Don't Worry, I'm Just Borrowing it for a Sec

Stephen King. I would like to have more variety with my favorite authors, but I've only been reading his books lately. Hah.
As most [should] know, Stephen King is one of the greatest writers of our time, specializing in horror and science fiction. He has written many short stories, novels, and even articles for magazines.

When it comes to style, King is very unique. You could pick up one of his novels without looking at the cover and know it's his. He has a very distinct way of writing. His words are very blunt and informal, he adapts to a variety of dialogue styles and isn't afraid of using harsh language to sound realistic, and he is very well-known for his way with details and descriptions.

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I can't count how many times I've been asked the same question. Hell, I've even had the same question asked twice by the same person.

"How did you learn to draw?"

If it weren't for the constant mind bombardment of this question, I would have never given it a single thought. How did I learn to draw? It's the most unnecessary question in the world of art.

Yet I ask the same question to myself when I come across a great piece of art. No, I never voice the question. (How?) But as the little mountain-climber-of-an emotion, known as jealousy, reaches the far end of the cavern of my mouth, I hear the quiet voice of my mind whispering. (How?) So how did I learn to draw?

I was never one for school outside of school. It was a waste of time. You learn what you learn from experience. And you get experience by practicing. Practice, practice, practice. Cliche, whatever you want to think. But you will get no where without it. I had papers and pencils wherever I went. My artistic 'first aid kit' always had such things. Even if I didn't have my necessary tools, I scoured the place--wherever I was--for what I needed until I found anything of the like. (Used matches? Same feel as a pencil. Back of a used napkin? As long as it wasn't easy to rip.) I practiced wherever I was.

This next detail is almost as important as practicing. You must be observant. Not just borderline, "Oh, that man has a big nose and white teeth." You'll never live amongst artistic kings. Not even artistic farmers. "His nose takes the majority of his face, falling in between the eyes and curving down at the tip like a hawk. His teeth look like perfect white squares, stacked one-by-one in a neat line under his lip." There is a difference, and if you see the importance of the difference, you understand.

This final piece will keep you among the artistic kings for the rest of your career. Reminding yourself of this fact makes you an artist. Your work is never perfect; you can always improve. If you've ever drawn anything in your life and thought, "Wow. It doesn't get better than this." then give up. There's no room for you here. Even the best of men in this field cringe at their work (How?) when others drool at their superiority.