The Dangers of Art Teachings in the Context of the Internet

Sorry for the bombastic title. Nothing here is actually "dangerous", that is, nothing in this text will cause damage to you. In fact, what I wish to talk about is how art creation, in the context of social media, can lead to some unconscious behaviors that may (or may not) be detrimental in the long run.

It is dangerous to only follow what your friends or acquaintances say about your art, especially without any formal technique behind it to support it. I don't consider myself good enough to teach others about art. But what I can affirm is that drawing is a thing that requires a good amount of patience, more than you'd think.

Don't fully believe in miraculous methods or "drawing hacks", and be skeptical if the tips are too good to be true. Most people on the internet are not art teachers, and the techniques they teach might work in some contexts, but are not (and could not be) one-size-fits-all solutions to your art creation.

Knowing what to filter out is a valuable skill.

Creativity is interesting because there is no single path towards improvement. That is, you don't need to know everything to make something you're interested in. There is a certain expected level of knowledge that I personally think are important to know, but really, the process itself has to be enjoyable and fulfilling in order for you to improve.

Try challenging yourself in a more serene way, instead of diving deep into those viral art videos and becoming stressed and burned out. There's no absolute way to get better at art creation, and while this uncertainty might sound stressful, it is also quite liberating.

This is why I don't consider myself fit for "teaching", like as a teacher. I don't feel very comfortable telling people to do this or that. I can only comment based on my own experiences and tastes, which definitely aren't the rule.

But the truth is that regardless of the study methods you resonate with, if you do your best and finish your art pieces consistently, then it'll be easier to notice where your weakest points are, and train accordingly.

One final thing to add (that was not included in the Discord messages) is that I don't think that going to an Art School is the only valid way to be able to teach or learn. But it is a reminder that the online artists you admire may be in a situation similar to yours, and their didactic approach might not be what you seek.

I guess this too falls in "art teachings given by a non-art teacher", so I encourage you to read this and filter it out, if you don't believe in it.