How to get GOOD as an artist - People Sketching - episode 5 

I just recently discovered you, and you are slowly becoming my hero.

You may just be the most relate-able artist ever. Really, some of the best advice. Thank you.

I really need more friends like you, man. Surrounding yourself with artists helps you get better.

Not only do I love watching you draw, I would really love to listen to you on a podcast as I drive around town. Such an inspiration!

Will, your work is thought provoking, but your words are more. Thank you.

Your videos are inspiring, mainly because you talk about how to BE an artist AND a person. I'm a new aspiring digital hobbyist artist, but I want to take it somewhat seriously too ( I have goals). I'm experiencing the struggles you speak of, and these videos help a lot. :)

Funny, im 19 and feel the same way you did at 19. Im going through the same things and trying the same things. Not to a T, but you know what i mean. This gave me some hope, and surprisingly ome inspiration as well. Thanks will ❤

"I'm not the artist I want, I'm the artist Gotham needs right now" XD

I'm so glad I found your channel. I go through all the issues you talk about on a daily basis and don't get nearly enough done. You give a lot of great suggestions. Thanks!

this brought up so many feels from the last acting class i took. man that hit home

Hi Will, I just want to thank you for what you do. It's been very encouraging to learn from you and see the wisdom and perspective you've gained through the years. Especially with where I'm at right now. I grew up pursuing fine art and about 10 years ago I decided I needed to do something that would make money and that offered security. I went into graphic design and learned videography and photography and I've been doing that as my day job for 10 years now, all the while regretting the decision not to continue in fine arts. I've just recently been getting back into it and by watching your videos I've been filled with hope that I can make it happen. I can knock off the rust and grow and find a way to do what I love that also helps people. To be honest, that's been my biggest fear. Not wanting to do what I love because I feel like it doesn't really help anyone. I'm trying to change that perspective and gain confidence to really go after this. I didn't want to rant but also felt compelled to tell you how your videos help. Thanks again :)

gods i've been through both of these stages, makes me wanna cringe looking back at it now! and i know a lot of people stuck at the "oh no my stuff isn't good" stage, which is very frustrating. it's important to accept the complement not only because someone took the time to give you their opinion, but also because by saying "no", you're pretty much trivializing their opinion! makes them feel bad too. anyway great vid, very relaxing to watch.

My prayers regularly include, "please help us develop our talents and use them to praise your name." But I often forget that our gifts weren't meant for us to enjoy alone. They weren't given to us to prop up our egos with. They were meant to be shared with people who would appreciate them. It's humbling to rediscover that idea with renewed understanding. And realize that I've been wasting God's gifts for selfish reasons. I have a responsibility to bring what joy to the world that I can. At first I thought that this long format wasn't as entertaining as watching your drawings take shape at warp speed. But what you said led me back to this epiphany. I still like the quick vids like Senor Sculpy, but this was more valuable to me today. Thanks Will.

You know, I came across your channel on accident (it came up after an album I was listening to while working), but I have to say, in the few short hours I watched your videos you've greatly increased my confidence as a comic artist. Thank you so much!

I really love watching your videos. Love that what you talk about really has nothing to do with the drawing itself. Watching in real time and not speeded up voice overs is also beneficial. Thank you so much.

Hey Will, I stumbled across your channel today and since watching your first video all I've been doing is watching all you videos. LOL. You're so great, man. Not only are you talented, but you're a kind hearted person. Willing to share USEFUL advice and I appreciate your humbleness. I've watched other artists and have heard their advice, but you are by far the best I've come across. You have such a positive and good energy. I feel GOOD when I watch your artwork. I don't feel small and insecure about my art when I'm watching your videos. Please keep making them. Also, I hope this isn't insulting you, but your art reminds me a lot like the some Disney artists. You have that sort of same style as some of the artists at Disney do. I can totally see you working for them. (I'm a HUGE Disney fan). Keep up the great work and may happiness always accompany you!

I felt that I was just hanging out. This relaxed me and gave me some insight on something currently relevant going on in my own life. Isn't it funny how the universe just finds answers for us if we just listen when our dumb luck kicks in?!

Yes! What you say is so very helpful! Very much appreciated!

Hi Will, THANK YOU so much for sharing this aspect of your journey. I really enjoy hearing about your experience and process of growth and lessons you've learned. I have come to take notes pretty much every time I watch your videos. I love your people sketching style; it's really fun and engaging. This little old lady looks awesome! Please continue to share these kinds of stories. I know this vid is from 2013 but FWIW I do like seeing you as well as the drawing. I also enjoy checking out the artists and books etc. you mention. Would love to see a channel dedicated to digital painting and sketching. Great job!

