Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
111submissions
Finished
Post Before & After Drawings Showing Your Progress As An Artist
Hey pandas, I have been always struggling with drawing. Even after practicing it for a while, my drawings still suck. Recently, I watched a professional artist create illustrations and I was completely shocked at how easy and fast she was drawing. Now I feel hopeless.
So my question is - is it a talent you are born with or can you learn it with lots of practice? Post your before and after pics of your progress.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
13 Years Progress Of Drawing An Eye
Ronald Ferreira 9 years ago
heres my eye drawing before daral tanks five pencil method DSC_0999-5...368f37.jpg 
Marco Nero 9 years ago
So... it took 13 years to learn how to trace a picture from a photograph?
RELATED:
#2
1970 Vs 2015
Final score:
207points
Bahram Arjmandnia (Submission author) 9 years ago
tnx.it is drawing of my cat MANI.
Load More Replies...
#3
Age 6 Vs Age 26
Final score:
204points
Penny Sullivan 9 years ago
I actually bought a poster of the age 26 bird from Newbury Comics and I love it
#4
2010 Vs 2016
Final score:
175points
Alfred LC 9 years ago
I like that kinda art style of the beard illustration, does the style have a name?? Thanks, and where can I see more of your art? ????????
Dániel Taylor (Submission author) 9 years ago
Thanks! Yes you can check some out here: https://www.facebook.com/DanielTaylorArt/
Load More Replies...
Huong Linh Vu 9 years ago
I look like digital drawing and so beautiful. I love it. I wish I could get a hang of fantasy-like drawing. :D
Sara Jane 9 years ago
Is this before studying art at uni and after plus a few years experience, second one is awesome, first one reminds me of a computer game :)
Dániel Taylor (Submission author) 9 years ago
I actually never studied at an art uni, I'm self taught. But yeah still needed a lot of practice.
Load More Replies...
Anton Malozemov 9 years ago
Most of imperfect ones are much more appealing to me than those meticulously copied ones ...
#5
My Little Sisters Whale When She Was 8 Compared To Her Now At 26
# Sizzle Sisters 9 years ago
Age 26 draws more artistic ditail Age 8 has some passion put into its work it's eight that persons trying
#6
From 2013-2015
Final score:
167points
# Sizzle Sisters 9 years ago
They both look the Same first one looks like it got drawn the second one looks like it got shot on TV
Notchimine Mette 9 years ago
My best efforts look like the 2013 drawing... I need more practice :)
#7
Age 16 Vs Age 23
Final score:
158points
Anita Wolf 9 years ago
The After drawings seem to have lost so much authenticity, in order to mimic the perfection of a photograph
#8
2008 (3 Hours) Vs 2015 (15 Minutes)
Final score:
147points
# Sizzle Sisters 9 years ago
The original looks like a real Wolf The second picture looks like a cartoon in my favorite animal is wolves
Indra Erka 8 years ago
Wow that's a good progress! You were drawing 1st one 3 hours, but then you draw the 2nd one in 15 min! That's insane 😍👍❤
Lucy Bartash 9 years ago
Great comparison! It's cool to see the differences between just a few years of real practice.
#9
2013 Vs 2014
Final score:
141points
Lonely Dragon 9 years ago
The second has more detail, but the first has better proportions looking at the face.
Jo Chrisco 9 years ago
I could practice for eternity and never be as good as the first picture.
#10
1970 Vs 2015
Final score:
141points
#11
2005 And 2016
Final score:
135points
#12
2003 Vs 2015
Final score:
111points
#13
My Progress
Final score:
104points
#14
2005 - 2015
Final score:
92points
#15
I've Only Recently Started Using Charcoal And I Think I'm Progressing Well!
Final score:
90points
-1,000,000 Total Upvotes 9 years ago
Omg I love pit bulls! When people say they are bad they are blaming the wrong end of the leash, judge the deed not the breed
Troux 9 years ago
Yes, that's why there are an equal number of injuries and fatalities related to dachshund, beagle and chow chow attacks.
Load More Replies...
I'm listening 9 years ago
Show off! Lol! I mean you're obviously amazingly talented! Masterful!
brandon sat 9 years ago
i have to disagree guys. I love pits but these numbers don't lie http://www.dogsbite.org/pdf/dog-attack-deaths-maimings-merritt-clifton-2014.pdf
#16
2001 -2015
Final score:
86points
#17
My Portrait In Digital Drawing
Final score:
77points
Karolina Strunkinaitė 9 years ago
It is. But this is either retouched or a copy of the original pic
Load More Replies... #18
2010: Age 14 - 2015: Age 19
Final score:
69points
Josca Nefkens (Submission author) 9 years ago
What kind of material I've used? Charcoal and conté crayons! :) The first one is just plain pencil. Thank you by the way!
