Growing Up Creative: 2

2. Tools are not Talent.

What the heck does that mean? I read this in a magazine many many years ago. I made a photocopy, and colored it in pen.

Why did I do that? Because it's such an important point: No amount of fancy pens, paints or paper will make you a better artist. Sure, new art supplies are big fun, but it's what you do with them that counts.

This is especially true about computers. A computer will not make you a better artist. Software does not make you a better artist. Drawing and drawing and drawing, no matter what medium you are using, WILL make you a better artist.

Behind every comic, video game, movie, and animation are some serious drawing skills and creative talents. So sure, if you've got the budget buy yourself some cool pens. But draw as much as you can, with whatever pencils and paper are handy. (I've been known to go through a lot of those pads of paper that you get in hotel rooms.) Tools are not talent.