Getting used to new tools

As you get more experience drawing, you'll probably start using more and more tools. And eventually, you are going to decide to use a tool you know nothing about. So here are a two tips for using an unfamiliar tool.

Read the Manual/Take the Tutorial

Just about everything has some sort of users guide. Find it, and either read it if its text, or take the tutorial, if it's a computer app. A lot of times the guide will be able to help you out with a lot of questions you might have about the item or app. 

Experiment

Take some time to mess around with your new tool. Practice with it, and learn the best way to use it, before you apply it to any of your projects. Learn how you handle it best, and once you're comfortable with it, then you can start using it for real. 

I hope these were somewhat helpful. I'm currently taking on NaNoWriMo so my posts will be a little late this month. I probably won't get done this year, but hey at least I've got it started right?

Are you taking on NaNo? And what types of tips do you have for people who use new and unfamiliar tools?

Doing Art with Kids

Little kids can be fun. I should know, I've got seven younger siblings.
Anyways, when it's time for arts and crafts, younger people almost always want in on the fun. Here are a couple of ways to have fun, and make sure everyone gets in on it.

Don't Make it Complicated
This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when trying to do an activity with younger people. If you make it too complicated, they get lost and spiral away from what they are supposed to be doing. Instead of throwing it all at them at once, give them step-by-step instruction. Be sure to only give out the next step when they are done with the first!

You can also simplify just about anything. If what you want to do is too hard, see if you can make it easier!

Keep it Fun!
Another important thing, and perhaps just as important as the above. If something isn't fun, chances are younger people are gonna lose interest. And if they lose interest, well...you're probably going to end up with glue and glitter everywhere.

Some ways to keep it fun, might be to listen to music while you work. Or maybe talk to them, keep their interest on the project at hand.

Stay Calm

If something goes wrong, or someone doesn't follow an instruction exactly right, that's fine! Don't get mad at them for failing at something they just might not be able to do. Instead, tell them they're doing fine, and move on.

I hoped this helped, and be sure to comment on any tips you've heard of!