How to instantly draw slightly better (even if your starting place is 'terrible')

This tip comes from artist Meg Syv, I have no drawing capabilities whatsoever.

It is actually almost aggravating that I was nevertheless able to draw simple shapes better by doing this.

Today’s Art Tip is a little one for beginning inkers, or people who are struggling to get their lines looking steady and confident: look ahead of the line you’re drawing, not at the tip of your utensil where it meets the canvas!

Seriously, just try it, draw a stick figure or a heart-shape or something. It’s not a massive difference, but it as a noticeable one, and an absolute freebie in terms of effort.

I figure this works the same way as the high-five elbow trick. (If you want to ensure a perfect, squared up, satisfying high five every time, look at the other person’s elbow, not their hand.) It’s giving your brain the info it needs to do the spatial processing or whatever, no conscious plan needed.

Lastly, if you're truly starting from 'terrible, stick figures only', I recommend the 21-day Doodle Institute course  - it's 5 minutes a day, and the first day is the most basic shapes: triangles, squares, squiggly lines.

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This piece was originally published in The Whippet #128 – subscribe to get the next issue in your inbox!