Drawing Well vs. Becoming an Artist

Drawing Well vs. Becoming an Artist

We often come across children who seem to have a natural gift for drawing. From a young age, they display remarkable powers of observation and expression, and, encouraged by praise from those around them, they steadily build their own artistic world. Some of these children walk this path with consistency and a clear dream in mind: “I want to become an artist.”

But there’s an important truth I didn’t realize for a long time: being good at drawing and becoming an artist are two very different things.

Had I understood this earlier, I might have been freer from unnecessary pressure and stress while making art. Instead of feeling weighed down by the idea that I had to “draw well,” I could have focused more on the joy of creating and on expressing myself in my own way. That’s why today, I’d like to talk about drawing skills, passion, and the path toward becoming an artist.

Why doesn’t being good at drawing necessarily make you an artist?I know many students who are talented not only in drawing but also in other areas—music, writing, design. The more multi-talented they are, the harder it often is for them to devote themselves fully to the path of an artist.

Realistically speaking, aside from the top few percent, the art world is not quite the glamorous profession many imagine. Stable income can be difficult to achieve, and many artists need to balance their creative work with side jobs or different careers.
It’s only natural for parents to hope their children will enter professions like medicine or law—fields that are more stable and socially recognized. I too was overjoyed when my child chose the path of becoming a lawyer and was accepted into law school. But what if my son had decided to attend art school instead? As an artist, I would have been proud and supportive, but I can’t deny I might also have worried about his ability to make a stable living after graduation.

Hoping for an era when artists are more valued, hope for a day when artists receive greater recognition in our society. When that happens, young people with artistic talent will be able to pursue their dreams without fear for their livelihoods.

In reality, many students who begin with the goal of pursuing fine art eventually shift to applied arts or design. Yet art educators and working artists alike consistently emphasize that the benefits of art extend far beyond career outcomes: focus, creativity, stress relief, and a sense of meaning in life are invaluable skills and qualities developed through art.
Even though my own child chose to become a lawyer, I never raised him with that career specifically in mind. Instead, I took him to galleries and museums often, and I allowed him to see me engaged in my own artistic activities. Looking back, I believe these experiences had a far greater impact than any direct career instruction—they helped him find his own path and build a sense of personal meaning.

The best support parents can give is why I always tell parents of gifted children:
“Make sure your children have the environment and opportunities to keep drawing.”
Direct technical instruction is not as important as giving them the time, materials, and atmosphere to enjoy the process of creating. When children draw, their eyes light up, their faces brighten, they talk more, laugh more, and simply become happier.
Worrying about the distant future can wait. What matters now is letting them draw. And they don’t have to be “excellent” at it. If they are truly happy while drawing, they already have the heart of an artist—and in time, that spirit will lead to great work.

Meeting talented studentsAmong my students are some with extraordinary skills. With just a few key tips, they quickly grasp fundamental principles and leap forward in ability. When I see this, I can’t help but feel excited about their futures.
I always tell them:

“Don’t let fear of the future stop you—just keep moving forward.”

Because the very act of drawing gives you the energy and creativity to design a better future.

​Art is not just a skill; it’s a way of seeing and engaging with the world. It allows us to feel more deeply and express more fully.
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If you believe in that power, then you’ll see that what matters more than drawing well is simply continuing to draw and finding joy in the process.