My Desktop Setup

Wacom Cintiq 13hd

I’ve had this model for years and I love using it! Fast, color accurate and with low parallax, I especially like it for painterly artworks!

Krita

I don’t use Photoshop, instead I use Krita - because it’s free! It’s a powerful tool and can even export PSD files. Download it here!

David Revoy Bundle

A free brush pack set especially for Krita by David Revoy. They are great for painterly brush strokes. Bundle available here!

My iPad Setup

IPad Pro 12.9

When traveling, or working on simpler artwork (like when making stickers) I prefer using my IPad Pro with Apple Pencil.

Procreate App

This powerful tool is very affordable and is easy to use. And the developers keep adding free features! Learn more about it here.

Max Pack Bundle

There are several bundles to choose from! These add a lovely textured and traditional feel to your workflow. Check it out!

Online Art Education

Youtube tutorials

Many skilled artist generously create free online tutorials on YouTube. This is a great place to start! Here are just some of the tutorials that helped me:

Marco Bucci Color and Light

Proko Anatomy and the Loomis Head Method

Marc Brunet Former Blizzard Artist

CroquisCafe Virtual Figure Drawing

Mimillustration Business side of things

Classes with Feedback

Paid classes often come with instructor and classmate feedback, which has been invaluable to my own growth! I’ve been really happy with these:

Anthony Jones Mentorship Character Design

Adam Duff Mentorship Art Fundamentals

CGMA 2D and 3D Classes

SVS Learn Children's Book Illustration

Self-paced Classes

Self paced classes are a relaxed way to learn if you’re busy. Plus, they are cheaper than regular classes, but come with little to no feedback:

Skillshare - Chris Hong Portrait Drawing

Skillshare - Gabriel Picolo Character Illustration

Schoolism - Djamila Knopf Illustration

Class101 - Knight Zhang Character Design

MY ART LIBRARY

I hope you enjoy art books as at least as much as I do! They are a great resource. Here is my current library:

Design your own Anime and Manga Characters by TB Choi Great for simplified anatomy

Framed Ink by Marcos Mateu-Mestre Composition techniques used in the film industry

Framed Perspective vol. 2 by Marcos Mateu-Mestre Perspective in illustration

Figure Drawing Design and Invention by Michael Hampton Figure Drawing

Force Dynamic Life Drawing by Michael Mattesi Gesture drawing

Oga Kazuo Animation Artworks Ghibli background artist (only in Japanese)

Many Ghibli, Disney and Pixar Art Of Books

Food for Thought


Figuring out how to start your art journey can be unnerving. There are many options. Which is the best way? It is your way! That is, it really helps to know your own learning style. Every student is different, and there are different teaching methods. So some introspection can help!

  • Do I learn best on my own, at my own pace, or do I flourish in a classroom setting where I am motivated by others?

  • Do I have access to expendable income so that I can attend a formal art school or are cheaper online classes more accessible?

  • What type of art am I drawn to? Perhaps realistic portraits like John Singer Sargent’s? Or heavily stylized art like anime? Maybe beautiful landscapes are more my calling?

  • Am I perfectly content with art as a hobby? Or would I like to work in the industry? What type of work appeals to me? Concept art? Book covers? Game development?

Hopefully questions like these will help you on your way! I didn’t go to a formal art school. Instead I’ve learned at home, using a combination of fee online resources and paid online classes. One of the hardest and most vital lessons I learned is to always be open to critique! Especially from industry professionals and fellow students. So look for those opportunities at art conventions, on online forums, or on discord. Let’s keep learning together!

And of course, I’m happy to share what I’ve learned on my YouTube channel!