The Value of a Structured Approach to Learning Cartooning

May 15
07:15

2024

Chris Haycock

Chris Haycock

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

Learning to draw can be a daunting task for many, but with the right system in place, almost anyone can master this valuable skill. This article explores why so many people struggle with drawing and how a structured approach can make all the difference.

mediaimage

Why Many People Struggle with Learning to Draw

Many people believe they lack the innate talent to draw,The Value of a Structured Approach to Learning Cartooning Articles often saying, "I could never learn to draw! They tried to teach me at school, but I was no good." This sentiment is not necessarily the fault of the students. The high failure rate in drawing classes is largely due to the lack of a systematic approach to teaching the fundamentals and the absence of basic teaching aids.

The Problem with "Freehand Drawing"

The term "freehand drawing" is often misleading. It suggests that drawing should be done without any aids, relying solely on the untrained eye and hand. This approach is akin to teaching carpentry without a set square or tape measure. A more accurate term might be "haphazard drawing."

The Importance of Teaching Aids

Experienced drawing teachers understand that the easier they make the study, the quicker and greater the student's progress. They do not hesitate to use all available aids, such as rulers, compasses, grid paper, or tracing paper. These tools should be encouraged, not frowned upon. Learning to draw should be a pleasurable and recreational activity, not a hardship.

The Role of Systematic Instruction

A teacher of handwriting uses a recognized system, often requiring the use of guide lines for forming written characters. Similarly, a structured approach to teaching drawing can make a significant difference. If the same systematic approach used in teaching writing were applied to drawing, fewer people would feel inadequate in their drawing abilities.

The Benefits of Structured Courses

Structured courses can take a student from a novice to a paid artist in just a few weeks. These courses need not be expensive, especially when considering the earning potential once the skill is acquired. They can also be a source of great fun and a lifelong hobby or lucrative sideline, even if one does not wish to become a full-time cartoonist.

Interesting Statistics

  • According to a study by the National Endowment for the Arts, only 16% of adults in the U.S. engage in visual arts activities, including drawing and painting (NEA, 2018).
  • A survey by Adobe found that 82% of people believe creativity is a valuable skill in today's job market, yet only 39% feel they are living up to their creative potential (Adobe, 2016).

Conclusion

If you can learn to write, you can learn to draw. For those serious about learning to draw, seeking the best instruction they can afford is crucial. While professional one-on-one tuition is ideal, several affordable courses can guide you from a beginner to a proficient cartoonist. These courses can be a gateway to a fulfilling hobby or a lucrative career.

For more information on the benefits of structured learning in the arts, check out National Endowment for the Arts and Adobe's Creativity Study.

Sources:

  • National Endowment for the Arts. (2018). U.S. Patterns of Arts Participation: A Full Report from the 2017 Survey of Public Participation in the Arts. Retrieved from NEA
  • Adobe. (2016). State of Create: 2016. Retrieved from Adobe