's perspective, best of luck!

thank you so much for this video. i dropped out of a college art fundamentals year long certification thing because i couldnt focus or feel like it was helping me at all.. wasted all my money too. that was 3 years ago. i’m 27 now and wanted to find another route and this sounds absolutely wonderful. i feel very hopeful again, thank you

Thank you for sharing this. It is a different way of thinking and makes good points. As someone who is in the sunset stage of my life I resigned myself as art being a hobby. Life, job and growing health problems are starting to take up a lot of time. But I still have some hope I guess LOL. So I will subscribe and seriously consider something like this for myself. I always hear it is never too late.

Wow! This look so good and inspiring. Thank you for sharing and good luck!

I'm in. Love the plan.

Hey hey thank you very much for sharing this!