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How do you even draw in general with depression?

2:00 AM, Wednesday October 22nd 2025

I know there's like a 2% a single person even comments on this, but whatever I guess.

Hi, been depressed for upwards of 6-7 years. Been trying to learn art because it's always been something I've wanted go learn. Unfortunately, depression. Just in general tbh. I'm already a bit of an analytical person who seems results, which doesn't help but combine that with depression and a lack of creativity and it might aswell be like being stuck in an ocean with no sign of land. Truthfully, I just want any sort of suggestion. Anything to make this easier because it just genuinely makes me want to cry that I can't do this thing I'm passionate about and be happy/want to do it at the same time. Anything helps, even if I doubt this gets any comments. Thanks I suppose

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2:55 AM, Wednesday October 22nd 2025
edited at 2:56 AM, Oct 22nd 2025

I haven't personally struggled with such long term depression, so idk if I can really give the best advice ;; but I think holding on to that passion that you have is the most important. Try and remind yourself that the reason you want to be good at drawing is probably not just so you can say you're good at it but because you have a desire within you to create and express your ideas and thoughts in a certain way. Staying motivated to draw with depression I imagine is tough, but maybe creating a routine for yourself where you have certain days/times set where you have to practice, even if you don't feel like it. Usually getting started is the hardest part and when you get into the flow of it, it's much easier. Anyways, sorry if none of this is useful but just know your hard work will pay off and I believe in you and your art journey!

edited at 2:56 AM, Oct 22nd 2025
1 users agree
3:15 AM, Wednesday October 22nd 2025

When it comes to questions of mental health in relation to drawing, I would just recommend seeing a therapist. Looking up tips and tricks to handle your feelings makes the drawing process much more difficult because you'll go through a gratuitous cycle of trial and error; potentially exacerbating your feelings. A therapist is equipped with the skills to help you navigate your feelings to reach the goals you are trying to reach. The faster you deal with the feelings with a professional, the faster you will achieve what you are trying to do.

A doctor is focused on your physical health but a therapist (or a psychiatrist if it comes to that) is focused on your mental health. With that in mind, you will come in contact with therapists that will and will not work for you. Shop around to find one that you are comfortable with.

0 users agree
1:50 AM, Sunday October 26th 2025
edited at 1:51 AM, Oct 26th 2025

I'm an artist living with OCD as well as anxiety/depression that comes and goes. Finding a good therapist or psychologist is 100% worth it in the long term, and it's really helped me develop coping mechanisms to manage the negative voices and feelings in a healthy manner.

Besides that, I found that being kind to yourself and not beating yourself up over your lack of motivation and creativity helps a lot. Just acknowledging that there are some days you will get absolutely nothing done, and that's okay. Sometimes you just need a bit of a brain break, and there's nothing wrong with that. It does NOT make you a bad person or a failure. Of course it's good to push yourself sometimes, and I find that just getting started is usually the hardest part, but once I get over the hurdle I get totally locked in for hours. But on the days that you can't really do that, just doing something can help boost your mood a bit, even if it feels like the tiniest, most insignificant bit of progress. Even if it's not art related and you did something to take care of yourself, that's still something!

Please be patient with yourself, and I hope things improve for you soon.

edited at 1:51 AM, Oct 26th 2025
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Sakura Pigma Microns

Sakura Pigma Microns

A lot of my students use these. The last time I used them was when I was in high school, and at the time I felt that they dried out pretty quickly, though I may have simply been mishandling them. As with all pens, make sure you're capping them when they're not in use, and try not to apply too much pressure. You really only need to be touching the page, not mashing your pen into it.

On the flipside, they tend to be on the cheaper side of things, so if you're just getting started (beginners tend to have poor pressure control), you're probably going to destroy a few pens - going cheaper in that case is not a bad idea.

In terms of line weight, the sizes are pretty weird. 08 corresponds to 0.5mm, which is what I recommend for the drawabox lessons, whereas 05 corresponds to 0.45mm, which is pretty close and can also be used.

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