am i too far behind the competition?

[fezbo]

hey, i am 17 and i love to draw, but im not especially good. i draw and try to get better, but i dont seem to be getting anywhere. i havent been drawing all my life like most of the others that i see and all the people that go to art center colleges. am i totally out of luck because i started when i was 16?
thank in advance

[dcorc]

No, you are not out of luck.

You are in luck because you have found a site where people will help you to improve, if you will let them, and if you are serious about it and prepared to work at it.

Start a sketchbook, post some work, and let people see what you are doing currently.

[Noah Bradley]

16 is not too late to start. In fact, it's still a pretty early start.

And yeah: stick around CA and learn.

[RyerOrdStar]

Artists really only hit their peak at 30-50. It's not like gymnastics, art just builds and builds.

[cmalidore]

It's never too late to pick up a pencil, this stuff is based on experience - which you gain over time regardless of what your age is. If you are enthusiastic about what you do, and strive to learn - then you are in the perfect spot to push. Are you stagnating? Hard to say, a lot of us can't see our own improvement until much later in the game. None the less, this is the place to be, whether it's for critiques, general tips, or inspiration.

I'd like to say one thing though that I wish I'd heard way back in the beginning: Don't compare to other artists. Learn from them, but don't base YOUR learning off of THEIR capabilities. We can only draw as ourselves.... because that's who we are

[Ridz]

are you kidding? you're 17! you've got your whole LIFE to draw!
i didnt start really taking art seriously until i was 16 or 17 either.

post some stuff, get some critique, and get better. you'll be fine.

[Grief]

17? too late.
sorry better luck in the next life.

but really art isnt a fickle mistress. she doesnt care how old you are, she merely demands your passion and commitment.

...and she's great in bed.

[Elwell]

So, you've gotten a pretty resounding and unanimous answer.
Now lets see some work.

[riceface]

what the hell u think we were gonna say? ur 17 its too late give up... jesus christ

whats up with kids these days? them and their rap music

[sf_pike]

Hi Fezbo!
Draw as much as you can and enjoy it!
There is no competition drawing is about how much you love what you do!
Draw because you love doing it.
Buy a sketchbook, fill it, buy another one and start having fun again. Post your stuff get critics.

You want to start studying something about drawing
buy something from vilppu for example:

http://www.vilppustudio.com/

People around here can tell you about plenty of other wonderful resources

if you get tired of studying refresh your mind by drawing your stuff or emulating people that you like. Have fun
good luck!
and sure you are not late

[AgentAlpha]

I think it is the perfect time! If you really love to draw and you want to get better, just start now!!!

Good luck!

[Racasdorph]

LOL I love everyones responses! I agree with what everyone says

[RyerOrdStar]

Now if only people would stop asking the same questions....

[Zirngibism]

I still say there should be a sticky with common questions like this.

Something like:

Having doubts about your abilities? READ THIS!

[Alex Chow]

hey, i am 17 and i love to draw, but im not especially good. i draw and try to get better, but i dont seem to be getting anywhere. i havent been drawing all my life like most of the others that i see and all the people that go to art center colleges. am i totally out of luck because i started when i was 16?
thank in advance

I've linked this before but I'll do it again.

http://www.jasonchanart.com/gallery/2000/

These are Jason Chan's works when he was 17-18 years old. You know where he is now? Well, I don't know but a little birdie told me he's working in Massive Black.

We're not in the mixed martial arts fighting business, here. Just continue.

[MiniGoth]

Yes. It's hopeless. Quit now.

Or grow a desire and work ethic.

It's up to you.

[Serpian]

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=870

Skim through all the pages, or jump just straight to the last. He was NOT 16 when he started out.

[Cohen]

don't worry about it. I'm 20 and I have been drawing since I was in kindergarten and I really didn't improve much until I found this site and started listening to critiques and advice. I'm happier with my art and with my progress more than ever in just these last few months.
so if you're really devoted, there's no problem at all.

[jvgig]

I am in a similar situation. I have been drawing for a long time, but not seriously. Like 2-3 paintings and 5 drawings/year. Now I am doing a painting, 3 drawings, and about 100 pages of quick sketches/studies per week as I cram to try to get a half decent portfolio together by January.

