#sketchmaster

[lembellie-blog]

[wukraft]

Capturing elegance on paper 🌸✏️ Dive into the beauty of sketching a mesmerizing woman, where every line tells a story.

[j4m3s-b4k3r]

10 years a LEFTY

After my stroke at the end of 2012, my focus for most of 2013 was on learning how to walk & talk again, and navigating the bureaucracy of disability benefits. By September, I was still very much a mess, but finally wrestled with an issue that had weighed heavily on me the entire time - whether I’d ever draw again. 

Sketching in Golden Gate Park.

Janine Dawson had sent me a sketchbook while I was still in hospital, complete with pre-dated pages. I could not keep to her schedule though. Partly because I had so much physical therapy and became exhausted easily. Also, I was deeply afraid. My clumsy attempts to draw with either hand caused despair. So I focussed instead on the many other things I needed to do. There’d been hope that sensation & motor coordination might return to my right drawing hand eventually, but 9 months later it was still asleep (and in most respects, still is). I finally accepted that my trusty right hand was kaput, and wouldn't draw again. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but only after that acceptance could I train the understudy to go on stage - My LEFT HAND. 

A self-caricature in my wheelchair, 2013.

I drew for its own sake, with absolutely no expectation of ever drawing professionally again. That filled me with sadness, but the idea that I might not draw at all was worse. Drawing was always part of my self-identity. So, Julia & I often drew together. I was painfully slow, but started to enjoy the random quality of my drawings done with my non-dominant hand. Never exactly sure what my LEFT hand would do, I drew in a spirit of exploration, like when I was a child. (I now believe that this open lack of expectations actually set me free). My mobility was even worse than it is now and we often drew paused images from TV, but went location sketching too, starting at the college campus near our apartment.

Sketches of SF State campus, 2013.

Julia had bought me two beautiful leather bound sketchbooks for Christmas 2012 (and I had a stroke the very next day). 2014 was when my drawing had progressed enough to start filling one of them with sketches. I went out sketching with her, or sketchmaster Matt Jones. Unsure of how to earn a living, I often considered what other job I might do.. Be a writer? A teacher? Kevin Richardson helped me explore script writing. Steve Purcell & Derek Thompson called me for a few weeks of story brainstorming. It is hard to overstate how much those first short gigs meant to me. I began to feel useful again. In the first year of my stroke many friends (from many studios) had arranged fundraisers to help with my medical bills, but I was too frail to attend. In 2014, Ben Walker arranged “Bizarro Sketch Night”, where artist friends bid on each other's art, drawn with their non-dominant hands. A fun event that I was able to participate in myself. I'll never forget all these encouragements from my community.

"Bizarro Sketch Night", 2014.

John Hoffman gave me a sketchbook, and in 2015 it was where I began to sketch out a graphic novel. The plan is to incorporate old pages done with my RIGHT hand and new pages done with my LEFT, and for them to be compatible (this art-therapy project continues to this day). Julia encouraged me to start colouring my blog stories digitally (and for Christmas that year, she bought me a new cintiq!) Using Photoshop with one hand was tricky, but the workarounds I learned came in handy when I got my first ever LEFT-handed paid drawing assignment, a cover for Carol Hughes’ book!

2015 projects.

2016 had so many work opportunities that I was taken off disability. My financial safety net was gone, but it was exciting to take the plunge into freelancing as a LEFT handed artist. Again, friends gave me encouragement & chances. Steve Lee got me a brief teaching assignment (at the Academy Of Art). Then Jim Capobianco asked me to storyboard on "MARY POPPINS RETURNS". This was very exciting development for me. It was a long gig, subletting a room in one of the satellite buildings of PIXAR's Emeryville campus, where old colleagues were watching my progress..

"Mary Poppins Returns", 2016.

In 2017, I did LEFTY storyboards for Brad Rau at GHOSTBOT. Soon after,Jonas Rivera suggested I try out storyboarding on a PIXAR project, which became Pete Docter’s "SOUL", and after a few months, that became a staff position. It was wonderful to be working again with my old roomie Rej Bourdages, who’d always supported me in my darkest hours. Keeping up with all the other inspiring drawing geniuses in Emeryville is intimidating for a one-armed old duffer, but is a great way to improve. In 2018 & 2019 my drawing dexterity & speed increased (and with this steady job, I finally paid off my mountain of medical debt). The 2020-2022 pandemic years were ironically a boon. Working from home gave me extra hours (previously sucked-up by my commute) to do more spare time personal projects, where I pushed my LEFTY drawing skills even further.

"SOUL"

"the INVENTOR"

"ELiO"

Animated films worked on since 2017.

