Artist Shows How Far He’s Come After 13 Years of Dedicated Drawing Practice

To get better at something, you’ve got to practice. But when it comes to art, many folks assume that it's somehow immune to this axiom. If you’ve got innate talent, they think, you’re going to be a great artist, regardless of how little you draw or paint. While talent definitely has something to do with it, honing the craft is what will take you from being ordinary to extraordinary. Concept artist Kouji Tajima recently pointed this out. An accomplished creative, he’s worked on films including Blade Runner 2049 as well as Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. He was also at one time a novice, just like everyone else.

In a recent tweet, Tajima shared just how far he has come by participating in the artistic tradition of redrawing old artwork. In this case, found a drawing he did when he was 12 years old and reimagined it with his expert skills. The side-by-side comparison is staggering. When Tajima was a kid, he drew a simple sketch in pencil. Now 13 years later, he worked digitally to visualize a character that is fully realized and has an incredible, otherworldly presence.

This isn’t the first time that Tajima has shared his artistic progression. In 2014, he tweeted a smattering of his work from 2000, 2002, 2013, and 2014. It’s an inspiring display of how, if you’re dedicated and draw every day, you will improve.

If you want to start drawing but need some ideas, check out our comprehensive list of over 50 drawing ideas. You’re sure to find something to sketch!

Concept artist Kouji Tajima shares powerful reminders that if you want to hone your craft, you have to make time for drawing practice.

Kouji Tajima: ArtStation | Twitter
h/t: [Kotaku]

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Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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