Let It Grow (ART)

Yo, we all know that we need to get out of out comfort zones, lets try and do that!

List the things you have trouble with and then try to draw it. No matter how bad it is, post it. It can only get better and posting it provides proof that you did it. We can also stalk the internet for tutorials and refs to help out. Lets also see what we're comfortable with and then draw the OPPOSITE of it. List your goals, set a time and a due date and go go go! Say what you like and don't like about your art and lets get better!

Refs:

Tutorials:

Our Brave BBYs putting in the work:

Spoiler:

Common Problems:

Lovely Local Tips:


This part is for me to fill out but, if you want to use it to organize yourself go ahead.

Code:

[b]User:
Goals:
Problems:
Work:
[/b]

One of my biggest issues is self-confidence. I also can't reference or trace for CRAP. Another issue is anatomy- I've tried tracing cats, which is supposed to help, but I also suck at that so ugh.
Also just trying to get the muzzle shape right??? I've tried doing those little thin lines around the mouth, but they always suck

Here's some art that I just threw together. Normally, I would've trashed this:

Spoiler:

pLEASE give me tips i need them

The thing I have so much trouble with is drawing cats lying down. I can draw them standing up, sitting, even running, but lying down is something I have tried and failed so many times to do. The legs just never look right. My drawing style is supposed to be cartoony and unrealistic, but you can't even tell what the cat is doing in my drawings. Any tips of cats laying down?

Lilacfall:

It's hard to find anything for your specific art style, where certain drawing techniques can't be used. The best advice I have for you is photo-reference. Look for a photo of a cat lying down, and in a position where you can see their legs. Then it'll be much easier to make the legs realistic.
Drawing legs and stuff isn't a strong point for me, so unless I'm practicing I usually just draw them from the shoulders up, like a profile.

OOH i had this problem a little while ago.

I highly suggest Jughead's links up there^ they're a huge help when it comes to facial anatomy, especially with muzzles and ears. (thanks bby you saved my life)

I have a whole thing about fur tho, so buckle your seatbelts:

First of all, fur should go all over the place.

Add different shapes, different directions, different sizes, etc.
Consider adding more fur on their backs, too. A good place to add some fur would be on their shoulders and the start of their bottoms.
(bad anatomy, I know. The circles are the places where fur should be, although fur should appear throughout the entire cat, even if it's just a few tufts)

@Drippy ;)

Buuut, fur doesn't go in random directions unless the cat doesn't groom itself. It goes in a flowing pattern. I have a hook that shows this but, I'll find something online. Fur on the nose goes upward and back and the the rest of the fur follows that pattern heading to the tail. Cheek fur goes out to the respective sides, lengthy fur usually goes down while short fur goes up. (Cat breeds have different fur directions but usually it is only different in the face area. Unless it's a Cornish Rex or something.)

@Jade Your problem sounds like it lies in proportions. The like I posted will definitely help but I can find other stuff.


I promise I'll add mine today, I'm just a little busy gearing up for the exams that I have before I'm too busy.

I don't draw digitally just on paper but I'm gonna try some of the tips from the links
I've never really tried drawing a cat so I'm gonna go for it and see how it goes
I will probably post a picture of my first attempt

what links I don't see any links

Okay here we go (on paper)
this is my first ever attempt at drawing a cat
this is a rough unfinished sketch from some of the tips in the links
please help me

spoiler:

EDIT:
I finished it a little bit more and changed and added a few things
still not sure about the paws and legs the don't look right
the ears too I can't get them the right shape

spoiler:

idk why it's sideways oops

That cat is S T U N N I N G
For a 'first ever attempt' it's amazing!!

wow thanks
been working on it for like 2 hours
i'm struggling with the paws and legs a lot

Click Me

This site is so helpful for me when trying to do anatomy :D

One of my biggest struggles is actually getting an animation done, I'm doing the 51 exercises now, the first three were done a long time ago so, I'm on the simple head turn. I'll add it once I get it done.


This is my rough version. The second version will have the defined face shape and other details.