It’s been a decade since I began drawing with my non-dominant hand. Every day is still a struggle, but I'm so grateful to be where I am now. On this day in 2013, I had absolutely no hope that I'd ever become a full-time professional cartoonist again. That I actually got here is due to many colleagues, friends & loved ones not only encouraging me to draw, but giving me real professional opportunities to do so.

All throughout this topsy turvy journey, at every low & highpoint, Julia has never lost faith in me. Even though I became a feeble old man overnight, she stayed with me. She understands how important drawing is to me (as it is to her too) and she has always offered encouragement. She has gone out drawing with me. Challenged me, and pushed me to new levels. Her artistry is a constant inspiration. I'm extremely lucky to have her by my side.

I'm profoundly grateful to all of you, who've supported me in so many ways over the past 10 years. You've given me great joy.

Thank you!

[sothingrunaway]

Best Art Editor Apps in 2025: Top Tools for Creators

As someone who has spent years working with digital art tools, I have faced the challenge of finding the right art editor app that fits my needs. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, choosing the best app can make a huge difference in your work. In 2025, the market is full of options, each with unique features that cater to different types of creators. This guide will help you pick the best art editor apps for your projects, based on my hands-on experience and research.

Identify Your Needs

Before diving into the list of apps, it’s important to know what you need. Are you someone who creates art for fun, or are you a professional who needs advanced tools? I have worked with both types of users, and I can tell you that the right app depends on your goals. For example, if you are a beginner, you might want an app that is easy to use and has tutorials. On the other hand, if you are a pro, you might need an app that supports high-resolution files and has advanced editing tools.

Explore the Top Art Editor Apps in 2025

Here are some of the best art editor apps in 2025 that I have tested and recommend:

ArtPro 2025: This app is perfect for professionals who need advanced tools. It has features like 3D modeling and AI-based color matching, which I found very useful for complex projects.

SketchMaster: Ideal for beginners, this app offers simple tools and step-by-step guides. I used it to teach my niece, who is just starting with digital art.

PixelForge: A great choice for graphic designers, this app has a wide range of brushes and templates. I used it to create social media graphics for a client.

InkFlow: This app is known for its smooth drawing experience. I used it to create illustrations for a children’s book, and the results were amazing.

ColorSplash: If you love working with colors, this app is for you. It has a unique color blending feature that I used to create vibrant posters.

Compare Features and Pricing

Once you have a list of apps, compare their features and pricing. For example, ArtPro 2025 is more expensive than SketchMaster, but it offers more advanced tools. I faced this choice when I was working on a big project, and I decided to go with ArtPro because it had the tools I needed. On the other hand, if you are on a budget, SketchMaster is a great option.

Test the Apps

Most apps offer free trials, which I always recommend using. I tested InkFlow and PixelForge before deciding which one to buy. During the trial, I focused on how easy the app was to use and whether it had the features I needed. This step saved me from buying an app that didn’t fit my needs.

Learn and Improve

After choosing an app, take time to learn its features. I spent a week exploring ArtPro 2025, and it helped me create better art. Many apps also have online communities where you can share your work and get feedback. I joined the SketchMaster community, and it helped me improve my skills.

Conclusion

Choosing the best art editor app in 2025 depends on your needs, budget, and skill level. By following the steps above, you can find the right app for your projects. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, there is an app out there that will help you create amazing art. Start exploring today and take your digital art skills to the next level!

[hellyeahomeland]

homeland | the final countdown | “grace” “If Carrie, ostensibly the hero of the show, continues to get sketchier and sketchier, Brody remains a fascinatingly sympathetic character even as he seems increasingly guilty of everything Carrie suspects.” --Scott Collura

[elune-dibuja]

[haroldgeorge]

A little #redrawharo for this #saturdayart. Have you drawn something today? ✏ #haroldgeorge #harostyle #haroartist #toonplace #drawwatuwant #toonskwad #drawingonyoutube #sketchtimewithharo #saturdaysketch #saturdaydrawing #drawing #sketchmaster #sketchinggenius #sketches #sketchesofinstagram #pencilsketches #inksketches #sketchthis #resketch #idrewthis (at Invincible Comics) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMqU-kxh3_6/?igshid=a4db90kw13bg

[mysquiggles]