Load More Replies...
Ashley Paine 9 years ago
wow you drew hat at 14?? amaaazing my thirteen year old draws really well but im not sure shell be doing that by next year
#19
5 Years Between Ferrari F1 Car Drawings
Final score:
62points
TheArtistUnnamable 9 years ago
The first one (11 yrs) is amazing considering most adults can't draw F1 that good!
Ashley Paine 9 years ago
not toi take away from the second drawing because it is reallllly well done but omg i cant believe you drew the first one at only 11. that is really something
#20
Fantine 2013 Vs 2014
Final score:
61points
I'm listening 9 years ago
How cool to do a repeat and see for yourself! Even though you're obviously talented, it must be rewarding to see your growth. And don't we all want to know our hard work is helping us grow?
Nesca 9 years ago
"Talented" would not be the right word, what brings results is hard work and practice ! But I agree, it's like a milestone
Load More Replies... 
tooth fairy 9 years ago
2nd one looks more solid because you're mastering the use of light and dark in your art. It has better proportions too. Nice work!
Miriam Ziemba 9 years ago
just a little more shading from the first one and voila! it is clear who it is! very well done!!
#21
From Pencil To Acrylic In 7 Years
Final score:
58points
#22
2000 Vs. 2016 Pencil Work
Final score:
58points
I'm listening 9 years ago
Yes, both are great! Talented for sure! I see greater maturity in that 2nd one.
#23
2013 Age 11 Vs 2016 Age 13
Final score:
52points
Ronja Rövardotter 9 years ago
Wow great progress! Keep going! We are looking forward to your "Age 15" version!! :)
Subatomic Kitty (Submission author) 9 years ago
Actually, I just used good old Faber Castell markers!
Load More Replies...
⭐️🏳️🌈🍑TheEnderDraco🍑🏳️🌈⭐️ 8 years ago
That's awesome... have you tried digital? I think you'd be good at it
#24
Aged 15 To Aged 18
Final score:
49points
Silly Sausage (Submission author) 9 years ago
Haha yeah the comic style started to get a little too easy so I switched to something a little more difficult
Load More Replies...
Chloe Pearce 9 years ago
The second looks a lot like one of kuvshinov ilya's old drawings...lol...
Silly Sausage (Submission author) 9 years ago
Maybe there's a reason behind that ;)
Load More Replies...
Kat The-best Klyszcz 9 years ago
In fact I'd love to have her (or similar) tattooed as she's almost exactly what I wanted for my sleeve .. :)
#25
2014 Vs 2016
Final score:
48points
C. Wang 9 years ago
are you sure the second one isnt a photo?.... just kidding! The second illustration is so beautiful!
I'm listening 9 years ago
Amazing what 2 little years can do! Did you take classes? Or self-taught? How many hours a week do you practice and how long did your 2nd piece take?
-1,000,000 Total Upvotes (Submission author) 9 years ago
Oh and I practice when I need to do something mostly weekends but a lot of practice involved
Load More Replies... #26
Woodburning 2009 Vs 2014
Final score:
46points
I'm listening 9 years ago
The second is a woodburning, too? I've never seen such beauty teased out of wood. What type wood was used?
Minisa Robinson (Submission author) 9 years ago
Thank you :) The wood is known as basswood. It's fantastic for woodburning.
Load More Replies...
tooth fairy 9 years ago
Incredible talent! I always think people who do such detailed artwork must have an endless supply of patience.
#27
Change Of Clouds From 2015 To 2016
Final score:
45points
Ashley Paine 9 years ago
I thou7ght that too. Love the water beads, so well done. gj aog
Load More Replies... 
#28
#32 2012 And 2015
Final score:
43points
#29
Progress Over 13 Years.
Final score:
40points
I'm listening 9 years ago
Your kitten was done at age 13? Amazing! And yet, even though that kitten is fabulous, I see maturity in the 2nd, bold darks, shadows and light. I keep noticing that. As artists grow, they seem less afraid of the darker darks, keeping paper white, more drama to the piece.
Antanas Bukauskas 9 years ago
Sorry to interrupt, but I think it is a lynx :)
Load More Replies... 
#30
:)
Final score:
39points
#31
Three Years!
