My Top 10 Tips for beginners
Colored Pencil Drawing Tips
This advice comes from my personal experiences as a Colored Pencil beginner and this is what I would tell my past self.
To come up with this list, I spent some time looking back at my earliest drawings and notes that I made in an effort to remember what I struggled with and what questions I had.
Hopefully, it will help you!
Tip 8- Don’t Share Your Work until you are ready
Protecting Your Creative Confidence as a Beginner
In today’s world, it feels like everyone is sharing everything on social media. And don’t get me wrong—online platforms can be a beautiful way to connect with other artists, find inspiration, and even build a creative community. But when you’re just starting out, there’s absolutely no rule that says you have to share your work. In fact, I’d advise you not to—at least not right away.
Early on, your number one goal should be to keep going. That’s it. Keep drawing. Keep learning. Keep experimenting. And to do that, you need to protect your mindset at all costs.
Getting critical feedback too early can feel devastating. You might post something you worked hard on—something you’re genuinely proud of—only to get 1 or 2 likes on Instagram. Suddenly, that pride can shift into embarrassment. Or you might share your drawing with a loved one who tries to be “helpful” by pointing out everything they see that’s wrong. Even if their intentions are good, it can crush your momentum.
Most Artists Already Know What Needs Work
I rarely ask for feedback from my family because, honestly, I already know what’s not working in my drawing. Most artists do! Learning to critique your own work by comparing it to your reference photo or goal is one of the most valuable skills you can develop.
Share when you are ready
There will come a time when you do want to share your art—and when you do, it should be because you feel ready. Maybe you’ve created something you truly love, or maybe you’ve hit a milestone in your progress and want to celebrate. Those are beautiful moments to share.
But don’t feel pressure to post every step of the journey. Let yourself learn in private. Let yourself grow without the weight of outside opinions.
Find a Supportive place to share your work
When you’re ready to start sharing your art, make sure you do it in a safe, encouraging environment. There are many private groups—especially on Facebook—dedicated to supporting beginners, and I’ve found these communities to be incredibly positive and welcoming. They’re great places to share your progress, ask for feedback, and connect with others who are learning just like you.
If you’re part of my Patreon community, I offer a private group where you can post your work, ask questions, and receive encouragement directly from me and fellow artists. It’s a judgment-free space designed to help you grow in confidence and skill, no matter where you are in your journey.
Just remember that your art is for you first.