[answered on: 1/9/2022]

hm, if i could go back and time and tell my past self some tips, i would say... the biggest thing i'd want him to know is to not worry about anatomy and realism. everyone always emphasized to me, in the past, that 'good anatomy' was synonymous with good art. but there's actually so many other facets of art, that, it just plumb doesn't matter if you're not good at drawing the human skeleton accurately. i say you should only work at things that matter to you.

so, if you're not 'good' at drawing hands, and don't care enough to learn, it's fine -- maybe it's just not essential for art, to you. maybe you prefer drawing faces, or focus on composition, color, or, maybe you just draw paws. sure! do that. draw characters with their arms folded behind them 1000 times! it wont make your art bad. as long as you are finding satisfaction in the things you love most!!

that being said, i'd say the other thing i'd suggest is to really observe and take note the things that inspire you. i regret that it took me so long to understand that... i should try to actively study, trace, imitate my favorite pieces... really ask myself WHY do i like them. WHAT about this drawing makes it so good? what's so lovable about my favorite character? what are my favorite episodes, scenes, still frames from something... I wish i had known to be more thoughtful and collect and observe stuff i like. i was kind of hapless and lost about this, until avvy taught me how... and, i've felt my art improve significantly since! along with my personal satisfaction in making it.

hope this helps...!