Why Your Drawings Don't Work

If you're like me, you've probably made a lot of drawings that just don't work.

You look at them - study them. The anatomy seems accurate. You've used interesting lines. You've tried to inject some style.

But, it's just not working.

Then you bang your head on a table or a wall and wonder, "What am I doing wrong??"

Well, I think I may have an answer for you.

I've been more of an illustrator than anything for years. But, last year, I took a job as a Graphic Designer. Working as a designer for the past year has taught me a crucial lesson that I was missing as an illustrator.

Your drawings must have an overall sense of pleasantness. We all know that somewhere, but follow me.

The individual lines are important only inasmuch as they contribute to the attractiveness of the entire image. I now approach drawings in the same way as I approach graphic design.

What that means is that I try to create a natural flow.

All lines are roads.

A road takes you to a place. All of the lines in your drawing are guiding you somewhere. Knowing this, you can make all the lines in your piece work together to guide the viewer.

So, if you're drawings just aren't working, remember 2 things:

1) The entire composition should be pleasant as a whole.
2) The entire composition should have a natural flow - a path your eyes follow.

Try that and see if you don't improve instantly.