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[WAALUIGI]

I have been working on this drawing of my character for more than a month and have made little progress... I am doing this drawing in order to improve my portfolio and make it better and stronger so that I can go to a university and learn to be a game designer. What the school asked of me was a couple of drawings or images of an original character made up by me. My first drawing of my character wasn't good enough (which is true) it was just a rough sketch of the character. I have the image in my head but I cannot put it on paper, I lack the artistic skill, seriously I only started drawing like a months ago how the hell am I supposed to do well? I even uploaded my drawing to the computer to try to work on it there which made it better but it still is taking so long. And now I am having doubts about my character, is he cool enough? is it creative? I just don't know anymore... I feel like I am running out of time too; I should be applying to the school within the next few months but at this rate I don't know if I will have it ready... I could apply in february or march but the chances of being accepted will be smaller... GAAH all this anxiety and worrying is driving me nuts!
Its not like me to act or feel this way at all... I usually don't care about things or at least when it is something important like this I don't worry about it that much... and this nostalgic VGM itunes is playing right now isn't helping either.

I...I guess im overreacting a bit but im am seriously feeling very discouraged and sad right now and I need my Smashpower family to comfort me and give me a boost of confidence 

[Karoku (2100)©]

YOU CAN DO IT NOAH!!!  Believe!  BELIEVE!!!  YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE FIGHTING FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!

FIGHT THE POWAH!!!

Seriously Noah, do not give up!  Keep trying!

[Rad]

I'm pressed for time at the moment, but allow me to give some quick thoughts before I head off.

What you might find liberating is creating a bunch of different character sketches. Don't limit yourself to just one because that puts a LOT of pressure on that single piece, thus stifling your creativity because you don't want to accidentally mess it up. So just sit yourself down for 20 minutes, and pump out 3 minute sketches. More if you need it. Don't worry about the quality. After you do this, it'll help you get some ideas for your original piece.

Something else you might want to do is make a collection of inspirations. This could be character images (for your drawing), or pictures/articles on characters with stories you like. In the character documents I have, I keep images of people, places, and fictional characters that remind me of my own characters.

Take heart! You can do it! I know it!

[dcmjlive]

Woah, that's a side of you I've never seen.

Honestly, I know exactly how you feel. Let's work on that first. Thing is, you're beginning to doubt yourself and your capabilities. It's natural because we all are inherently hard on ourselves on something that we care about. We beat ourselves up when we don't match to our expectations. And that...is completely normal. What you need to do is think positively and give yourself a break. Time may be of the essence but you don't need to rush inspiration. It's ok to be not great at something at first. These things take time and practice. Just relax, sleep it over and when you feel in the mood, look back on your sketches. Most of the time, the sources of inspiration are those you least expect.

As to drawing, Juan, Bobby and David can tell you that it took long for them to get comfortable with their own drawing style. The thing with art is, it's your expression. If you feel that there's something missing, try to visualize what and try, try, try to put it on paper. If you can't draw it, try to describe it in words first. It might be useful for you to carry some traceable paper with you. That way, you can test something and if you like it then put it on the final product, and if you don't, then it won't affect what you just drew.

Just find what is comfy for you. Dave for example is more comfy with using Illustrator as his drawing medium as Illustrator refines the lines he makes and adapts to his need for certain degrees of line thickness. Bobby is more comfy with pencil techniques that reflect natural shading. And Juan likes harsh and edgy pencil strokes that make his characters dark. Drawing simply reflects your personality, you just have to find something that works for you.

You may think that time is really important. I won't tell you that it isn't. But if you feel that your drawing isn't up to par as you want it to be, keep practicing first. Then, choose a course that focuses on programming rather than design. Games don't necessarily need to be visually stunning, though it's a plus factor. Games are about being enjoyable and challenging for the most part. Your game design need not be as fantastic as Mario Galaxy or Skyward Sword just yet. Look at apps in Facebook. There are simple programmed ones and more complicated ones and art styles vary across each one. If realistic doesn't work for you then screw realistic. Draw to what YOU can do.

If it helps, I see a lot of potential in you. Your banners are really good and those drawings you made of Illz, Henry and Bobby are outstanding. Just practice, practice, practice. You'll do fine.

Oh and lastly, nice seeing you Red. :-P

[0blivionJack]

I'm pressed for time at the moment, but allow me to give some quick thoughts before I head off.

What you might find liberating is creating a bunch of different character sketches. Don't limit yourself to just one because that puts a LOT of pressure on that single piece, thus stifling your creativity because you don't want to accidentally mess it up. So just sit yourself down for 20 minutes, and pump out 3 minute sketches. More if you need it. Don't worry about the quality. After you do this, it'll help you get some ideas for your original piece.

Something else you might want to do is make a collection of inspirations. This could be character images (for your drawing), or pictures/articles on characters with stories you like. In the character documents I have, I keep images of people, places, and fictional characters that remind me of my own characters.

Take heart! You can do it! I know it!

The advice that Bobby gave is perfect. Do not limit yourself, you yourself know that there shouldn't be such a thing as "the sky's the limit" it's past that! You should try drawing different variations of characters or just scenery. Get some ideas, work with it, edit it the way you want. And I know you're worried Noah, but take things a step at a time. Everything reveals itself in due time. I hope all of our words will comfort you eventually since I'm not expecting it all to sink in too fast. I understand if you feel overwhelmed. Just try to take it a bit easy. A rushed mind can become irrational at times.

[Mega (Tre)]

Jack lies. You lethal maximum velocity is the limit.

[Rad]

As to drawing, Juan, Bobby and David can tell you that it took long for them to get comfortable with their own drawing style.

....

Just find what is comfy for you. Dave for example is more comfy with using Illustrator as his drawing medium as Illustrator refines the lines he makes and adapts to his need for certain degrees of line thickness. Bobby is more comfy with pencil techniques that reflect natural shading. And Juan likes harsh and edgy pencil strokes that make his characters dark. Drawing simply reflects your personality, you just have to find something that works for you.

I agree. It's taken me quite a bit of time to "settle into myself" art-wise. Drawing is really a feat of self-discovery.

In regards to an individual's art style, I've always been a firm believer in sticking with what speaks to you. If you just can't "feel" the style you're drawing, experiment a little bit! It's all about narrowing in on what's truly "you".

And reflecting back on what you said, Noah, one to two months is more than enough time to finish your character art. It sounds like you have some of the same difficulties as I do. I have a problem with simply doing it - bearing down and just drawing from start to finish.  I find myself giving up and moving on when things get tough, and it's something you'll hear of often by those who start drawing. The key, I've found, is just diving into a piece and devoting solid time to your project - even if only 5 or so minutes at a time. Once you get used to 5 minute periods, you can work your way up to 10, then 15, 20, and so on and so forth. The key, Noah, is to just buckle down and work on it! It gets a lot easier when you decide to work through it! You'll be surprised by how far you go.

[WAALUIGI]

thanks everyone, I just felt overwhelmed yesterday but your advice will definitely help me  thanks again 

[Mega (Tre)]

I agree. It's taken me quite a bit of time to "settle into myself"

haha this sounds amazing.

[Rad]

haha this sounds amazing.

Precisely why I made sure to tag the rest of that sentence onto the end.

[Ethan Brooks (c)]

If it helps, I see a lot of potential in you. Your banners are really good and those drawings you made of Illz, Henry and Bobby are outstanding. Just practice, practice, practice. You'll do fine.

Oh and lastly, nice seeing you Red. :-P

Drawings of me? :O
do you mean banner for me? *searches for pictures of me*