How to Get Inspired to Draw: Concept Art Tips
Drawing can be magical when inspiration strikes. But how do you get inspired on demand? Today, I want to share some fun tips and stories that help you get inspired fast and improve your sketching, especially from concept art.
Thank you Adrien Wira (my friend from Design School) for telling me about the concept artist: Darren Quach.
You can find more about Darren’s book: INKWORKS here.
Start with What You Know
At first, I looked at the amazing work of a concept artist named Darren Quach. I found his Instagram account: dqsketches and his line work really attract my attention. His sketch lines are fresh and lively, and I really wanted to learn from him. But instead of copying exactly, I started to think: what are the basic parts that make machines look cool?
- cables
- motors
- shock absorbers
- weapons
This little list became my mental toolbox. Then, I looked around and noticed my blue pen cap—it looked like part of a machine! From that tiny idea, the sketch started to grow naturally.
Feel, Don’t Just Copy
Look carefully at how your favorite artists draw. Darren’s lines are sometimes messy and intricate.
It’s not about drawing perfectly clean lines; it’s about capturing the feeling and rhythm of the sketch. Try to ‘absorb’ that emotion and let it guide your hand.
Copy to Learn, Then Bring Your Own
If you are just beginning, copying sketches from others is not bad—it’s a great way to practice. But copying shouldn’t be the goal. Instead, use what you learn from copying to create your own ideas. Mix, tweak, remix what inspires you. That’s how new things are born.
Have Fun with Your Favorites
Who is your favorite robot? Star Wars, Wall-E, Transformers? Use those favorites as fuel, like I did. Inspiration is everywhere—you just need to open your eyes and your heart.
Remember, inspiration is not something far away. It’s all around you, and even the smallest things can light up your creative spark. Keep sketching, keep experimenting. Your unique style will come from practicing and letting your feelings lead the way.
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
PS: I personally like Wall-E.
What’s your favorite robot?
Star Wars, Transformers, Terminator, Gundam…? Tell me!
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Very nice what is the result from this “Quach’s inspiration” or start to do your nice drawing. !!! Any way to learn we should copy at first, copy THE Masters, like da Vinci, Durand, etc just to learn how & why.
I don’t think that 100% invetion exists, we can always do in pour ways creatively, but in one point or another it could look like the work of some other artis in the same style…
I like also Wall-E. Because I like animation moves
bye bye
have fun, so we will have also!
Renata