Why Mastering Art Fundamentals Beats Any Tool, App, or AI

I’ve had the privilege of pursuing three wildly different fields—CrossFit, Visual Art, and Business. On the surface, they’re unrelated. But beneath it all, they share one universal truth:

"Mastery begins and ends with a crystal clear understanding of fundamentals"

This isn’t a sexy message. It doesn’t trend. But it’s the truth.

In every discipline I’ve studied or practiced, from figure drawing to business strategy, the pattern is the same: those who build deep foundational skills rise the highest. Meanwhile, those who chase hacks, tools, or trends often plateau—or burn out.

As artists, we’re especially vulnerable to the shiny object syndrome:

• “This brush pack will change your workflow.”

• “3D will improve your process.”

• “This reference pack is a must have”

Sure, some tools are useful. But no tool will replace your understanding of form, value, light, or composition.

Let’s be real: it’s easy to fall in love with new tech. Especially today, when AI, automation, and design shortcuts are everywhere.

But here’s the trap: these tools promise outcomes without input. And that’s dangerous, especially early in your journey.

If you’re just starting as an artist, here’s my advice:

Slow down. Learn the real foundations.
They’ll take you further than any tool or trend ever will.

• Perspective & Form – Understand how objects occupy space.

• Form Manipulation - Understand how to turn simple form into complex form

• Deconstruction – Master how to simplify anything you observe into simplified manipulated form

• Indicating Form – Learn how to add volume and define structure.

• Design & Composition – Control how the viewer experiences your work.

Without these, even the most advanced tools become crutches.
With them, every tool becomes a multiplier.

Early on, it’s easy to feel like you know more than you do. 

That confidence, boosted by surface-level knowledge or flashy tools, can trick you into thinking you’ve “figured it out.”

But true growth begins when you realise how much you don’t know—and commit to learning it anyway.

This mindset isn’t limited to art. I’ve seen it in fitness and business too:

• Fitness: No supplement will replace proper movement, recovery, and nutrition.

• Business: No AI tool will write a million-dollar business plan. You still need to understand value creation, operations, sales, and leadership.

Shortcuts may save time, but they cost depth.
And in the long run, depth is where real mastery lives.

To any young artist reading this—especially if you're early in your journey:

• Don’t be seduced by shiny tools.

• Don’t look for quick wins or easy praise.

• Instead, chase the boring, foundational work that compounds over time.

Because while everyone else is skipping steps, you’ll be quietly building something no one can take from you: true artistic skill.