Final score:
32points
Ronja Rövardotter 9 years ago
I really like your technique. It is unique. Nothing like what I have seen so far. Well done! ;)
#32
July 2015 Vs May 2016
Final score:
31points
MeepMeepImAJeep 9 years ago
Great progress! One massive tip from a designer, lose the lines! If you can get the definition of different elements of the face without drawing lines but by using shadows (like you are downing very nicely bytheway) you get a way more realistic portrait! Keep it up!
Emma Lucas (Submission author) 9 years ago
Thanks for the tip. I'm really trying to not go so heavy with my lines but with each piece I'm getting there with shading.
I'm listening 9 years ago
Well, you started with a bucket full of talent already! You've grown so much in just a year it's unbelievable!
Emma Lucas (Submission author) 9 years ago
Ah yes well Lana is just brilliant
Load More Replies... #33
Horse Development
Final score:
31points
#34
5 Years Of Practice (12 Vs 17 Years)
Final score:
30points
#35
5 Years And Now We're Here
Final score:
29points
Bugbreach (Submission author) 9 years ago
the second one is a friends oc and she really likes zarya- BUT the character looked like that even before overwatch existed!
Load More Replies...
#36
Progress
Final score:
29points
Stacey Wellington 9 years ago
Both are insanely good but the second one... wow... and the detail in the background just makes it so mch better...
#37
The Big Lebowski - Walter 2013 Vs. 2016
Final score:
28points
#38
Red Sonja
Final score:
27points
I'm listening 9 years ago
The second picture is so dynamic, full of motion and shadows! Both are great!
#39
Slender Grumpy Lisa
Final score:
27points
#40
Panda
Final score:
25points
I'm listening 9 years ago
Another born with talent! What have you done to increase level of skill, though? Do you take art in school? At an arts school? Or just lots of practice?
David Verduzco (Submission author) 9 years ago
observing was really important to improve my skills, to draw something I struggled in I would study it every chance I got, real life, watching a movie, playing video games(best reference because I can look at it in different angles, I would then imagine myself drawing it and be realistic about it, i would actually struggle drawing something in my own mind, then I finally draw it and look at all my mistakes and study the specific areas I failed on and draw only those areas, i repeat the process and keep improving
Load More Replies... #41
I Hope I Didn't Reach My Full Potential.
Final score:
24points
I'm listening 9 years ago
Oh, my! You already have talent, yet look at the growth! Beautiful shading! Hey, I'm 59 and hadn't drawn or painted in 40 years. Now, that would be a sad before and after, cuz I was better then! However, I'm doing and learning many things every time I work! You're nowhere near your potential and never will be, you see. You'll learn and grow until you're a very old man! I hope you keep at it.
Denis Mită (Submission author) 9 years ago
Thanks! I only do it as a hobby, but I hope to get better at it!
Load More Replies...
#42
2010 Vs. 2016
Final score:
24points
#43
Paleoart From 2007 And 2016
Final score:
23points
Monika Cydzik 9 years ago
Sara, I'm a little confused by what you mean by asking if the pictures are "drawings" OR "digital image creations"... Digital drawings/paintings are still drawings/paintings (unless they are pure photo-manipulation) - it's just that the medium is digital rather than crayon, pastel, oil, etc..
Load More Replies...
#44
2014 Vs. 2016
Final score:
23points
Iulia Bianca 9 years ago
Both awesome!!! Looks like you've found your style on the most recent one.
Emilia Ghebea (Submission author) 9 years ago
Thank you , I still kind of am looking for my style, I just don't seem to see I it
Load More Replies...
Jordane Legrand Krugell 9 years ago
You should indicate your sources : https://fr.pinterest.com/pin/63613413462593571/
Emilia Ghebea (Submission author) 9 years ago
Thank you,I'm sure you can :)
Load More Replies... I'm listening 9 years ago
I agree, both are lovely. Second one, Copics? Or another brand of alcohol markers? Or is it painted?
Emilia Ghebea (Submission author) 9 years ago
The second one was painted with watercolours. And thank you so much :)
Load More Replies... #45
One Year's Difference
Final score:
22points
#46
Digital Painting - 1 Year Of Difference!!
Final score:
19points
I'm listening 9 years ago
Wow! And the first was already awesome! How long did it take you to do each of these?
