Unlocking Your Artistic Potential: Technical vs. Creative Skills

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Do you know the difference between technical vs. creative skills? Why are they both important for artists looking to reach their full potential? How can you develop these skills?
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Developing both technical and creative skills is essential for any artist looking to become proficient. If you're looking to consistently create quality, original work that is an extension of yourself, balancing both is a must. 

A huge mistake lots of beginners make is devoting all their time and energy to only growing in one area, while ignoring the other. This is a surefire way to keep yourself stuck and, for some, depending on others' work for inspiration. 


​In this post and the video below, I explain the difference between technical and creative art skills, why they are both so important, and provide practical tips to help you grow in both areas. 

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Understanding Technical Skill

Technical skill refers to your mastery over your chosen drawing or painting medium(s), as well as your understanding of essential art fundamentals. 

Every drawing or painting medium has a learning curve. Practice is required in order to understand it fully and to use it with confidence. 

Art Fundamentals include:

• Color Theory: Understanding how colors interact and how to use them effectively.
• Form and Perspective: Grasping the concepts of three-dimensionality and spatial relationships.
• Light and Shadow: Knowing how light behaves and how to recreate value/tonal relationships for believable form and depth. 
• Composition: Choosing elements to bring into a composition and arranging them in space for a harmonious, balanced and visually appealing results. 

Watch this video to learn more about art fundamentals. 
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Strong technical skills will enable you to bring your visions to life.

This skill is more objective. If you have mastery over your medium, and an understanding of art fundamentals, this will show in your work.


Join my membership for only $15 for immediate access to libraries of classes and workshops that will help you gain mastery over graphite pencils, pen and ink, and watercolor, as well as all essential fundamentals. More information here. 

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Understanding Creative Skill

Creative skill is about your ability to generate original ideas and concepts that come from within.

There's no one else in the world exactly like you. Coming up with original ideas is about knowing yourself, honoring who you are, and sharing what's important to you, in your own way. 

This skill involves:

• Originality: Developing your own concepts and ideas.

• Problem-Solving: Finding unique solutions to artistic challenges.
• Expression: Communicating your emotions, stories, and messages through your art.​​
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This skill is subjective and it makes your work distinct and meaningful.

Balancing Technical and Creative Skills

To create exceptional art, it’s crucial to balance technical and creative skills.

You don’t need to be a master of both, but a solid understanding and continuous development in each area are vital.

​Here’s why:

• Technical skills enable you to execute your creative ideas effectively.
• Creative skills ensure your technically proficient work is also engaging and original.

Practical Tips for Developing Both Skills
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1. Practice in isolation and combination:

• Technical Practice: Work on studies, drills, and specific techniques in your sketchbook. Mastering basics allows you to focus more on creativity later.
• Creative Practice: Spend time brainstorming, reflecting on your interests, and playing with your materials. Allow yourself to create freely without a strict plan.

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2. Use step-by-step tutorials wisely:

• Use them to improve specific technical skills.
• Modify compositions and colors to inject your creativity into the practice.

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3. Give yourself space to explore:

• Play with colors, tools, and techniques intuitively.
• Observe what comes naturally and what feels forced. Use these insights to refine your style.

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4. Limit external inspiration:

• Reduce your reliance on other artists' work for inspiration.
• Focus on your thoughts, feelings, and ideas to guide your creative process.

By understanding the difference between technical and creative art skills, and continuing to grow in both areas, you'll be able to create work that is highly unique and shows technical mastery. 

​Remember, your ideas and creativity are valuable--trust in them and let them shine through your work, while you continue developing your cold technical skills. 

Hope this was helpful. Thanks for reading! ​

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