Obviously it is not to late to start pursuing art, but I don't know about getting into one of your top choice art schools, which is the reason, I assume, that you are asking. Maybe someone could focus a response around the idea of getting into art school with only a year or two of experience as I have no idea.

[Pawkfox]

Contrary to what some said here, I think you shouldn't rely on CA.org or any other site. Find your own "path" so to speak. Find what you enjoy to do and do it better each time regardless of what people say. Some may say you're bad at drawing this and that, but you like it better that way. Suddenly you're divided and don't know which to do. Just an example.

...and no, 16-17 is REALLY not too late. I only made doodles and crappy things in my math book till I was 16.

[Mock]

To sum it up for you: Age doesn't matter the slightest bit unless you are either too young to have developed motor skills, or so old that arthritis won't let you pick up a pencil.

Companies don't care if you are 25, 30, or 40. If you're a fantastic artist, you're a fantastic artist.

[Nightblue]

well... when I was 17 I thought I was getting old too At least you found your passion at 17 unlike some of us confused people, lucky you!

[Kagemusha22]

I didn't start properly till 16, I found I had skill in drawing when I was 13. And with motivation, and determination, I've developed artistically in an attempt to 'catch-up' with my peers. At the end of the day people don't care about your age (maybe it's used as a measure on DeviantArt, along with pageviews, but not here), they care about your character and ability. But think about Van Gogh only began his career as an artist in his 20's (Someome correct me here if I'm wrong), and has gone onto become one of the greatest artists ever. Your only too late when you're dead.

Now get a pen, grab a sketchbook, go outside, and draw.

[Mock]

I didn't start properly till 16, I found I had skill in drawing when I was 13. And with motivation, and determination, I've developed artistically in an attempt to 'catch-up' with my peers. At the end of the day people don't care about your age (maybe it's used as a measure on DeviantArt, along with pageviews, but not here), they care about your character and ability. But think about Van Gogh only began his career as an artist in his 20's (Someome correct me here if I'm wrong), and has gone onto become one of the greatest artists ever. Your only too late when you're dead.

Now get a pen, grab a sketchbook, go outside, and draw.

This is very true. DA seems to give people the impression that your age has a huge impact. But consider for a moment that a lot of the "prodigious" people on DA who are phenomenal at 18 - 22 only draw one of two things. If you draw the same ethereal looking female face over and over for two years, you are going to be pretty freaking awesome at it.

[Volchiha]

I only started learning at 18. Before then it was copying, regurgitating, and crappy doodles that make me go "Wow, I can't believe I was that horrible!".
Yet I am confident, that with enough daily drawing, learning, and helpful criticism I will grow more in a year than a year of doubting my abilities and just doing the same thing.

I do regret that I did not find the courage earlier to follow what I love, but it's only a few years of lost time, and with the added discipline and knowledge, I feel that I'll be able to make up for the gap. Don't worry about it, it's never too late, as everyone says.

[the Xu]

confused people?? I started at 29!

I won

[OmenSpirits]

17? too late.
sorry better luck in the next life.

but really art isnt a fickle mistress. she doesnt care how old you are, she merely demands your passion and commitment.

...and she's great in bed.

She's a demanding bitch that wants ALL your time and gets angry and pulls away if you even LOOK at another creative endeavor! "What, I'm not GOOD enough for you now? hm? well guess what, BAM! now try to draw without me, ya bastard!"

[Brashen]

She's a demanding bitch that wants ALL your time and gets angry and pulls away if you even LOOK at another creative endeavor! "What, I'm not GOOD enough for you now? hm? well guess what, BAM! now try to draw without me, ya bastard!"

hahahm nice

[alffla]

to OP: lucky you you foudn this site back whhen yuo're 17 and realized what you want to pursue ;( i just realized half a year ago ish and i just turned 20 3 weeks ago. SIGHHH feels a bit crappy but i always find something to reassure myself then its all good. im making slow progress because i've got uni to handle and other stuff too but i'm alright with it. work hard!!

to the amaranth: HOLY CRAP JASON CHAN WAS LIKE THAT? LOL zomg O_O :cannot believe:

to omenspirits: LOLLL that is so true hahahha

[janitor]

Im in exactly the same boat, 17 and just dont seem to be going anywhere =/ But im optimistic lol
Try taking some art evening classes in your local area for a taste of "art education"