Benefits of Feedback (Patreon)

Did you know that every member on the Pencil, Conté and Sketchbook Tier can submit their drawings for draw-over feedback from me?

Yes!

Each month, I provide a photo reference for the Draw-Along Challenge and invite all paid members to take a pass as it and submit it for feedback.

I know it can be scary and vulnerable to share your artwork (we all feel that way sometimes) but it is probably the most valuable benefit that I offer on this Patreon.

I love it because it allows me to connect with you, see your growth, provide guidance and it also gives me a little boost, knowing that the content I'm sharing is helping your artistic journey.

What are the benefits of submitting you artwork for feedback?

It's a powerful tool for growth that can take your gesture drawing to the next level. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider sharing your drawings and opening yourself up to constructive critique:

1. Fresh Perspective

When you share your artwork with others, you gain afresh perspective that you might not have considered. Feedback from a mentor or fellow artists can highlight aspects of your work that you may have overlooked, offering new insights and directions for your progress.

Working alone as a self employed artist, I often don't get other eyes on my work. But when I can share it with an artist friend, their fresh eyes on my work can help me solve problems by looking at it from a different angle.

2. Identifying Strengths and Weakness

Constructive feedback helps you pinpoint both your strengths and areas that need improvement. Knowing what you're doing well can boost your confidence, while identifying your weakness can give you specific areas to focus on, accelerating your progress in all your artistic endeavours.

In the age of social media, I mostly only get likes and comments on artwork I share - which feels good. But it's the constructive criticism that other artists give me that really helps me improve as an artist.

3. Overcoming Creative Blocks

Sometimes, getting stuck in a creative rut is inevitable. I know it happens to me A LOT! Feedback from others can provide the spark you need to overcome these blocks. Fresh ideas and suggestions can reignite your creativity and take you in new exciting directions.

4. Building a Community

Working on your art alone can be isolating and also put blinders on to where you are on your art journey. Submitting your artwork for community feedback (see Community > Chats > Your Drawing) connects you with other artists who are on a similar journey to you. It can foster a sense of community where you can share experiences, exchange tips and support each other's growth, which can be incredibly motivating and uplifting!

5. Real World Preparation

Receiving feedback helps you prepare for the real world or art, where critique is a natural part of a process. Whether you are an art student, a professional working in a studio or a self employed artist who collaborates with clients via email - learning to accept and grow from feedback is essential.

It can hard to hear negative feedback on your art work. Know that all the feedback I provide here, is done with kindness and the intention to get your closer to your gestures drawing goals.

6. Refining Your Technique

Detailed feedback can provide specific advice on improving your technique. From anatomy, to exaggeration to flow and storytelling. These targeted suggestions can help you refine your drawing skills and produce more solid, professional work.

The draw-along challenges provide you with some areas to focus on, which can help push your out of your comfort zone and tackle those things you always avoid (for me...it's hands!)

7. Setting Goals and Tracking Progress:

Using the monthly drawing challenges allows you to set an actionable goal for improvement. If you are able to submit often, you can track your progress and see tangible growth in your drawing skills.

It's so rewarding for me to see that artists get better and better each month :D

8. Enhancing Confidence:

Let's be honest...being an artist is HARD! Many of us like to draw in private, never letting our drawings be seen by any other eyes! Regularly receiving and applying feedback can significantly boost your confidence in your drawing skills. Seeing the positive impact of constructive critique encourages you to keep pushing your boundaries and get you out of your comfort zone.

So, don't be afraid to share your drawings and seek feedback from me - or any other mentor. It's a valuable part of the artistic journey that can lead to tremendous growth and improvement. Embrace the process - even the uncomfortable bits! Learn from it and watch your drawings excel!

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For those who want more than feedback on a single image, I also offer one-on-one feedback on the Sketchbook Tier.

In this one-on-one feedback, I provide personalised and in depth critiques of your drawings. We’ll connect via video call, where I will offer targeted advice on your technique, anatomy and anything else you want to discuss.

You will receive actionable insights to help you improve and grow as an artist, along with a downloadable video of our session and PSD files with detailed draw-over feedback.

It is a unique opportunity to get tailed guidance and take your art to the next level, quickly!

Happy sketching

Gillian