Start a creative project
About this idea
Begin drawing, painting, digital art, or crafts and express your creativity. Creative projects provide stress relief, boost self-esteem, and develop artistic skills. Whether you're a complete beginner or returning to art, starting a project gives you a tangible goal and something beautiful to create. Art is a form of meditation and self-expression. You don't need expensive supplies—start simple and let your creativity flow. Every artist was once a beginner.
On this page
How to get started
WEEK 1
choose your medium
- Drawing: Pencil and paper (cheapest start), learn basic shapes and shading, follow YouTube tutorials
- Painting: Watercolors (beginner-friendly), acrylics (forgiving), or digital painting (free apps available)
- Digital Art: Free apps like Krita, GIMP, or Procreate (iPad), learn basic tools and layers
- Crafts: Origami, paper crafts, knitting, crochet, or DIY projects
- Research your medium: Watch beginner tutorials, read about basic supplies needed, join art communities
- Gather basic supplies: Start minimal—you can always expand, many great art is made with simple tools
WEEK 2
learn basics
- Follow beginner tutorials: YouTube has countless free art tutorials, start with 'how to draw/paint for beginners'
- Practice fundamentals: Basic shapes, lines, shading, color theory (if using color), composition basics
- Don't aim for perfection: Focus on learning and enjoying the process, every artist makes 'mistakes'
- Create daily: Even 15 minutes daily builds skills faster than long weekly sessions
- Join art communities: r/learnart, r/drawing, r/watercolor for feedback and inspiration
WEEK 3
start your project
- Choose project idea: Still life, portrait, landscape, abstract, or follow a tutorial project
- Set up workspace: Good lighting, comfortable seating, organized supplies
- Begin creating: Start with rough sketch or outline, build up layers, take breaks when needed
- Document progress: Take photos of work in progress, note what you're learning
- Don't compare: Your art is unique, focus on your journey not others' results
WEEK 4
finish & share
- Complete your project: Add finishing touches, step back and evaluate, sign your work
- Share your creation: Post on social media, share in art communities, show friends/family
- Reflect on learning: What did you learn? What would you do differently? What's next?
- Plan next project: Build on skills learned, try new techniques, explore different subjects
- Celebrate achievement: You created something! That's worth celebrating
What you’ll need
- basic art supplies (varies by medium)
- workspace
- inspiration sources
Recommended resources
Tools & Apps
Tutorials & Learning
Progress milestones
Track your progress with these key achievements:
1
Week 1
Medium chosen, basic supplies gathered, first tutorials watched
2
Week 2
Fundamentals practiced, daily art habit started, joined art community
3
Week 3
First project started, skills improving, confidence growing
4
Week 4
First project completed, shared with others, next project planned
Common challenges
Every beginner faces obstacles. Here's how to overcome them:
I'm not artistic/talented
Solution: Art is a skill, not just talent. Everyone starts somewhere. Follow tutorials, practice fundamentals, and be patient. Progress comes with consistent practice. Your unique perspective is what makes your art special.
Don't know what to draw/paint
Solution: Start with tutorials—they give you structure. Draw from life (objects around you). Use reference photos. Try daily drawing prompts (search 'daily drawing prompts'). Don't overthink—just start creating.
My art doesn't look good
Solution: That's normal! Every artist creates work they're not happy with. Focus on learning, not perfection. Compare your work to your past work, not others'. Art is a journey—enjoy the process of improvement.
Share your progress
Celebrate your achievements and inspire others:
- • Share your artwork on social media with #ArtProgress
- • Post your creation on r/drawing or art-specific subreddits
- • Create a time-lapse video of your art process
- • Start an art Instagram account to track your journey
- • Gift your artwork to friends or family