The Power of Taking My Time in Art

Spending more time on my art has been a game changer. While it doesn’t make up for gaps in knowledge, it significantly improves how my work looks. I’ve realized that things like practicing, cleaning, and even doing chores teach you a lot about art—especially how to make something presentable.

Even though my skills aren’t where I want them to be, I’ve noticed a huge difference when I take my time. I used to rush through sketches just to get them done, but now, I’m learning to slow down and focus.

In Image 1, you’ll see a piece where I didn’t take my time, and in Image 2, a drawing where I put in real effort. I spent seven hours on that second drawing, but when I showed it to a professional, they said it looked like I had only spent two to three hours on it. That means if I want to create a piece that looks like a true 10-hour job, I probably need to spend at least three days on it. That’s my next goal—to gradually increase my working time while improving my execution.

Looking back, I used to think I had natural talent, but I really didn’t. I wasn’t able to draw well at all. The people who judged my work as “good” had no real knowledge of art, and I was relying on their opinions instead of pushing myself to truly improve. Maybe I had an aptitude for art, but raw talent alone wasn’t enough—I had to learn, practice, and refine my skills.

This realization has changed my entire approach. Now, I’m committed to putting in the time and effort necessary to create work that meets a professional standard.