I'm now 22 years old

Hey everyone! 

So I wanted to write this journal to encourage you all.   

Like the title says, I'm now 22 years old.  In that time, its been super cool to see how far I've come and to look back.  GOD IS GOOD! 


This right here was my first post ever here on DA  back when I was 14.  This is now.    I've spent a good amount of time working hard and learning as much as I could to get better at drawing, inking, coloring, and now writing.    Like I've said before, I've never taken any art classes or gone to art school.    I'm still always learning and theres always gonna be room for improvement.  But all that knowledge you're looking for on how to get better as a artist, is right at your finger tips.      Just because you're not "there" today, doesn't mean you won't be someday.  You have to put the time in, I can't stress the word practice enough.  It will not happen over night.  If you want to get better, you have to dedicate the time to it, no matter what it is you're wanting to do.    

 Some steps I would suggest to you young up and coming artists.  (This is exactly what I have done)

1. Draw as much as you can everyday.  Practice as often as you can.

2. Know your weaknesses and work to make them strengths.  Which comes to my next step which is...

3. RESEARCH!!!  If you don't know how to draw something or you aren't confident in how you are drawing something, look up reference!!! Don't guess, KNOW!

4. Try to get feed back from more experienced artists.  Ask them what they see in your work that needs improving.  Trust me, it will sting a little, but it's ultimately to help you improve.

5. Be able to take critiques.  Sometimes you're not always right, and if someone calls you on it, you need to humble yourself and be willing to work on improving in the areas you need improvement on.  If all you get is praise for your work, you're not going to think you're drawing anything wrong and you won't seek to learn more.  

6. BE HUMBLE.  Nobody likes a person who thinks "they're all that".  Always be willing to improve no matter where you are in your art.   There's always going to be someone who is better and knows more than you.  

7. COMMUNICATE! Respond to your fans!  Take the time to talk to people.  If someone genuinely likes your work and leaves a comment or a like.  Make sure people know their support doesn't go unnoticed. Also try chatting with people that are maybe on the same level as you, and maybe help each other out by working to improve together.  Also if people are asking you for advice, be sure to pass on the things you have learned.  People who like your work will probably want to learn from you, so make sure you help others as much as you can in their journey. 

8. BE VERSATILE!  It's always good to try and learn new things and can help you in your journey to improve as an artist. 


There's probably a few more steps, but for now these are for getting started.   God bless you guys!  Thank you for the amazing amount of support through out the years.  I hope to be able to make more epic art for you. 

Here's to 22! 

God bless!



-Joey Vazquez