Hook
I started with just a pencil and a blank page.
No teacher, no guide, just curiosity and a love for art.
I remember the first time I shaded a small leaf perfectly—I felt like I had created magic.
How did I turn that simple start into a colorful self-taught artist journey? Let me take you through every step.
What Is a Self-Taught Artist Journey?
A self-taught artist journey is learning art on your own, without going to an art school or having a formal teacher.
It’s about discovering your own style, experimenting with tools and practicing every day.
For example, I started with pencil sketches of flowers and gradually tried painting them in watercolors.
Every artist’s journey is unique—no two self-taught paths are the same. Some focus on sketching first, some on digital art and some on painting.
Being self-taught also means learning from mistakes. When I first tried shading a face, it looked funny—but that mistake taught me more than a perfect drawing ever could. That’s why the self-taught artist journey is so personal and meaningful.
How My Journey Started
My journey began when I was just doodling in a notebook. Simple shapes, lines and small objects kept me entertained.
I didn’t know the rules of art and I didn’t have any guidance. Every drawing was a small experiment.
At first, my sketches were messy. I would erase, start again and sometimes give up. But slowly I realized that mistakes were part of learning.
One of my first proud moments was drawing a tiny bird on a branch. It wasn’t perfect but it looked alive. That tiny success made me believe I could improve.
This early stage is crucial in a self-taught artist journey—learning patience, finding joy in small winsand keeping curiosity alive.
Tools and Techniques I Learned on My Own
I started with the simplest tool—a pencil. I practiced:
- Drawing shapes
- Shading
- Understanding light and shadows
Then I moved to painting. I tried:
- Watercolors for soft colors and blending
- Acrylics for bright and bold effects
- Mixing colors to create new shades
Learning online was a game-changer. TikTok tutorials, blogs and videos helped me understand techniques step by step.
For example, I watched a video about blending hair colors in acrylics. I paused, practiced each step and finally created smooth hair in my painting.
I also used tracing at first to understand proportions. Later, I tried freehand drawing. Each time I moved from tracing to freehand my confidence grew.
Experimenting is key in a self-taught artist journey. Every mistake teaches something new—like mixing the wrong color once taught me the importance of patience and testing shades before painting.
Table of Contents
Why Being Self-Taught Is Special
Being self-taught gives freedom. You can create your own style without following strict rules.
There’s no pressure of grades or deadlines. You choose what to learn and when.
For me, this freedom allowed me to explore calm, faceless portraits. These simple portraits don’t show faces but capture emotions, a style I might not have discovered in school.
Being self-taught also encourages creativity. You can try unusual techniques, mix styles or invent new art forms.
The mistakes, experiments and little successes make the journey unique and fulfilling.
Turning Passion Into a Routine
Passion alone isn’t enough—you need practice.
I started with just 10 minutes a day for sketching. Then I painted for an hour when I could.
Making it a routine helped me improve steadily. Even a busy day couldn’t stop me.
Celebrating small victories is important. The first time I shaded a realistic leaf or blended two colors perfectly I felt proud. These small moments kept me motivated.
A self-taught artist journey requires patience, consistency and love for art.
Sharing My Art With the World
At first, I kept my drawings private. But slowly, I shared them on TikTok, Instagram, and my blog.
Sharing helped me:
- Connect with other artists
- Receive feedback
- Learn new techniques
Posting online also showed me the impact of art. People loved my faceless portraits and calm color palettes. It made me feel that my self-taught artist journey could touch hearts, not just improve skills.
Challenges Every Self-Taught Artist Faces
Being self-taught is exciting but not easy.
- Self-doubt: You may compare yourself with trained artists and feel behind.
- Finding resources: Good tutorials or references are sometimes hard to find.
- Staying motivated: Without teachers, it’s easy to lose focus.
I faced all these challenges. There were days when I wanted to quit. But slowly, I learned to celebrate small progress, track improvement and enjoy the process.
Every challenge is part of the journey and overcoming them makes you stronger and more confident.
Alongside painting, I also explore beautiful calligraphy in my beginner’s guide to calligraphy
My Biggest Achievements So Far
Even small achievements feel huge in a self-taught artist journey.
- Selling my first painting gave me confidence.
- Gifting art to someone and seeing their joy was unforgettable.
- Growing online followers and seeing people enjoy my style motivated me to keep going.
Every painting, every sketch, every post is a step forward. The self-taught journey is long, but each step counts.
Tips for Aspiring Self-Taught Artists
- Start small: Don’t worry about mistakes. Every drawing teaches something.
- Practice daily: Even 10 minutes of sketching adds up.
- Use free resources: Blogs, TikTok, YouTube tutorials are great teachers.
- Experiment: Try new tools, colors and styles. Don’t be afraid to fail.
- Be patient: Progress is slow but steady. Enjoy each step.
Extra tip: Keep a journal of your art progress. It helps you see how far you’ve come and keeps motivation high.
Check out my guide on faceless portraits to see how I create emotional art without faces
Self-Taught Artist vs. Formal Training
| Aspect | Self-Taught Artist | Formal Training |
| Style Freedom | High | Medium |
| Cost | Low | High |
| Learning Pace | Own speed | Fixed schedule |
| Creativity | Experimental | Structured |
| Recognition | Gradual | Easier access to galleries/certificates |
Being self-taught means freedom but slower recognition. Formal training gives structure and faster credentials but less freedom. Both paths can lead to success.
FAQs
1. Is it possible to become a professional self-taught artist?
Yes! Many self-taught artists earn a living. Consistent practice, sharing work and improving skills can lead to success.
2. How long does it take to improve without formal training?
It varies. Practicing daily for months or years brings noticeable improvement. Don’t rush; enjoy learning.
3. What tools should beginners start with?
Start simple: pencils, sketchbooks, watercolors or acrylics. Upgrade tools as you grow.
4. Can a self-taught artist earn a living?
Absolutely! Selling art online, taking commissions and creating content are all ways to earn.
5. How do I find my unique art style?
Experiment with techniques, subjects and colors. Over time, your personal style will appear naturally. Keep exploring.
Final Thoughts
A self-taught artist journey is more than learning art—it’s about discovering yourself, your style, and your passion.
From messy sketches to calm faceless portraits and colorful paintings, every step matters.
If you love art, start today, one pencil stroke at a time.
With patience, practice, and passion, a self-taught artist journey can turn a simple hobby into a meaningful, colorful adventure.
If you want to own one of my artworks, visit my shop page or tiktok for custom art orders.you can also follow my journey on instagram.