I could write it under each of your videos, but I think just one time will do, so: Thank you! Really, your words are simply so motivating and wisdom-carrying. Thank you again :).

Whenever I'm feeling down and uninspired I come back to this video, and it is truly lifting. Thank you.

I don't remember how did I come across your channel, but I don't regret it. Now when I'm working I'll just click onto one of your videos and just listen to you talk and then play back to see the process of the sketches. Your words have really helped me in seeing past my artwork and think more about who I am as an artist. So thank you Will, and much loves from a Malaysian, slowly growing artist!

I love how real you are and honest about the journey you've had with your art. I'm 28 been drawing my whole life. and I still struggle everyday. Im very hard on myself too. I always think my art is not good enough and I don't really have a defined style. I mainly do portraits that are fairly realistic but I've always admired cartoon, comic, caricature type artists and wanted to create that type of art. I still have a long way to go and my art doesn't pay the bills so I always end up doing some job I hate. Im gonna keep plugging away though. Thx again!

I must admit that of all the things I've learned from your tutorials, is the advice you give. As a film artist, I have also run into the exact same things you talk about. Your advice truly helps; at 50 years old, this old dog can actually learn new tricks. Thank you....

You know, I find it really relaxing to just watch you draw and listen to you. I learn so much from watching these. It's really fun to do art while watching these. I'm picking up so many techniques from watching you.

Not only do I love your work but I love the commentary Especially your infectious laugh.

Great inspiration Will! Love your personal stories and art. YOU'RE AWESOME

Will, I like your tone of voice which attracts me to watch till the end. Good job.

I love how honest you are about your past:) takes a lot of courage to say in front of so many people that you were wrong and that you regret it. So much respect for you!

Hi Will, When you brought up positive thinking and, specifically, NLP..I got goosebumps. I was introduced to NLP about 2 years ago from a childhood friend with whom I've became reacquainted with. I am 38 and live in South Mississippi. I'm self-taught and have always loved fantasy art, caricature and comic art. I've always known I was meant to be an artist but being from a small town, never really met like-minded people so I never had any guidance or much-needed constructive criticism. Up until I came in contact with my friend, I struggled with crippling fear of failure and self-doubt that kept me from drawing for years at a time. I always knew I was gifted and had raw talent and potential, but never had a clear process, nor a good grasp on the fundamentals. My friend did portraits and wall murals. His ability to take on any project, no matter how large and seemingly difficult, and achieve just amazing results just astounded me. His confidence was contagious. I had to learn how he did it. He introduced me to how he used NLP and systems-thinking, along with basic principles of value, color, etc, to analyze and deconstruct art that he liked, then apply just a few principles that were used in the reference to his own art. Within just the last year and a half, my skills have skyrocketed. I no longer fear making mistakes, but embrace them as necessary to improvement. My confidence is of the charts and I now take on pencil portraits that I would've been to insecure to attempt 2 years ago. If you or anyone else is interested, check out some of my art on deviantart/GKeebler.com and facebook.com/DeanPencilArt Thank you so much for your amazing talent, time and for sharing your journey with us!

Another great 40 minute talk I watched all the way through while drawing. It's great that I can, in a way, experience things that I've never actually experienced and learn from them through your story telling. It's like, you put yourself out there, go through the struggles, and come back and tell us about it, and we then have that information. Thanks

Hello Will, i discovered your channel and your art two monthes ago, after i attempted many animation schools' entry tests and failed. From those two monthes i've been listening to your people sketching videos while drawing and man, these are helping me so much. I'm from France and here in France, self-made students (who are learning by themselves and not attempting university or a big school) are always judged like they just can't succeed in what they're passionate about. So i just wanted to say THANK YOU for these awesome videos that help me everyday to believe that i can do it , and that i absolutely don't have the right to give up.

Will, your videos are honestly so refreshing. You help remind me why I want to be an artist, and I respect and admire you endlessly for that. You have passion about your work and you have passion for the people around you. You're a great guy, love your videos, never stop please. Thanks.

