Disclaimer from the author: I would like to preface this article by saying that "How to Draw" is one of my favorite learning resources of all time. Without a doubt, I have used this book to solve more problems than any other, up until this point in my journey. Scott Robertson is one of my artistic heroes, and the one whose footsteps I wish to follow as an aspiring industrial designer. This is not a rant trying to convince anyone that they should not invest in this book. It is merely a series of warnings on putting too much significance on a resource without weighing its benefits to that individual's goals. There are two main reasons I zero in on Scott Robertson's "How to Draw": 1. Its title, in its vagueness, promises more than any other. Literally answering the most common question of "How do I learn to draw?", coupled with Robertson's (well earned!) reputation, causes it to become the siren's song to many young artists and distracts them from an honest evaluation of their needs and how best to meet them. 2. It is broad, and in being so, forces a beginner through too much, too quickly. With a figure drawing book, you at least stay on one topic: the human figure, but with "How to Draw" you get some perspective and camera lens information, cars, airplanes, environments... It's a little much and can dilute precious time that could be spent on more focused, deliberate practice.
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