How to Get Back Into Drawing: 9-Step Artwod System That Really Works

News, Drawing

How to Get Back Into Drawing: 9-Steps for Artists Who’ve Lost Their Way

Getting back into drawing after a break, or finding motivation after giving up, can feel impossible. Whether life got in the way, frustration made you stop, or you just lost momentum, these 9 steps give you a way forward with small, proven steps.

Step 1: Make a Realistic Commitment

Forget big, intimidating goals. Start by making a truly conservative, realistic schedule for just 2-4 weeks.

Daily action is best, even for 10 minutes.
Keep your plan simple, and be honest about what you can manage.
For help structuring your practice, see our 6 Steps to Draw Anything: A Beginner’s Guide.

Step 2: Pick a Passionate Topic—Then Narrow Your Focus

Choose something you truly want to draw, like dwarf portraits or anime characters.

Then zoom in: Select a small skill or subtopic as your first focus—maybe drawing expressive faces, hands, or one-point perspective.
When you make your first challenge smaller, it becomes much less scary to start.

Step 3: Find and Exhaust One Tutorial

Resist the urge to binge-watch dozens of tutorials.

Select ONE high-quality tutorial for your chosen subtopic.
Watch a short segment, then immediately practice what you just saw.
Repeat: Chunk, practice, chunk, practice.
This focused repetition is key for building real skills (see also: Anime Portrait Workout: 5 Steps).

Step 4: Identify and Write Down Pain Points

As you study and practice, notice any moments when you feel confused, stuck, or tempted to quit.

Stop and write these pain points down.
Being honest with yourself about frustration helps you break the cycle.

Step 5: Search for a Solution to Each Pain Point

Take one pain point and look up a targeted tutorial or lesson that addresses it directly.

Don’t jump between random topics. Laser-focus on your current challenge.
Apply the “chunk and practice” method with this new material, too.

Step 6: Repeat the Cycle

After overcoming a frustration, return to your plan, and start a fresh, small challenge.

This keeps your growth steady and helps you build confidence over time.

Step 7: Track and Celebrate Any Consistency

Success is about consistent action, NOT perfection.

Mark off each day you show up, even if all you did was sketch for 5 minutes.
Small wins are the only thing that add up.

Step 8: Download a Structured Beginner Roadmap

For those truly starting over (or brand new), get a free e-book or starter roadmap from Artwod.

GRAB OUR FREE EBOOK HERE

This resource gives you a clear path and teaches you the foundations of drawing (including form manipulation and more).

Step 9: Trust the Process

"Even professional artists hit roadblocks and frustration. The key is to take small steps, be honest about your struggles, and keep coming back. Progress isn’t about suffering through marathons—it’s about honest, regular effort."

Antonio S.

Check out related advice in 21 Ways to Fail at Art (And What to Do Instead) for more mindset tips and how to avoid common traps.

Conclusion: Your Art Comeback Starts Today

Getting back into drawing is not about willpower, talent, or never slipping up again. It’s about setting small, achievable goals, focusing on one skill at a time, and addressing your stumbling blocks directly.

The Artwod system works because it respects your real life, your passions, and your limits—while still nudging you towards genuine growth.

You don’t need to be perfect. You only need to keep going.

START THE ARTWOD SYSTEM TODAY!