How to think about mistakes to get the best out of your drawings

“Ah, mistakes!” she sighs, gazing thoughtfully into the distance.

But don’t worry—I’m not talking about those big, life-changing mistakes that can cost you months or even years. I’m talking about those tiny, frustrating artistic mistakes that somehow have the power to make you feel small and inadequate, despite being nothing more than a stray line or a misplaced paint blob.

Have you ever wondered how something so minor, so seemingly insignificant, can shake your confidence, ruin your day, and even make you question your abilities as an artist? I know this feeling all too well. But here’s the good news: I’ve discovered how to rethink these so-called “mistakes” in a way that actually helps me grow as an artist.

Understanding Mistakes in Art: Not Personal, Just Part of the Process

This is especially important for new artists, who face a steep learning curve filled with small mistakes and missteps. In those early stages, all you want is a win, and every mistake feels like a setback. To navigate this, here are two key mindsets to remember:

1. Don’t Take It Personally

Mistakes in art don’t define you. They’re simply part of the process. When you detach your sense of self-worth from technical errors, you stop letting insecurities use those errors against you. I’ve been there—I know the frustration of drawing something over and over, only to see it still doesn’t look “right.” But the reality is that whatever meaning you’re assigning to these mistakes isn’t real. It doesn’t mean you lack talent or skill. In fact, it doesn’t mean anything about you personally!

2. See Mistakes as Opportunities for Growth

When viewed through the right lens, mistakes are invaluable tools for learning. They’re opportunities for problem-solving and growth—essentially mini “lessons” tailored just for you. For instance, if you’re struggling with something like proportions, stiff figures, or complex compositions, think of it as an equation you need to solve. “Why does my portrait feel flat?” or “Why isn’t my composition working?”

This problem-solving is at the heart of being a visual artist. One of the biggest misconceptions people have is that creating art should be effortless, that it should just “come to you.” This myth leaves so many artists feeling like they’re doing something wrong, especially when things don’t come easily. But embracing mistakes is where true learning and growth happen.

A Common Scenario: Turning Frustration into Focus

Imagine this: You’re sitting with your sketchbook (digital or traditional), ready to bring a figure to life. You’ve got a clear image in your mind of what you want to create, along with the mood you want to convey. You start drawing, aware of the gestures, proportions, and anatomy… yet your hand just isn’t cooperating. The lines aren’t flowing, the form looks stiff, and your vision isn’t translating to the page.

Sound familiar? This is just one version of the many “mistake” scenarios we face. And here’s the truth: mistakes in art are inevitable, regardless of how skilled you become. There will always be something that doesn’t work out exactly as planned. Instead of resenting these moments, try to make peace with them.

Steps to Embrace and Learn from Artistic Mistakes

So, the next time your hand doesn’t listen and your art feels off, try this approach:

1. Take a Break

Step away for a moment. Draw something else, or even practice basic lines and circles to refresh your hand-eye coordination. This “reset” can help shift your focus.

2. Observe with Fresh Eyes

After a brief pause, return to your work. Often, what’s going wrong will become obvious after a little distance. Ask yourself questions: Is the face too detailed for the size of the drawing? Are the proportions correct? Is the line too heavy? Problem-solving in this way can lead to breakthroughs.

3. Seek Perspective When Needed

Sometimes, you won’t be able to identify the issue on your own. This is when it’s helpful to ask a trusted friend or fellow artist, “What am I missing?” This doesn’t undermine your ability; it simply means you’re committed to improving.

4. Repeat the Process

Rinse and repeat. As you continue creating, you’ll face more challenges—but with each “mistake,” you’re building resilience, skills, and artistic insight.

Why Loving Your Mistakes is Essential for Artistic Growth

If you can learn to embrace your mistakes, they’ll start to work in your favor. The more mistakes you make and overcome, the faster you’ll develop as an artist. In fact, I suspect that if we live and create long enough, we might even begin to miss our mistakes, just as we sometimes miss the freedom of youth.

Embracing mistakes in art isn’t just about avoiding frustration; it’s a powerful way to fuel your creative journey and push your artistic boundaries. After all, it’s through these little “failures” that we find our unique voices, evolve our techniques, and ultimately, grow. So, welcome your mistakes—they’re leading you somewhere truly extraordinary.