Anna Kleniewska (Submission author) 9 years ago
Thanks! The first one took me about a day, the second one something around 3-4 hours if not less. I didn't really count ;)
Load More Replies... #47
From Sketch To Digital Painting
Final score:
18points
#48
2011 & 2016
Final score:
18points
#49
2013 To 2016
Final score:
17points
#50
7 Years Difference!
Final score:
16points
#51
2013 Vs 2015
Final score:
15points
Stacey Wellington 9 years ago
That second one is breathtakingly beautiful... I mean wow... Never seen anything drawn like that before...
Carolina Volo (Submission author) 8 years ago
Thanks! I'll upload some more, then
Load More Replies... #52
Changed The Ship's Windows For Other Details Through The Years.
Final score:
14points
#53
2011 Vs 2015
Final score:
14points
#55
1993 & 2016
Final score:
13points
I'm listening 9 years ago
Oh, dear Lord, they're both beautiful! But yes, the second is masterful.
#57
2012 Vs 2016
Final score:
12points
#59
From Sketch To Masterpiece
Final score:
10points
#60
Canine Head (sketch) 12 Year Old - 15 Year Old
Final score:
10points
Camilla Petersen (Submission author) 9 years ago
Really? Wow thank you!!!
Load More Replies... Camilla Petersen (Submission author) 9 years ago
Thank you! I've been working really hard to try and get more emotions and expressions into my drawings! :)
Load More Replies...
#63
Top = 2011 Bottom = 2016
Final score:
8points
Audrey Cooper 8 years ago
not everyone is a great artist some are still developing there's no need to be rude about it though
Load More Replies...
#64
2012 (charcoal Drawing Of My Aunt) Vs 2015 (pen Drawing Aunt's Marriage Photo)
Final score:
8points
Stacey Wellington 9 years ago
That is insanely good and so realistic <3 My god, I hope to one day be able to draw like that!
#65
2013 (age 14) / 2015 (age 16)
Final score:
8points
#66
2013...2016
Final score:
7points
I'm listening 9 years ago
Ok, you started with talent! How long did the flower take to complete? I really like them both!
#67
My Work From 2013 (13 Years Old) To 2016 (16 Years Old)
Final score:
7points
#68
Robson De Figueiredo, Brazil, 2005 - 2015
Final score:
7points
#70
2013~2016 Digital Form~ball Pen Form
Final score:
6points
#71
13 Years Old Vs 17 Years Old
Final score:
5points
#74
Perfection In 3 Years (from Age 11 To 14)
Final score:
5points
#76
Amazing What 2 Years Can Do And (hopefully) Still Improve
Final score:
3points
Jasmyne Le (Submission author) 9 years ago
Honestly I try to at least do 3 hours a day (but I'm trying to find a style right now so it is frustrating)
Load More Replies...
#77
2015-2016
Final score:
3points
#78
2014 To 2016
Final score:
3points
#79
All About Figuring Out One's True Aim- Plenty Of Surprisingly Excellent Steps In Between
Final score:
3points
#81
4 Years Into Perfecting Eyes Drawing
Final score:
3points
#82
September 2015 - February 2016
Final score:
3points
#84
2010-2016
Final score:
3points
#93
I Call This "four Blondes" - The Last Is A Current Wip, But It's The Most Recent Blonde. :)
Final score:
2points
#94
20016
Final score:
1point
FAKENAME FAKENAME 8 years ago
I actually have respect for this furry artist for liking warriors
Audrey Cooper 8 years ago
not everyone who draws animals is a furry artist dude
Load More Replies...
#100
2015 To 2016
Final score:
0points
Sully Ceja 9 years ago
@Sabrina Jozová Discouraging pompous people like you shouldn't even comment if you can't see the progression.
Sasy 9 years ago
why not? what if like some of the others this was a child ....even if an adult there is progression, and what may become even more talent further down the line, do not be so unkind.
Load More Replies...
#103
April 2016. 58 Y. O.
Final score:
0points
#106
13 Years Vs. 16 (character In The Newest Piece Belongs To Grypwolf, Art By Me)
Final score:
0points
#108
2015 To 2016
Final score:
-1point
#109
1 Month, May-june 2016
Final score:
-2points
FAKENAME FAKENAME 8 years ago
ART IS SUBJECTIVE, APPRECIATE IT OR REAP CONSEQUENCES!!!
Load More Replies...
#111
Part 2 :
Final score:
-4points
It can be discouraging to see professional artists create stunning illustrations so effortlessly, but take inspiration from others as a driving force in your own art journey.
For instance, consider how an artist took on the challenge of bringing animated characters to life by reimagining cartoon figures with more realistic qualities. Their unique style and dedication were cultivated over time, showcasing that practice indeed enhances one's skills.
