Artistic advice is crucial for artists at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re a budding artist looking for fundamental techniques, a seasoned professional seeking fresh inspiration, or someone interested in the latest trends, the internet is a treasure trove of valuable resources. However, with so many websites available, it can be challenging to find the best ones that provide high-quality and comprehensive advice. In this article, we will explore five of the best websites for artistic advice, each catering to different aspects of the artistic process.
1. DeviantArt
Overview: DeviantArt is one of the largest online social networks for artists and art enthusiasts. It was launched in 2000 and has since become a hub for artists to showcase their work, gain feedback, and connect with other creatives. The site boasts millions of pieces of art, ranging from digital art to traditional sketches, photography, and beyond.
Artistic Advice Features:
- Tutorials and Resources: DeviantArt hosts a plethora of tutorials created by its community members. These tutorials cover various mediums and techniques, such as digital painting, character design, and color theory.
- Critique and Feedback: The community aspect allows artists to receive constructive criticism and feedback on their work, which is invaluable for improvement.
- Groups and Forums: Artists can join groups and participate in forums dedicated to specific styles, mediums, or themes, providing a space for more focused advice and discussions.
Why It’s Great: DeviantArt’s large and active community ensures that artists can find advice and inspiration on virtually any topic. The platform’s emphasis on community interaction also means that artists can get personalized feedback and support.
2. ConceptArt.org
Overview: ConceptArt.org is a dedicated platform for concept artists, illustrators, and designers. It was founded in 2002 and has grown into a vital resource for artists looking to break into the entertainment industry, particularly in areas like video games, movies, and animation.
Artistic Advice Features:
- Workshops and Classes: ConceptArt.org offers various online workshops and classes taught by industry professionals. These cover a range of topics from anatomy to environment design.
- Sketchbooks and Critique Forums: Artists can share their sketchbooks and receive critiques from peers and mentors, which is essential for growth and improvement.
- In-Depth Articles and Tutorials: The site hosts a wealth of articles and tutorials that delve deep into specific techniques and industry insights.
Why It’s Great: The focus on concept art and the entertainment industry makes ConceptArt.org a specialized resource for artists pursuing careers in these fields. The professional-level advice and tutorials provided by industry veterans are invaluable for aspiring artists.
3. ArtStation
Overview: ArtStation is a premier platform for artists in the entertainment industry, including those working in games, movies, media, and more. Launched in 2014, it has quickly become a go-to site for professionals to showcase their portfolios and connect with employers.
Artistic Advice Features:
- Portfolio Hosting: ArtStation allows artists to create professional portfolios that can attract potential clients and employers.
- Learning Hub: The ArtStation Learning section offers a wide range of courses and tutorials on topics such as 3D modeling, digital painting, and game design.
- Community Interaction: The site features a community where artists can follow each other, comment on works, and participate in challenges and contests.
Why It’s Great: ArtStation’s focus on professional development and portfolio presentation makes it ideal for artists looking to advance their careers. The high-quality tutorials and courses provided by industry experts ensure that artists have access to top-notch educational resources.
4. The Virtual Instructor
Overview: The Virtual Instructor is a comprehensive educational platform that provides structured art lessons and courses. Founded by Matt Fussell, a professional artist and educator, the site caters to artists of all skill levels.
Artistic Advice Features:
- Video Lessons and Courses: The Virtual Instructor offers a vast library of video lessons covering various mediums, including drawing, painting, pastels, and digital art.
- Live Lessons: Members can participate in live lessons and workshops, allowing for real-time interaction and feedback.
- Membership Benefits: A membership grants access to additional resources such as downloadable guides, lesson plans, and exercises.
Why It’s Great: The structured approach to art education makes The Virtual Instructor an excellent choice for those looking for a more formal learning experience. The breadth of content and the quality of instruction ensure that artists can find valuable lessons regardless of their preferred medium or skill level.
5. Drawspace
Overview: Drawspace is an online platform that offers art lessons and courses designed by professional artists and educators. It focuses on building foundational skills and techniques for artists of all levels.
Artistic Advice Features:
- Free and Paid Lessons: Drawspace provides a mix of free and paid lessons, ensuring that artists can access quality instruction regardless of their budget.
- Skill-Building Courses: The courses are structured to help artists build skills progressively, from beginner to advanced levels.
- Interactive Community: Artists can share their work, receive feedback, and interact with instructors and peers through the site’s community features.
Why It’s Great: Drawspace’s focus on foundational skills and structured learning makes it ideal for beginners and those looking to strengthen their basic techniques. The availability of both free and premium content ensures accessibility for a wide range of users.
Conclusion
The internet is a vast resource for artistic advice, and the websites mentioned above are some of the best available. Each site offers unique features and resources that cater to different aspects of the artistic journey, from community interaction and professional development to structured learning and skill-building.
- DeviantArt is perfect for those seeking a vibrant community and a wide range of tutorials and feedback.
- ConceptArt.org is ideal for concept artists and illustrators aiming to break into the entertainment industry.
- ArtStation caters to professional artists looking to showcase their work and access high-quality tutorials.
- The Virtual Instructor offers structured, comprehensive lessons for artists seeking formal education in various mediums.
- Drawspace focuses on building foundational skills with both free and paid lessons available.
By exploring these websites, artists can find the advice and inspiration they need to hone their craft and achieve their creative goals.