I just now tonight found your videos, was enjoying watching you color and listening to your advice and stories, then I wanted to know what you use for future whenever I get the money for supplies, I had already known about coppic markers but didn't know the other, then I saw in your description that you actually put what you use, you now definitely have a permanent subscriber. I'm an artist but I don't draw as much as I should be and am hoping to get back at it whenever I can because I have a 6 month old and a part time job, along with a house that I will one day clean lol, so your advice is so inspiring.

I'll join the cheerleaders and the chorus in saying that your art, videos, and commentary-insights-experience sharing totally make my day!

i'm just now getting into the "who i really am" phase of working, as well as calling myself out on my own BS, thank you for helping me push my ego out a bit more.

Seriously good advice I think a LOT of aspiring artists should hear. I definitely needed to hear it!

I've been chomping through these posts, not all in order, but WOW! I love what Will has to say in every vid. I feel like I almost know Will (notice how I'm on a first name basis) ; b. I totally identify because I moved to L.A. to do more with my art. I have been going through a lot of what he talks about in this vid with the ups and downs of what I want to do and how good I consider my work to be. I really appreciate the honest insight into how it feels to be an artist and strive to succeed doing what you love. From going to cons to sitting and wishing someone else was there to talk to while drawing, I feel like other people really get it now. The last vid totally inspired me to head down and sketch some toons for people in the local hospital, to give back a little. Thanks for helping me check my attitude! What a rewarding thing to do for others.

This is honestly so relatable. Thank you so much for making these videos, I've learned so much from them and I really hope you continue this series. I just discovered you recently, and you've quickly become one of my role models.

here I am at 12:30 a.m. on a school night and I've been watching your videos for the past hour and a half and you have very very quickly become an inspiration to me. I literally discovered you just tonight and just like that I have looked up to another artist, one that has shown dedication throughout the years and hasn't given up and you are just an amazing artist that I would love to become. not in the sense of drawing but just an artist that people can look up to, you are just so humble and just amazing thank you for existing :3

I find my coming back to these videos and watching them every few months and watching them over again and again while drawing. it has defiantly helped a lot! Thanks Will!

I'm loving the long videos. They are definitely a commitment! But I love listening to you while I'm working and watching the progression of your illustrations.

Hey Will, I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us! I love the all the great advice, plus it is nice to be able to see how you work at the same time.

I've been drawing for years, Been a tattoo artist for 4 of them, Started a comic book three months ago.When people ask me for advice or for the source my inspiration in any of the work I do. I give them a list, Will Terrell you are number one on that list. I don't think I could thank you enough.... You're videos have inspired a lot of artist here in Ireland, wellin this little town anyway, keepup the great work . .. It's so hard to be inspired these days

Came for the sketch, stayed for the talk. This video really dug deep into the cycle that I go through with my own artwork. I think you bared a piece of your soul in this one, and thank you for putting it on the line for us.

I have never seen anyone tell this side of the story of becoming a greater artist. It is AWSOME! For example I often get this periods of doing no art at all because I have so much pressure on myself trying to do everything perfect all the time. That often leads to alot of unfinished work since a want them to have "all lines and colours on the most perfect spot POSSIBLE". Anyway, Your videos helps alot thanks for your advices:) And your work is great! / Tette

Love your drawings! Could you show us your earliest drawing? Maybe those from when you were younger or starting out. Just to see how far you've come.

Great video, really got me to start smiling again, I've been so down about myself and my artwork; and to hear your experiences and know it's part of life, and i'm not alone. I Just have to say Thank You! You're an amazing artist and a great human being!

For some reason I think it's awesome how much you love little old ladies haha. My grandma always made me laugh so much and watching your videos reminds me a lot of that joy :)

Thanks Will this was a good one... I was told once that the level of success I would ever reach in this world depends upon the level of concern I have for others.

Hey man I love your honesty and the way you put so much fun and love into your work. I'm not so young, have been drawing for years and I have been through a lot of the things you talk about. I agree there are tons of things to be learned every day and you never know where those learnings will come from. I am always trying to improve my work and think your videos are a great resource for anyone who seeks to learn the "dark arts". Sharing your real world experiences while giving us such an insight into the "how" of what you do is incredibly generous. Thanks Will I'm hooked. S

I love that you mix your videos up between great art and huge life lessons! Thanks for you tips and generosity!

I'm at the stage where my eye has caught up with my ability to draw. It caught up literally 2 days before my degree's final year project deadline. It's so frustrating! But now I'm looking forward and using this time to do figure drawing and fixing mistakes! There's a person close to me that has always put me down when it comes to my art work. It's probably the reason why I want to cry when someone compliments it. I'm not used to hearing positive comments about my art. Thank you for this!

