Pipi

How long have you been drawing?

I started to take art seriously in 2018 - which means I was and still am actively pushing for improvement constantly.
Every artist will probably tell you that they have been drawing their whole lives - I also stand by this sentiment, however I don't think it matters all that much.

I want to start improving, what should I do?

Draw from life, get your fundamentals down, and don't focus on style. Most importantly - TAKE CRITICISM, don't be shy!! These are things that I didn't do when I was trying to improve on my own before I started college that ultimately kept my art in a gutter.
Also please don't compare yourself to other artists in a negative way, we are all trying our best and we should all be uplifting each other instead!

How do I gain confidence as an artist?

Sometimes you just need to take a leap and put your work out. I think something to remember is that virtually no one thinks their own art is perfect, we all want to change and improve it for ourselves and others! For me, wanting to improve dissolved any apprehension I had about showing my art around.

Can I call you by your real name?

If we are friends/close mutuals, you may call me by my real name! If not please refer to me as you know me, thank you!

Hardware

PC Components + more!
This is all of my hardware specs, I built the PC knowing I wanted it to last for years, while also being able to replace the parts whenever I feel things aren't working in tip top shape!

What tablet are you using?

Huion Kamvas 24 Plus (Jan 2023)
Previously, Gaomon PD1560 for 5 years, and before that - Wacom Intuos Pen and Touch Small for 5 years.
If you are interested in a drawing tablet there are pros and cons to graphic tablets and screen tablets Neither one is superior to the other. I've loved every tablet I've used, but specifically -
Huion Kamvas 24 Plus - I got this because I outgrew my old tablet in terms of needing a bigger timeline and animation workspace. I work with a ton of timeline tracks and it was becoming frustrating for me. So far I really enjoy this! It's almost a little too big for me.
Gaomon PD1560 - I loved this tablet, but I'd absolutely recommend an updated model if you're interested in it!
Wacom Intuos Pen and Touch Small - My small child, she still lives 10 years later.

Drawing Program?

MediBang and Clip Studio Paint.
I love these two programs with all my heart!

Watercolor and Goauche Supplies?

Watercolors
Da Vinci, OOLY Lil Pods, Kuretake Gansai Tambi
Please research your pigments before buying!
Goauche
Miya Himi, Winsor Newton
Brushes
Silver Black Velvets, Grace Art Watercolor Brushes, Zen Art Brushes
Palette
Meeden Empty Watercolor Tin 24 (in pink of course), Crappy plastic from Walmart.
Paper
Arches Watercolor Paper (cold and hot), Canson Watercolor Paper, Mixed Media - Strathmore and Canson.
Pens
Any ballpoint I find laying around, Uni-ball Signo White Gel Pen (Highlights), Microns

Other Supplies

Markers
Ohuhu Brush Tip Alcohol Markers
Sketchbooks
Strathmore Mixed Media Paper Vellum Surface 200 Series, Canson Mixed Media, Strathmore 300 Bristol
Acrylics and Oils
Golden, Liquitex, Winsor Newton
Colored Pencils
Faber Castell Polychromos, Prismacolors

How do you afford all these supplies?

These are supplies I've accumulated over years with my own money. Some were bought for classes, others were because I felt I was ready to try something of higher quality. I often ran my inexpensive products into the ground before I would try something of a higher price point.
The best advice I can give you is that sometimes, buying the higher quality item is more worth it in the long run. This of course doesn't mean that more expensive products are ALWAYS better either.
Example 1: Fabercastell Polychromos are 3 times more expensive than Prismacolors, HOWEVER they last 10 times as long as Prismas and hardly ever chip or break. If you're a frequent colored pencil user and you know you have skill, the smarter and more cost effective price in the end is the Fabercastell. Note: Polychromos are an oil based pencil, Prismacolors are wax based
Example 2: Kuretake Gansai Tambi are a steal for the price and are lovely for sketching however, are oft muddy when blended and don't layer well (in my experience), and have unsatisfying lightfast ratings. Eventually, the difficulties working with the Tambi (which technically isn't a watercolor) made me quit them for a while due to frustration. Da Vinci is a professional brand that I've used that has been an absolute joy to work with in every aspect. Rather than just trying different lower grade brands over and over again like I was doing in the past (and wasting my hard earned money), I decided to just invest in a few professional tubes to see how it would go - after TONS of research.Before you buy anything you should also do TONS of research and be completely sure of yourself that you're going to stick with your medium. I've met people who love the brands I dislike in the past too. Do your research and find what works best for you.