I'm rusty and it hurts

**Digital Transfer** · August 20th, 2009, 01:47 AM

So, I graduated 3 years ago with a degree in illustration, a fact that I'm loath to admit now because I havent seriously done any artwork in about a year; focusing instead on my writing.
Now I'm trying to get back to it and I feel as if ive lost it. My poses are stiff and I can't get angles right. I guess what Im asking is if this has happened to any of you and whether or not any of you have tips for how to over come it or get back to form. Any help is vastly appreciated.

**FourTonMantis** · August 20th, 2009, 03:40 AM

Post some stuff.

**cdejong** · August 20th, 2009, 06:58 AM

Draw Moar.

It'll come back if you exercise it, it's like riding a bike; you won't forget but it might take a bit to get back to where you were again.

**hitnrun** · August 20th, 2009, 10:27 AM

I agree - draw more and get some stuff posted.

**J Wilson** · August 20th, 2009, 11:10 AM

I had a period of time where I wasn't doing much artwork. I had a job with both long hours and a long commute. However, even when I wasn't drawing, I was still observing a ton, looking at things through an artist's eyes. When I quit that job and was able to devote more time to artwork, I strangely felt like I had somehow improved during the time of not drawing.

So I guess my advice is not only to get back into the swing of drawing, but get back into the swing of observing and seeing. If poses seem stiff, then it's time to start really looking at how people move and stand. Art is 90% seeing and understanding.

**Zazerzs** · August 20th, 2009, 01:18 PM

same here, just for a longer time period, I suggest

suck it up. You'll get better and surpass your past abilities just get back to drawing.

Start a sketchbook and begin postin'

Brush up on the basics (perspective,anatomy, proportions, volume shading ect. )and take it from there.

it's a little painful at 1st but it'll get better.

GL!