#3 Letter from the Atelier
Hey there,
Let’s be honest:
when we want to get better at art, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One tutorial here, one online course there, a Pinterest study, an attempt to copy a style we like… and before we know it, we’re everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
This week, I want to talk about how to improve your drawing skills without burning out: because yes, it’s possible to grow with joy and structure.
Now, let’s begin.
✦ First: Start with a clear audit
Before jumping into yet another challenge or video, take a step back. Improving your skills starts with understanding where you actually need to grow.
Ask yourself:
- Where do I feel stuck?
- When do I get frustrated in my process?
- What do I often avoid because it feels too hard?
Is it the anatomy? Perspective? Colors? Composition? Backgrounds?
Take notes, and if you’re not sure, look at your last 5–10 drawings and try to spot recurring issues. You don’t need to judge yourself harshly, just observe.
If self-analysis feels difficult, ask for feedback. A fellow artist can offer a helpful perspective, more than friends or family (Who usually mean well but don’t always see what we need to improve).
✦ Focus, don’t scatter
I know.
You want to get better at everything.
Master oils and gouache, portraits and landscapes, realism and stylization.
But improvement doesn’t come from trying everything at once. It comes from intentional practice.
Pick one area to focus on. That doesn’t mean you’ll ignore the rest forever, just that for now, you’ll make real progress in one direction.
If you need to go back to the basics, don’t see it as a step back: see it as setting solid ground. Growth is never wasted when it’s intentional.
Here’s a little story from my own practice:
A few months ago, while doing this exercise myself, I realized I was constantly frustrated because I always drew the eyes in my portraits too high.
Once I noticed it, I took time to work specifically on that issue, revisiting proportions carefully.
But the key was that with every new drawing, I consciously focused on correcting that detail.
After just a few attempts, it became a new automatic habit, and I no longer had that problem.
That allowed me to move on and focus on learning other aspects without being held back.
✦ Make it joyful
Learning doesn’t have to feel like homework.
If you’re working on proportions but want to draw elves, do it. Who says you can’t mix studies and fun?
You can practice hand anatomy through a magical illustration. You can work on color theory while painting your favorite OC.
It’s your art. Make it enjoyable.
If you’ve seen my recent sketches, you’ve probably noticed I never miss a chance to sneak in an elven ear or a bit of magical glow in the eyes, even in quick studies.
It just makes everything way more fun for me. And that joy? It’s what keeps me coming back to my sketchbook.
✦ Find your rhythm
Progress takes time and you can’t sprint through it.
Some weeks you’ll feel super inspired. Other times, life will get in the way. And that’s fine.
The key is consistency, not intensity.
Instead of daily challenges, what if you focused on a weekly drawing goal?
Instead of pushing through exhaustion, what if you made space to reflect and rest?
Burnout happens when we treat art like a productivity contest.
But growth happens when we respect our pace.
What’s been frustrating you in your art lately? What would you actually like to get better at this month?
And most importantly: what would make your practice more fun?
Hit reply and tell me, I always love reading your thoughts 🖤
And if you want to dive deeper, I just shared a new video on how to improve your drawings, where I go through practical tips, common mistakes, and how to create a process that works for you.
🎥 Watch the video here
See you next Friday ✨
Laurine