Reader Q&A: Your Most Asked Questions About how to start making art
Reader Q&A: Your Most Asked Questions About How to start making art:
Starting making art is simpler than you think. You don't need special talent, years of training, or perfect conditions. You need materials, a bit of time, and permission to be imperfect.
I get the same questions over and over in emails, comments, and messages from people thinking about starting their creative journey. So I'm answering the most common ones here. Maybe your question is in here too.
Do I need to be talented to start?
No. Talent is real, but it's not what gets you started. What matters is showing up. I've taught thousands of students through Makings and Musings since 2019, and I can tell you with absolute certainty: the people who progress fastest aren't the ones who think they're naturally talented. They're the ones who come back week after week and actually do it.
Art by my students 
Art by my students 
Art by my students 
Art by my Irene 
Art by my students 
Art by my students
Talent might make some things easier at first. But it doesn't predict who sticks with it, improves, or finds joy in making. Those things come from practice and permission.
What supplies do I actually need?
This is where people usually panic and overspend. You don't need much to start making art.
For drawing, grab a pencil, some paper, and an eraser. That's genuinely it. A regular HB pencil works fine. A sketch pad from the supermarket is fine.
For painting, watercolour is the most forgiving medium for beginners. A basic watercolour set (Winsor & Newton Cotman is excellent and affordable), a few brushes, a cup of water, and some paper designed for watercolour. Again, nothing fancy required. Start with what you have or what's affordable. You can always upgrade later once you know what you actually enjoy using.
How to start making art: I haven't done art since school. Is it too late?
It's not too late. This is probably the question I get most, and my answer is always the same: many of my best students are people who haven't picked up a pencil in twenty, thirty, sometimes fifty years.
There's actually something wonderful about starting as an adult. You don't carry the same perfectionist weight that school teaches you. You're more clear about why you want to do this. And you have life experience that makes your work interesting.
If you're worried about feeling rusty, that's normal. Your hands might feel clumsy at first. This passes quickly. Give yourself three or four sessions before judging yourself.
How much time do I need to set aside?
You don't need hours. Start with fifteen or twenty minutes a few times a week. That's enough to build a habit and see progress.
Even if you can only manage fifteen minutes on a Sunday morning, do that. Consistency matters more than length. Regular small sessions beat occasional marathon efforts.
What if everything I make looks terrible?
It probably will look terrible for a bit. Mine did too. This is completely normal.
Here's the thing: you're learning a new skill. Your hands don't know what to do yet. Your eye doesn't see things the way an experienced artist does. This is not a reflection of your ability or your worth. It's just where you are right now.
The work that feels terrible to you usually looks better than you think it does. And even if it doesn't, it's teaching your hands and brain something. Every "bad" drawing is building skills for the next one.
Give yourself permission to make bad art. The best artists you admire made terrible art once too.
Should I take a class or teach myself?
Either way works, but having some guidance helps. A class (online or in person) gives you structure, feedback, and a community of people at the same stage as you. That's incredibly valuable when you're starting out.
Teaching yourself from YouTube or books is free and flexible, but you might pick up bad habits or give up when things feel hard, because there's no one checking in.
If you can, start with a beginner class, then continue with whatever feels sustainable. Some people need the community and accountability. Others prefer working alone.
How do I know if this is actually for me?
Give it six weeks. Not perfectly. Just show up and do it without judgment.
After six weeks, notice: Do you look forward to it? Do you lose time when you're making? Do you feel calmer after? These are the real signs that art is for you.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a special place to make art?
A: A kitchen table works fine. Some of my students make in their living rooms, bedrooms, even their car (during lunch breaks). You need somewhere with decent light and enough room for your materials. That's it.
Q: Can I start with digital art?
A: Yes, but I recommend beginning with physical materials. Drawing or painting on paper teaches you things about control, texture, and colour that transfer to digital. Plus, there's something grounding about making something with your hands that a screen doesn't quite offer. Digital can come later if you want it.
Q: What's the most common beginner mistake?
A: Expecting to be good immediately. Comparing your first paintings to work by experienced artists. Giving up because you're "not talented." None of these have anything to do with talent. They're just normal parts of learning. Let yourself be a beginner. It's temporary.
Q: Should I follow tutorials exactly?
A: Tutorials are great for learning technique, but don't treat them as sacred rules. Make the tutorial, then experiment. Change colours. Make different shapes. The point is learning the skill, not making an exact copy.
Q: Is it expensive to keep making art once I start?
A: It doesn't have to be. Basic supplies are inexpensive. You can spend a lot on fancy materials later if you want to, but you can make beautiful work on a small budget indefinitely.