Listening to you made me realize so many things in life as well as inspiring me more to practice a lot to get better. I think maybe i'm experiencing what you had experienced before. I'll try to adjust somehow and learn about things and take your advices.

Will, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts about art and life. It helps remind me, that I'm not the only one feeling a certain way. After 18 years or life, I'm trying to get back on the wagon. We'll see what happens.

Much Love Will! Re-watching these videos. They make me feel happy and hopeful

Thanks for your video Will. I've been struggling to draw or make art for a few months now, I think about it every seconds of every day but I just can't get myself to draw. Watching your videos help motivate me a lot. Thank you and keep making awesome videos :)

I could literally listen to you talk about this stuff for hours. I've been watching all your videos and sketching while I do and I think you've magically made me a little bit better :)

Thank you Will for sharing so much of yourself and your talent with us! May God bless you!

These are honestly my favorite vids to listen to while drawing.

Some great things to think about here :) I still have a lot to learn about art and even the path I want to take as an artist. It really is an experience unique to creating art. I love these longer videos by the way, they're great to put on as some background noise while I draw, which is what this is all about.

I love the dual screen format! Thank you for sharing your gift.

I listened to a few of your videos now, and I just.. need to subscribe. You've really inspired me to really get back into my art and not give up on it. You also gave me a lot to think about myself as a person. And I love how you draw people! I don't know, I feel as though I have so much more to say but can't think of it now. >.< Anyway, I just love the vibe you bring to your videos. So relaxing to draw to. :)

The drawing was great but the talk was amazing. As a former Art teacher and someone who is constantly unsure of my own abilities, everything you said really stuck home with me. Thank you so much and you have made a fan today.

I love you videos! i usually listen in to these videos while drawing something, just like you are! I love how you share your story and your journey as an artist! Your advice really helps me. I am 15 years old and i thought that since i am not as good as my friends or other youtubers who were my age, i got really self consious. But then i watched your videos and realized that i am not alone! You helped my realize that my art will get better if i stick with it and always practice : ). And i am already seeing improvments (i think). So, thank you so much for all your advice and just your youtube channel in general! You are a talented artist and you have come a very long way! And again, i truly thank you : ).

sir you've found another subscriber in myself this video was awesome

I'm really happy that i found your channel. I really love drawing but often struggle with self-esteem issues and lack of inspiration. After about 2 years of active drawing my family members simply stopped giving me critique and I stopped improving and got pretty depressed. Recently I've started drawing again and your videos really provided a great source of inspiration. Thanks a lot :)

I liked when you compared the time it takes to become a doctor, a lawyer (10 yrs) with the time it takes to be an artist. Anything worthwhile in life takes time. Thanks for sharing in this format too. :)

That was a wonderful video. I got teary eyes when you were talking about the advice of how you received good critique from those artists.

This was so inspirational and I think a lot artists need to hear some of the things you mentioned in this video as far as building your confidence. Thank you for posting!!

Gosh! Thank you very very much for making this video! This answered all of the questions inside my head. I love your art alot, I am so so inlove with it, and I'm really inspired right now. I'm in the middle of frustrating and depressing moments of an artist because I'm experiencing exactly what you said in this video, I haven't been drawing because the last time I drew something I felt like it wasn't good enough and that I'm not going to get better, I was really having a bad time until I saw this video. PS. The old lady is as cute as your drawing. She's so adorable.

AH I'm watching all your videos now as I'm drawing/painting! Your words are such an inspiration to me! FIGHTING FIGHTING!!!!!

You described all the emotions I have of being an artist. The worst part for me that really stures up my emotions, is when I get an award. Not that getting an award is a bad thing, but I tend to go through the cycle of moods like the following: just-so-happy-about-getting-an-award-for-something-I-enjoy-doing, to you-should-listen-to-my-advice-since-I-won-an-award, to CRAP-now-I-have-to-be-amazing-at-every-art-piece-I-do, then finally it-is-only-about-the-art mood.

First off thanks for sharing your videos they have motivated me to start drawing again after almost 13 years. I have a quick question ,When drawing characters is it best to start with the head and work your way down or start with the Anatomy and work your way up to the head..

Thank You so much for talking about your art and life. You are a true inspiration for all aspiring artists.

