I have no talent.
#my first (very ugly) drawing
Hi, my little demon,
Today, I wanted to write a more personal message, skipping the usual long Art Missive.
Since last week, many of you have been sending me messages and DMs. After I posted "The Secret of the Dragonflies," my first graphite portrait in 4 months, you've been asking how I became so "talented," how I didn’t lose my "touch," and how to reach my level.
Most of you have told me that you believe in yourself but don't know what to do to improve.
Some of you have even shared your despair, feeling alone on your artistic journey and doubting your worth as an artist.
So, I decided it's time to share something I've never revealed before.
Voilà….
The truth is... I have no talent.
Really, I've never been gifted in drawing.
This is how I used to draw at 20:
Not impressive, right? Maybe you already feel better about yourself now 😂.
Clearly, I wasn't a prodigy with a pencil.
I, too, wondered if I should give up.
I, too, spent nights looking at other artists' work, feeling like I’d never reach their level.
I, too, struggled.
Yet today, my drawings touch the hearts of millions each year.
And that's not thanks to some magical talent. It's solely thanks to the hard work I've put in over the years, the detours I’ve taken, and the mistakes I’ve made.
And, a little bit, thanks to your support and encouraging messages.
So, to lift your spirits and motivate you to pick up your pencils, here’s what I have to say:
If I can do it, so can you.
I know it sounds cliché, but you’ve seen where I come from… So believe me when I tell you that if you work hard, work smart, and stay passionate, you'll reach your art goals.
I can't help you with working hard and staying passionate—this part is all on you.
However, I can help you work smart.
It took me 3 endless years to go from the ugly drawing you've seen above to my current level because I had no one to guide me.
That's why I decided to create the shortcut I wish I had when I started, so you can achieve in 3 months what took me 3 years to learn.
To do so, I've released a 35-minute video tutorial with the detailed learning plan you should follow to draw stylized portraits like The Secret of the Dragonflies.
So for this week’s Art Missive, get comfortable and be ready to take some notes because it's time for your mama demon to lift your spirits and support you in your portrait journey:
Voilà, that’s all from me.
See you in the video.
Léa