Making Crappy Art is The Best (only) First Step

    When I talk with friends (or really anyone not seriously involved in art) they are dumbstruck by what I do (and I'm not even a master). My paintings, drawings, and 3D work, all seem to discount their unique creative abilities. The most common response after showing someone my sketchbook or website is this, "Man, I really wish I could make visual art. I can do (Blank) but I really wish I could do visual art." The response is usually one of poorly constructed consolation. I saw this video at a film making conference a while ago that forms a much better response. Making crappy art is the best first step, (and honestly the only first step).

    The problem of not having good enough art is compounded by the internet. It's humbling to have access anywhere in the world from all of the art from all of the ages. It's also extremely daunting. When you search for art of any kind in Google, you instantly see all kinds of art you won't be able to make for a while. You won't start out painting mural sized renaissance women, or digitally creating the beautiful worlds from James Cameron's "Avatar" (Which totally deserved all of the Visual Effects awards it won). Again, make crappy art.
    Every person I've ever met has access to pencils and paper. Go to Paul Cadden's website and prepare for your mind to be blown. Wherever you start, you will get better. This is an extreme example of what's possible, but this guy has just as much access to the same resources as you. I love my sketchbook, where I can make crappy drawings, and make them better later in other forms. I could show you the sketches for all of my Blender work, and it doesn't look nearly as good as the final product. But, you have to start somewhere.
    And finally, how you create art is going to be different than any other person. That's the best part. There are professional artists who refuse to make art unless they are absolutely wasted (that's their full time job mind you). Some people won't do sketches, most will. Find what works for you. To go on that journey you need to start somewhere. So draw a cube, or a dog, or anything else that interests you. Draw a person (it isn't as scary as you think). Go to a museum, interact with other artists. Be social with the people who love or want to love what you do. But start somewhere. Below: the first drawing I made that I could find. Circa 2006-07

This is far from my first drawing I ever made, but I stuck with it and I'm much better now.