Everyone starts somewhere—but some habits can quietly slow down your growth as an artist. If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or like your art isn’t improving as fast as you’d hoped, chances are you’re falling into one (or more) of these common beginner traps.
At Aureole Studios, we see these mistakes often—and we help students fix them with clear, practical strategies that unlock real progress.
1. Overrendering Before Structure
It’s tempting to jump straight into coloring and detail—but if the underlying sketch isn’t solid, all that effort ends up masking fundamental issues like anatomy or proportion.
Fix it: Focus on solid line drawings and gesture before diving into shading or effects. Think “structure first, style second.”
2. Avoiding Reference (or Overusing It)
Some artists think using reference is “cheating,” while others copy it 1:1 without learning from it. In reality, reference is a tool—not a crutch.
Fix it: Use reference to understand form, lighting, and design, then interpret it in your own way. Start with life or photo reference and challenge yourself to create variations.
3. Using Too Many Colors
New artists often throw in every color in the rainbow, leading to muddy or chaotic pieces. Instead, stick to a limited palette and learn to use color with intention.
Fix it: Choose 2–4 main colors, then vary their value and saturation. Focus on contrast and harmony, not just variety.
4. Neglecting Value and Lighting
Without good value contrast, your artwork can feel flat—even with great linework and color. Lighting is what gives your drawings weight and realism.
Fix it: Practice in grayscale first. Use simple lighting setups (like one light source) to train your eye on how light and shadow define form.
5. Drawing Only from Imagination
Drawing from your head is great—but if you’re not also drawing from life or study, you’re reinforcing your current limitations.
Fix it: Split your practice: 50% from imagination, 50% from observation. Use figure drawing sessions, still life studies, or master copies to expand your visual library.
6. Not Seeking Feedback
One of the fastest ways to improve is by getting honest critique—but many beginners avoid it out of fear or insecurity.
Fix it: Ask for constructive feedback from peers, mentors, or instructors. At Aureole Studios, our teachers provide weekly critiques and tailored advice to help students break through plateaus.
Ready to Break Bad Habits?
Our courses in Fundamentals, 电脑数码绘画, and 作品集辅导 are designed to help you correct these mistakes early—so you can grow faster, more confidently, and with the support of a pro team.
CH 
EN