The most important lesson I have learned in the process of becoming an artist is also my disclaimer: every artist is an individual and every artist has his or her own style. Not all suggestions and tips will work for everyone. Please, never let anyone, no matter how famous an artist they are, tell you how things should be done. By all means, try their suggestions, but in the end, ALWAYS go with what feels most comfortable and works best FOR YOU!
Here are some of my tips. Try them and, if they don't work, forget them:
1. The most important tip: always draw what you know and love and, above all, have fun!
2. I find listening to music that inspires me helps a lot in the creative process. It gets that right brain going.
3. Try to have at least two projects going at the same time. (I usually have a 'fun project' that is just for me and I don't care if it comes out perfect or not.) There will always come a time you'll get bored/frustrated with one. This is the time to forget it and work on the other. It just gets your mind off a muddle you might have gotten yourself into and lets you start fresh and even have some fun.
4. If you do get into a serious muddle with a particular drawing and #3 doesn't work in the short term, forget the drawing altogether. Don't even touch it for at least a week. Leave it somewhere in plain sight. After a while you'll notice ideas springing into your head about how to fix the problem you have or how to get around it. When you get to the point you cannot wait to go and fix it you'll know it's time to do it.
5. Forget fear. I find when I'm afraid, usually that I cannot do it, my brain simply shuts down and my arm goes stiff. If you feel getting fearful, turn on some relaxing music, take a few deep breaths, and start drawing without thinking. After all, what's the worst that can happen? You either erase the mistake or just start anew. Everything is a learning process and you cannot learn when you are afraid.
6. Constantly try new techniques and mediums. Even if you don't get good at them, the experimentation will only improve your existing skills and offer some relaxation and fun.
