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.

#1

13 Years Progress Of Drawing An Eye

13 Years Progress Of Drawing An Eye

Report

RELATED:
    #2

    1970 Vs 2015

    1970 Vs 2015

    Report

    #3

    Age 6 Vs Age 26

    Age 6 Vs Age 26

    Report

    YaYa!
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That age 6 drawing is pretty good if you ask me!

    View more comments
    #4

    2010 Vs 2016

    2010 Vs 2016

    Report

    #5

    My Little Sisters Whale When She Was 8 Compared To Her Now At 26

    My Little Sisters Whale When She Was 8 Compared To Her Now At 26

    1337Scott Report

    #6

    From 2013-2015

    From 2013-2015

    Report

    美海
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    wow, the proportions were really fixed...

    View more comments
    #7

    Age 16 Vs Age 23

    Age 16 Vs Age 23

    Report

    #8

    2008 (3 Hours) Vs 2015 (15 Minutes)

    2008 (3 Hours) Vs 2015 (15 Minutes)

    Report

    Lindsey Lohnes
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To be fair the original looks pretty damn good too

    View more comments
    #9

    2013 Vs 2014

    2013 Vs 2014

    Report

    Indian Lover
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Isn't the second drawing of the girl on NatGeo's cover?

    View more comments
    #11

    2005 And 2016

    2005 And 2016

    Report

    Sarah Lennie
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Both of these are amazing in their own way.

    View more comments
    #12

    2003 Vs 2015

    2003 Vs 2015

    Report

    Tom
    BoredPanda Staff
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's purrfect! How old were you in 2003?

    View more comments
    #14

    2005 - 2015

    2005 - 2015

    Report

    #15

    I've Only Recently Started Using Charcoal And I Think I'm Progressing Well!

    I've Only Recently Started Using Charcoal And I Think I'm Progressing Well!

    Report

    -1,000,000 Total Upvotes
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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

    View more comments
    #16

    2001 -2015

    2001 -2015

    Report

    Tom
    BoredPanda Staff
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's an improvement! But I have to say that the 2001 version wasn't bad either. How old were you then?

    View more comments
    #17

    My Portrait In Digital Drawing

    My Portrait In Digital Drawing

    Report

    Emily J
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Isn't that Noukka Signe on the right?

    View more comments
    #18

    2010: Age 14 - 2015: Age 19

    2010: Age 14 - 2015: Age 19

    Report

    #19

    5 Years Between Ferrari F1 Car Drawings

    5 Years Between Ferrari F1 Car Drawings

    Report

    Vanessa
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    wow the first one is really good, considering you were only 11 wow the first one is really good, considering you were only 11

    View more comments
    #20

    Fantine 2013 Vs 2014

    Fantine 2013 Vs 2014

    Report

    I'm listening
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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?

    View more comments
    #21

    From Pencil To Acrylic In 7 Years

    From Pencil To Acrylic In 7 Years

    Report

    #22

    2000 Vs. 2016 Pencil Work

    2000 Vs. 2016 Pencil Work

    Report

    I'm listening
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, both are great! Talented for sure! I see greater maturity in that 2nd one.

    View more comments
    #23

    2013 Age 11 Vs 2016 Age 13

    2013 Age 11 Vs 2016 Age 13

    Report

    Ronja Rövardotter
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow great progress! Keep going! We are looking forward to your "Age 15" version!! :)

    View more comments
    #24

    Aged 15 To Aged 18

    Aged 15 To Aged 18

    Report

    #26

    Woodburning 2009 Vs 2014

    Woodburning 2009 Vs 2014

    Report

    I'm listening
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The second is a woodburning, too? I've never seen such beauty teased out of wood. What type wood was used?

    View more comments
    #27

    Change Of Clouds From 2015 To 2016

    Change Of Clouds From 2015 To 2016

    Report

    Marco Andreas
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the right one is a lot like dali's work, I like it a lot!

    View more comments
    #29

    Progress Over 13 Years.

    Progress Over 13 Years.

    Report

    I'm listening
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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.

    View more comments
    #30

    :)

    :)

    Report

    #31

    Three Years!

    Three Years!

    Report

    Lea Lei
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You're really great with comic eyes and I love that bottom right one, I want to move there!

    View more comments
    #32

    July 2015 Vs May 2016

    July 2015 Vs May 2016

    Report

    MeepMeepImAJeep
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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!

    View more comments
    #33

    Horse Development

    Horse Development

    Report

    I'm listening
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, if I were ever blessed with your talent! Amazing drawings!

