Hi there! My name’s Caity and I’m 22 from Australia! Growing up, drawing was always something extremely therapeutic for me. I was able to put some music in and just switch off from the world. I would say that it was my little happy place! I originally drew with paper and pencils and I remember being around 14, getting my first ever set of proper grey-led pencils with my own money; I was oh so proud of myself! My hands would be covered in pencil marks, but that didn’t matter, because I was happy.
Although I loved drawing and creating, I always felt as though I wasn’t good enough and would always compare my art to other art. Heck, it even took me a while to call it art! I had an unsupportive art teacher in high-school and felt that if I couldn’t perfect something, what was the point? Unfortunately this left my sketch book sitting at the bottom of my desk, collecting dust and never being touched. Occasionally I would look at it, but I wouldn’t pick up drawing again for another 8 years.
I got my iPad when I was 21, purely for study purposes and I had no intention of downloading procreate on it. All of a sudden I started seeing digital drawings on Instagram and boy oh boy was I in awe! I was obsessed with looking at the different styles and the amount of detail artists put into their work. I wished I could be one of them. But no, that would be a silly and far-fetched idea. Instead I would just look, in admiration, wondering if I could ever do it.
When I turned 22, I thought screw it, lets download procreate! I nervously picked up my Apple Pencil and started to draw and instantly, I was back to being in my happy place, with the world blocked out. I kept drawing and with a lot of encouragement from my friends, I started an Instagram for my art and let me tell you, it was the best decision of my life! I get to draw and share it with the loveliest and most inspiring community I’ve ever met. It has also helped me get through isolation and lets me express what words can’t say.
Although at times I do still compare myself to others, what I’ve learnt is that everyone is different! If you enjoy art, then that is all you need. It doesn’t matter what others do, all that matters is that your art makes you happy. You don’t need to compare yourself as everyone is on a different journey and that will always look different. Love what you do, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Much love,
~Caity
Go chat with Caity on Instagram @colourmecaity or check out her amazing digital drawings!
Comments