Do the Reps

March 16, 2025


As any artist knows, mastery of drawing doesn’t come overnight. It’s a journey that involves constant practice, persistence, and a willingness to embrace mistakes. The act of drawing is more than just creating images; it’s an intimate extension of the artist’s mind, and with every stroke, the hand and line grow stronger. Just like any skill, becoming proficient requires repetition—lots of it. So, the next time you’re tempted to shy away from your sketchbook, remember: do the reps.

Extension of the Mind

Drawing is not just about putting lines on paper. It’s an intricate translation of thoughts, ideas, emotions, and perceptions into a visual language. As artists, we are constantly converting what we see, feel, or imagine into forms we can share with others. This connection between mind and hand requires both mental and physical coordination. The more often you practice, the more fluent your hand becomes in interpreting your inner world.

Think of drawing as a muscle. Just like any other skill, repetition strengthens it. In the beginning, your lines may be shaky, your proportions might be off, and your perspective could feel awkward. But with each new attempt, you begin to refine your technique, better translating your inner thoughts to paper.

Embracing Mistakes

If you’re trying to avoid mistakes, you might be missing the point of practicing. Mistakes are not failures; they’re simply stepping stones on the path to improvement. Each mistake reveals something about your process—perhaps it’s an area where your technique needs refining, or maybe there’s a better way to approach the subject. Every misstep is a chance to learn and grow.

Rather than shying away from errors, embrace them. They act as guides, telling you what to focus on next. When you recognize that mistakes are part of the creative process, you begin to approach drawing not with fear, but with curiosity. “What can I improve on this time?” becomes your mantra.

Power of Repetition

In every skill, there’s a sweet spot where repetition transforms a challenge into a natural ability. Think of athletes or musicians—how they practice the same movement, the same technique over and over until it becomes second nature. The same applies to drawing.

By practicing regularly, you begin to develop muscle memory. Your hand learns how to move fluidly, your eye becomes sharper at noticing details, and you become more confident in your choices. Eventually, your line work becomes more purposeful, your proportions more accurate, and your overall drawing feels more expressive. The more reps you do, the stronger you become.

Bottom Line

To become a proficient artist, you need to do the reps. Repetition isn’t about mindlessly copying the same thing over and over; it’s about deliberately improving, one line at a time. Drawing is a skill that demands patience, practice, and perseverance. So, don’t shy away from mistakes, and don’t expect perfection right away. Embrace the process and trust that every repetition is helping you become a stronger, more skilled artist.