I thought that your videos were going to teach me how to draw but I found so much more, thanks man. Keep them coming ha ha ha

"If you pray for patience, you aren't going to get patience. You're going to be blessed with more opportunities to use patience." Thank you for saying that out loud. I hope that God blesses your art and your marriage!!

I've really appreciated listening to your videos, I think actually your advice about the person you are directly affecting your work is so relevant for me. I'm at a point in my life where my will and love to draw has become a desperation to achieve as much as possible, where before I didn't have the opportunity. But I feel like a part of me is still hanging over an expanse of insecurity so I sit and look at my sketchbook and it's like I've never drawn before. Anyway, I just want to say thank you, and your videos are important! :)

As you said you read those comments in the end, I might as well leave one. Thank you for your work, but even more, for your advice. I've been drawing for years now, mostly for fun, occasionally for something like a CD artwork for my band, but I felt like I don't think I'm bad at drawing, and I know how to fake it and make it look good in the end, but I've definitely been stagnating, especially in my drawing. I stumbled upon your videos, the one with the shark at first, and it really got me motivated to improve and finally take the step from an ok artist to a good artist. Man, you inspired me. I started filling up my first real sketchbook ever and thinking about taking figure drawing lessons. Thank you for the inspiration.

I love listening to these videos. It helps more than the classic how to draw video. I'm only 15 and I started drawing about a year ago, almost all referenced. just recently i started watching your videos and practicing my own work, non referenced. Hearing a lot of it is both inspiring and intimidating. Thank you :)

LOVE! the format, so great to see the person talking, great addition, more entertaining.

May your art be good or bad, just keep going and tell a story with your work. Make your life valuable yourself and be proud, not cocky! Just proud of what you've reached and what you'll keep reaching if you continue. Progress is endless.

Hi I've only watched a few of your videos but I think they're great and I like the fact you give advice rather than 'how to's'. I like constructive criticism as I know I'm good but if someone can give me a way to improve it then I feel ever so happy. My art teacher always says 'there is always one more thing to learn that can get you a step closer to beyond perfect'. I struggle to show my classmates my work and share it with others, any advice?

This was really good for me to hear now. I used to get very irritated with more experienced artists who were arrogant, but instead of trying to avoid being like that, I kinda couldn't wait till I was "good enough" to be that "confident." I ended up being kind of a jerk for a while... I still get a little impatient with new artists, even though I'm still so freakin' new myself XD This video was a perfect reminder!

I love listening to these while I draw. It really helps me to put in more detail and effort. Thanks for being you ^-^

You're a real inspiration mate. Thank you for those videos

Thank you so much. I love listening to you. You inspire me everyday. Thank you for being there and making videos.

You're my new role model. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experiences!

You keep talking about people that inspired you to draw and honestly to me you are the most inspiring artist I know! :)

I'm glad you have regained confidence, what gets on my nerves is when my friends go on and on about how someone is better than me

Hi Will, I loved your video. I really found it to help me a lot in many ways. I've always been some how involved in art, but i really have never dedicated time to it as i should. After seeing your video, it really gave me inspiration to get back to drawing and dedicate time to a passion i have always love. You seem like a very special guy with a nice sense of humor and positivity. I love how you draw, and thank you for sharing the tools you use, as well as all your advice. i really appreciate. Once again thank you, Annette.

You are so awesome! I love your upbeat outlook on life. Thank you for making this Videos, they really make my day.

Hey Will... Thanks for putting it out there... You are so encouraging and inspiring.

Really glad you did this and very much appreciate it. A lot of people would pay to hear these types of inspiring stories. And it's good to hear that you like The Maxx and Bone. Sam Kieth and Jeff Smith just rule as artists. I really enjoyed this video.

bruh, I love your videos and I love your art style! I like to listen to your videos whilst I'm loosely drawing, you give me so many good ideas.

I've watched this video quite a few times already while working and oh man! every time I find something relevant to me at the time. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! You rock not only because you're such a good artist, but because you keep it real :D Keep smiling Will :D Thank you!!

you are amazing. i love how you talk about your wife, and how how you described the little old lady. this is the first video i've watched of you, and i love it! you're so sweet.

I think the vid format works for these talk videos. Thanks for the vid - it's so great to hear about your experiences, especially with other artists. It makes it seem less intimidating to go and ask for help and reviews.

i friggin loved the new format its good to just listen to something real and from the heart while youre trying your best to succeed also

Just started picking up the pen and pencils again and I have to say your videos inspire me. Great drawings and great words, thank you man. Keep doing your thing