How to become a better artist?

Suddenly I've got resurrected and while I'm in this mode I'd like to address a common 'simple' question...

How to become a better artist?

First consider this: no one is gonna help you but you. What it means - don't expect someone will guide you or help you to become a better artist. Doesn't matter if you go to an art school or taking classes. The school may help you by whipping your ass and beat some discipline into your lazy self but it won't help you in the long run... think of it as a springboard or rocket booster. It helps you to get off of the ground but then you have to fly it all by yourself.

Remember, you are the key. Not me, not your pals, not those long dead masters... no one will take you up to the top. We may help you by showing you the path but you have to walk it all by yourself. Oh and there's no elevators whatsoever. Make sure you've a tight rope and good ice-pick.

The important thing is: know what you want. Why do you want to get better? Why do you pursue this career? Remember, there is no right or wrong answer. You just need one for yourself. If you want to be a famous illustrator or get some money, that's fine. Simply want to impress that girl you like? Or perhaps just want to express yourself? That's all fine. If you don't know what you want... well don't worry and think what makes you really happy and excited. Naked women? Big spaceships? Alien worlds and landscapes? Or maybe still life pieces? Others may criticize your choices but listen, these people wouldn't lend you a hand when you fall down into deep dark chasm of frustration. There are all those people who criticized my girls? Are they bothering that I'm not posting new artwork? Nope, they are long gone. No one even tried to visit my cave. You see, most of these people just dump their fears and frustration at you, so why listen to them? Would it help you grow and become a better artist? Certainly not.

Don't forget that you're living in the digital age. Decades ago we had no clue how to paint digitally. Lots of those services you take for granted just didn't existed. Every new piece of information was like finding a treasure chest. Now you have an access to huge amount of information from how to's tutorials and step by step videos to live streams and conference chats. You can connect with people living all over the globe. You can seep the knowledge from industry pros... you can learn so much these days. Take the advantage of it.

At some point take a step further and go to live workshops and seminars, meet people IRL, buy gumroads, tutorials etc. support the artists you like. Trust me, most aren't wallow in money and have to pay their bills too. By acknowledging their work you also help them grow too.

And finally, stay hungry. Always. Don't be satisfied with your progresses. Don't think you're the coolest kid in the block. Once you think you're damn good - you're dead. I'm not saying you should reject all of your accomplishments... certainly not, they are your stepping stones and holes you dig up while climbing up. Let them help you but don't let them fool you.