Add New Image
Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
Randy Allos 9 years ago
I am not one to judge what is art or not, but I have been asking this for myself: Being able to draw a face from a photograph, for example, so realistically that is pretty much looks the same as the photograph...it shows amazing technique, but how satisfying is it as "art", to the artist himself or to the viewer. Since many of the improvements above seem to be towards a higher degree of realism (ultra-realism), this question popped up in my head, not intended to downplay anything or anybody.
Rihard Lobenwein 9 years ago
As a realistic painter, it's easy to me to answer your question, which is wholly understandable. Realism is one of the many visual languages you can choose to express yourself. Some of these are harder to paint and execute, yet some require more work on the concept. While with some other styles you can explore, for example, the materic properties of paint or abstract forms, speaking of realistic art, you can focus on exploring the dimension of subject or even depict things that cannot exist in a visual language that makes them read as "real". Also, if something looks like a photograph, it doesn't always mean the artist copied one, in fact you can also paint invented scenes and make them look as real. That said, what you see in my paintings is, for example, a highly idealised version of what I see in front of me which also many times includes elements that could not physically exist.
Load More Replies... swedish tea 9 years ago
As an artist myself,I know my artistic abilities are a God given talent,I also believe that with the right teacher&interested student it can be a learned behavior! Practice makes progress!
Just A Girl 9 years ago
Same here, and I think that everyone is born an artist, but some choose that path instead of others.
Load More Replies...
spencer briscoe 8 years ago
Hello every one, i am a 24 year old man who for the past few years have been feeling lacking something in the soul, i realized i had never created anything. Suddenly i want to grow my own food and draw and photograph all the places i go but i also want to be good at it, so i have a camera and im working on that, due to my lifestyle at the moment i cant grow anything yet, but i just recently ordered a sketch book and some drawing pencils and a book from amazon called how to draw cool stuff. Im not expecting to become amazing over night or anything but is there a website i could go to learn/watch how people draw??? Im looking into doing sketch/doodle/high detail animals. And im hoping once i can become a decent at that i will take to other areas such as graffiti art and water color paintings.
Klover Halpern 9 years ago
I couldn't get my before to upload, but I've been practicing for 6 years, and I'm really proud of my progression. RusAme50s-...4e38bd.jpg 
Randy Allos 9 years ago
I am not one to judge what is art or not, but I have been asking this for myself: Being able to draw a face from a photograph, for example, so realistically that is pretty much looks the same as the photograph...it shows amazing technique, but how satisfying is it as "art", to the artist himself or to the viewer. Since many of the improvements above seem to be towards a higher degree of realism (ultra-realism), this question popped up in my head, not intended to downplay anything or anybody.
Rihard Lobenwein 9 years ago
As a realistic painter, it's easy to me to answer your question, which is wholly understandable. Realism is one of the many visual languages you can choose to express yourself. Some of these are harder to paint and execute, yet some require more work on the concept. While with some other styles you can explore, for example, the materic properties of paint or abstract forms, speaking of realistic art, you can focus on exploring the dimension of subject or even depict things that cannot exist in a visual language that makes them read as "real". Also, if something looks like a photograph, it doesn't always mean the artist copied one, in fact you can also paint invented scenes and make them look as real. That said, what you see in my paintings is, for example, a highly idealised version of what I see in front of me which also many times includes elements that could not physically exist.
Load More Replies... swedish tea 9 years ago
As an artist myself,I know my artistic abilities are a God given talent,I also believe that with the right teacher&interested student it can be a learned behavior! Practice makes progress!
Just A Girl 9 years ago
Same here, and I think that everyone is born an artist, but some choose that path instead of others.
Load More Replies... spencer briscoe 8 years ago
Hello every one, i am a 24 year old man who for the past few years have been feeling lacking something in the soul, i realized i had never created anything. Suddenly i want to grow my own food and draw and photograph all the places i go but i also want to be good at it, so i have a camera and im working on that, due to my lifestyle at the moment i cant grow anything yet, but i just recently ordered a sketch book and some drawing pencils and a book from amazon called how to draw cool stuff. Im not expecting to become amazing over night or anything but is there a website i could go to learn/watch how people draw??? Im looking into doing sketch/doodle/high detail animals. And im hoping once i can become a decent at that i will take to other areas such as graffiti art and water color paintings.
Klover Halpern 9 years ago
I couldn't get my before to upload, but I've been practicing for 6 years, and I'm really proud of my progression. RusAme50s-...4e38bd.jpg
Related on Bored Panda