    #34

    5 Years Of Practice (12 Vs 17 Years)

    5 Years Of Practice (12 Vs 17 Years)

    Report

    #35

    5 Years And Now We're Here

    5 Years And Now We're Here

    Report

    #36

    Progress

    Progress

    www.facebook.com Report

    Stacey Wellington
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Both are insanely good but the second one... wow... and the detail in the background just makes it so mch better...

    View more comments
    #37

    The Big Lebowski - Walter 2013 Vs. 2016

    The Big Lebowski - Walter 2013 Vs. 2016

    Report

    C. Wang
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i love the comical style of the first drawing!!

    View more comments
    #39

    Slender Grumpy Lisa

    Slender Grumpy Lisa

    Report

    I'm listening
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Only 5 months between the two... amazing. And beautiful.

    View more comments
    #40

    Panda

    Panda

    Report

    I'm listening
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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?

    View more comments
    #41

    I Hope I Didn't Reach My Full Potential.

    I Hope I Didn't Reach My Full Potential.

    Report

    I'm listening
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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.

    View more comments
    #42

    2010 Vs. 2016

    2010 Vs. 2016

    Report

    #43

    Paleoart From 2007 And 2016

    Paleoart From 2007 And 2016

    Report

    Sara Jane
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are these drawings or digital image creations? Awesome whatever :)

    View more comments
    #44

    2014 Vs. 2016

    2014 Vs. 2016

    Original%20 Report

    Iulia Bianca
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Both awesome!!! Looks like you've found your style on the most recent one.

    View more comments
    #45

    One Year's Difference

    One Year's Difference

    Report

    #46

    Digital Painting - 1 Year Of Difference!!

    Digital Painting - 1 Year Of Difference!!

    Report

    I'm listening
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow! And the first was already awesome! How long did it take you to do each of these?

    View more comments
    #47

    From Sketch To Digital Painting

    From Sketch To Digital Painting

    Report

    Megan Zayat
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love them both! Drawn wonderfully

    #49

    2013 To 2016

    2013 To 2016

    Report

    C. Wang
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i love the graphic style of the 1(2016) one!

    #50

    7 Years Difference!

    7 Years Difference!

    Report

    Donna Oades
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh wow both of these are amazing. The second one particularly so :)

    #51

    2013 Vs 2015

    2013 Vs 2015

    Report

    Stacey Wellington
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That second one is breathtakingly beautiful... I mean wow... Never seen anything drawn like that before...

    View more comments
    #52

    Changed The Ship's Windows For Other Details Through The Years.

    Changed The Ship's Windows For Other Details Through The Years.

    Report

    #54

    2004-2015

    2004-2015

    Report

    #55

    1993 & 2016

    1993 & 2016

    Report

    I'm listening
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, dear Lord, they're both beautiful! But yes, the second is masterful.

    #56

    At 16 And 18 Years Old

    At 16 And 18 Years Old

    Report

    #57

    2012 Vs 2016

    2012 Vs 2016

    Report

    Sockpuppies11
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, that is a lot of improvement!! The pictures are awesome!

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #58

    6 Years Of Practice!

    6 Years Of Practice!

    Report

    #59

    From Sketch To Masterpiece

    From Sketch To Masterpiece

    Report

    #60

    Canine Head (sketch) 12 Year Old - 15 Year Old

    Canine Head (sketch) 12 Year Old - 15 Year Old

    Report

    #61

    1988 Vs. 2016 Pencil Work

    1988 Vs. 2016 Pencil Work

    Report

    #62

    97-14

    97-14

    Report

    #64

    2012 (charcoal Drawing Of My Aunt) Vs 2015 (pen Drawing Aunt's Marriage Photo)

    2012 (charcoal Drawing Of My Aunt) Vs 2015 (pen Drawing Aunt's Marriage Photo)

    Report

    #65

    2013 (age 14) / 2015 (age 16)

    2013 (age 14) / 2015 (age 16)

    Report

    #66

    2013...2016

    2013...2016

    Report

    I'm listening
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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)

    My Work From 2013 (13 Years Old) To 2016 (16 Years Old)

    Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #68

    Robson De Figueiredo, Brazil, 2005 - 2015

    Robson De Figueiredo, Brazil, 2005 - 2015

    Report

    #69

    2012 Vs 2014

    2012 Vs 2014

    Report

    #70

    2013~2016 Digital Form~ball Pen Form

    2013~2016 Digital Form~ball Pen Form

    Report

    #71

    13 Years Old Vs 17 Years Old

    13 Years Old Vs 17 Years Old

    Report

    #72

    2011 And 2016.

    2011 And 2016.

    Report

    #73

    My Daughter's Progress Over 7 Years

    My Daughter's Progress Over 7 Years

    Report

    #74

    Perfection In 3 Years (from Age 11 To 14)

    Perfection In 3 Years (from Age 11 To 14)

    Report

    #75

    Marilyn Monroe Progression

    Marilyn Monroe Progression

    Report

    #76

    Amazing What 2 Years Can Do And (hopefully) Still Improve

    Amazing What 2 Years Can Do And (hopefully) Still Improve

    Report

    I'm listening
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You have alot of talent! How many hours a week do you draw?

    View more comments
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #78

    2014 To 2016

    2014 To 2016

    Report

    FAKENAME FAKENAME
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a feeling that this person is obsessed with minecraft

    #79

    All About Figuring Out One's True Aim- Plenty Of Surprisingly Excellent Steps In Between

    All About Figuring Out One's True Aim- Plenty Of Surprisingly Excellent Steps In Between

    www.vanitaswolf.de Report

    #80

    2011 - 2016 Pencil Work

    2011 - 2016 Pencil Work

    Report

    #81

    4 Years Into Perfecting Eyes Drawing

    4 Years Into Perfecting Eyes Drawing

    Report

    #82

    September 2015 - February 2016

    September 2015 - February 2016

    Report

    #83

    Portrait (own Photo)

    Portrait (own Photo)

    Report

    #84

    2010-2016

    2010-2016

    Report

    #85

    2008 Vs 2015

    2008 Vs 2015

    Report

    #86

    2012 - 2016 Color Work

    2012 - 2016 Color Work

    Report

    #87

    Still Life In 2016

    Still Life In 2016

    Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #88

    2006

    2006

    Report

    #89

    Three Years Progress..

    Three Years Progress..

    Report

    #90

    2015 And 2016

    2015 And 2016

    Report

    #91

    Pencil Skills - 2013 V 2015

    Pencil Skills - 2013 V 2015

    Report

    #92

    2014 -2016

    2014 -2016

    instagram.com Report

    #93

    I Call This "four Blondes" - The Last Is A Current Wip, But It's The Most Recent Blonde. :)

    I Call This "four Blondes" - The Last Is A Current Wip, But It's The Most Recent Blonde. :)

    Report

    #94

    20016

    20016

    Report

    FAKENAME FAKENAME
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually have respect for this furry artist for liking warriors

    View more comments
    #95

    Still Learning ☺️

    Still Learning ☺️

    Report

    #96

    2010 Vs 2013

    2010 Vs 2013

    Report

    #97

    Queen Of The Water. Model: Marina Marchenko

    Queen Of The Water. Model: Marina Marchenko

    Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #98

    2012

    2012

    Report

    #99

    2015

    2015

    Report

    #100

    2015 To 2016

    2015 To 2016

    Report

    Sully Ceja
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    @Sabrina Jozová Discouraging pompous people like you shouldn't even comment if you can't see the progression.

    View more comments
    #101

    Still Life In 2015

    Still Life In 2015

    Report

    #102

    First Painting April 2012 54 Y. O.

    First Painting April 2012 54 Y. O.

    Report

    #103

    April 2016. 58 Y. O.

    April 2016. 58 Y. O.

    Report

    Sabrina Jozová
    Community Member
    9 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    this is not even an art

    #104

    Flaming Lily, Progress After 9 Yrs

    Flaming Lily, Progress After 9 Yrs

    Report

    #105

    Year Drawing Challenge. 2015/ Day2 - 2016 / Day324

    Year Drawing Challenge. 2015/ Day2 - 2016 / Day324

    www.instagram.com Report

    #106

    13 Years Vs. 16 (character In The Newest Piece Belongs To Grypwolf, Art By Me)

    13 Years Vs. 16 (character In The Newest Piece Belongs To Grypwolf, Art By Me)

    Report

    #107

    Spring Maidens 2007 - 2016

    Spring Maidens 2007 - 2016

    Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #108

    2015 To 2016

    2015 To 2016

    Report

    FAKENAME FAKENAME
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yknow art is subjective. It should not have been downvoted

    #109

    1 Month, May-june 2016

    1 Month, May-june 2016

    Report

    #110

    Part 2 :

    Part 2 :

    Report

    #111

    Part 2 :

    Part 2 :

    Report

    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.