Starting Your Art Journey with a Graphic Tablet: What Should You Draw First?

As you take your first steps into the world of digital art, choosing the right project can be daunting. With a graphic tablet, the possibilities are endless, but where should you begin? This article will guide you through simple exercises and provide inspiration for your initial projects.

The Importance of Starting Simple

When you venture into digital art, it’s crucial to start with simple exercises. This will help you get comfortable with the feel of the tablet and improve your hand-to-eye coordination. Basic shapes and lines are an excellent place to start. Here are some exercises to begin with:

Exercise 1: Basic Shapes

Download or print basic shapes worksheets. Use the pen pressure settings to experiment with different levels of detail and texture. Start with simple shapes like circles, squares, triangles, and ovals. These exercises will help you understand how to control the pen and adjust your pressure settings for different effects.

Exercise 2: Basic Lines

Practice drawing horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines. Focus on maintaining consistency and speed. You can use tracing paper over a printed grid or create your own grid lines on a clean drawing surface. This exercise is crucial for developing a steady and controlled hand.

Moving to More Complex Subjects

Once you feel comfortable with the basics, it’s time to move on to more complex subjects. Here are a few steps to follow:

Step 1: Still Life

Still life is an excellent way to practice proportions and shadows. Start with simple objects like fruit, flowers, or books. Use a simple setup to avoid distractions. Spend time observing, measuring, and shading the objects to develop your skills in perspective and lighting.

Step 2: Basic Portraits

Create a basic portrait by sketching a face or head. Start with simple shapes like circles and ovals to form the basic structure of the face. Then add details like eyes, nose, and mouth. Focus on applying shading to give the portrait depth and texture. This project will help you practice facial proportions and shading techniques.

Step 3: Guided Projects

If you need some guidance on initial projects, I recommend checking out my Quora profile for step-by-step tutorials and inspiration. Follow my guidelines to ensure you stay motivated and make progress in your digital art journey.

Conclusion

Starting with simple exercises and gradually moving to more complex subjects is a solid strategy for beginners getting started with a graphic tablet. By practicing basic shapes and lines, working on still life, and creating basic portraits, you’ll build a strong foundation in digital art. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance and inspiration from experienced artists and resources. Happy creating!