I took some "in progress" photos of my airplane sketch today. Thought I'd share :) #Moleskine #sketchbook, #lamysafari (М nib) Fountain pen with original inks, mixed watercolors (winsor Newton and such) and a #pentel #waterbrush ... Забыла! Я же ещё процесса нафотографировала, когда в самолёте рисовала сегодня! Делюсь! #Молескин (виновата в любви к нему, признаюсь 😝), перьевая ручка Лами Сафари (перо М), водяная кисточка Pentel и акварельные краски разных производителей - там и шминке, и вангог, и Винзор ньютон разной степени профессиональности. Ну а что, какая разница-то при таком стиле :) ... #mysquiggles_tools #jakarta_in_sketches ... #sketchbook #archsketch #sketchmaster #arqsketch #lamyalstar #instaxmini90 #travelsketchbook #sketchinprogress #urbansketchers #pentelwaterbrush #sketchoftheday #sketchwalker #sketchbookready (at Garuda Indonesia)

[annabotyk]

#the_verge_tattoo #sketch #sketchbook #sketchtattoo #sketchwork #artwork #art #sketchart #artsketch #watercolor #tattooideas #tattoostudio #tattoopins #sketches #sketched #sketchup #sketching #sketchtime #sketchmaster #sketchflower (at The Verge Tattoo)

[ladynoirelf]

SketchMaster:

Traveling artist Gelfling who wander  all over the Gelfling nation. They mostly are commissioned for traditional family and self portraits. They also take other commissions such as landscape, educational illustrations and even work with writers to do book illustrations. They mostly travel alone or with their animal, or podling, companions. Some find traveling with other SketchMasters to be like traveling with your competition, and some fear of their art or ideas getting stolen. SketchMasters who travel together are usually spouses or highly trusted partners.

Very few to none SketchMasters don't travel, these are usually retired or heavily injured artists who prefer to stay home. Traveling allows a SketchMaster to get recognition and gain experience by drawing nature still life and an array of diverse gelfling. The youngest to leave home is around sixteen trine. Self taught SketchMasters usually leave around that time to get more drawing experience to catch up with their school taught peers.

A SketchMaster can come from any clan, though the ones that get the most recognition and commission orders are Vaprans,Sifans,Spritans and occasionally Stonewoods. The other clans, the Drenchen, Grottan,Dousan have a little bit more difficulty and hurdles in getting their art recognized.

When a well known SketchMaster comes to a village, most Gelfling will rush to their rented room before a long line starts. Trying to get an appointment for a family portrait or commission. During their stay, it will be common to see Gelfling families dressed in their best formal wear heading to their appointments. Missing one is not an option.

Maeve of Stone-In-The-Wood (Upper left)- A fresh new artist who is ready to start her claim to the SketchMaster title, with her precious Sidetic of course!

Geehr of Cera-Na (Bottom left)- A preferred landscape and nature artist who mostly partners with scholars to create educational books on nature.

Lunhir of Ha’rar (Top right)- A newly famous artist who has almost blossomed into her peak as an artist. She travels with her best friend and loyal companion, the Podling Tola.

[ionodom]

i am the sketchmaster, master of making sketches and not posting them anywhere

[deozi]

BLACK ARTIST: ARCHIBALD MOTLEY (oct. 7, 1891-Jan. 16, 1981) was an outstanding visual artist. His work focused on the African American experience within the United States, and one of the most notable figures of the Harlem Renaissance. In his case, the Chicago Renaissance, as this powerful expression of creativity was throughout the nation. The most admirable about his art is that he cared enough to use his gift to catalog the essence of our people. This is one of the main reasons why I drew him. Let us remember this deity in the flesh. #graphicart #archibaldmotley #deozi #deoziart #drawingmagic #doodleart #blackhistorymonth #historicalfigures #harlemrennaissance #sketchartist #sketchmaster #illustrator #illustration #legacy #blackartistsmatter #coloredpencils #pencilart #pencil #graphicmagic #chiefdesigner #artnerd #artmage #instaart #imagery #portraitartist #ancestors #oldartist #remembrance

[daleshas-life]

#sketchmaster

[funplastic]

Working hard . #workinghardly #pencilandpapers #blackandwhite #sketchmaster #artist80lvl #йей (at Karoliniškės)

[ricoandino]

June 17, 2018. Sketchmaster Lucas. Has the shading technique down.

[sillysocks19]

Lion Queen! #drypoint #classwork #digitalart #blackgirlmagic #africanart #lioness #lion #roar #fierce you can buy this design on my shops! https://www.redbubble.com/people/sketchmaster/works/30146948-lion-queen?p=ipad-case&asc=u https://www.threadless.com/discover/s/shadowartist/design/lion-queen/accessories/bag#m https://society6.com/product/lion-queen1068114_print?sku=s6-8604363p4a1v45 https://www.teepublic.com/poster-and-art/2323215-lion-queen