There are a lot of things that were put into play as I properly learned how to draw. To be honest, the TLDR of this is because I'm obsessed with drawing. To the point, I can forego eating, sleep, and every other responsibility I have (which is bad-- because of this habit I became susceptible to illnesses and isolation. My parents even ask me to spend time with them too...)

The long version of this can be broken down into three parts: Observation, Practice, and Reflection-- this triad helped me improve or "lock in", in Gen Z terms;

First and foremost, I observe other artists: I stare at their pieces and try to break down how they drew/rendered/colored something. A more in-depth, non-boring form of observation I do is watching speedpaints, "draw with me" videos, time-lapses, and similar things. I take their advice, apply their techniques to mine, and refine my skills with this new knowledge.

Then I practice over and over and over. It's what everyone tells every artist or aspiring artist. What you observed-- those techniques, you put into practice. The references you like, try to draw them in your style. That famous illustrator whose style you like? You can do drawing studies of their illustrations to get a feel for their style (It's fine to take inspiration, but ultimately copying their style word for word doesn't sit well with me: there's a certain uniqueness to every illustrator's style out there, and you have to find your own too sometime.)

On a side note in this process, another thing is I use whatever material is available: references, posing apps, posing figures, "how to draw X" tutorials-- (60% of the stuff in my gallery is just references for clothes/poses). Anything, and I mean ANYTHING can be used as a reference. I once used a weird stock photo image of a grandma eating a popsicle to draw Chongyun from Genshin Impact. (disclaimer: pls ethically source ur references.)

Lastly is Reflection. To be honest, this is the most brutal part for me. It can sound kind of toxic, but after finishing a piece, and posting it on social media-- I'm proud of it until I'm not: because I will be nitpicking my drawing from lineart to rendering in a form of self-criticism: "The lighting looks off here.", "No, the composition isn't good", "The anatomy is off on this side", and many more others. While it helps me note which areas I need improvement on, (and prepares me for constructive criticism from others) This isn't recommended for the safety of your self-esteem, and it blinds you from your improvement until you look at your old art. (I keep samples of my old digital art, and it was interesting and cringe to look at once in a while). I think this and my jealousy of seeing other people being good at drawing fueled me to rapidly improve from 2020 to 2023: Not being able to take criticism stunted my growth in art for so long that I know I wasted so much time being a snowflake that can't take criticism-- which probably played a part why I'm very harsh on myself these days, so I can improve. (Again, I don't recommend this, especially if you are an artist who is really struggling with your self-esteem in terms of your skills.)

I'm guessing you're either someone who's genuinely curious about how I began as an artist or is an artist themselves-- if you're the former, I hope my answer doesn't surprise you xD I'm just passionate in terms of the process I use to draw.

On the other hand, if you are the latter, and are asking for advice on improvements, I sincerely hope my answer can help you in your art journey. Don't beat yourself up, continue practicing and before you know it you'll see that you've improved drastically: practice, be open to constructive criticism, and keep striving to be better and it'll be fine :DD

this on twitter—

Its mostly because of my background. I used to really like Yamato (first love!! Until I turned 18, since homeboi is canonically 17) — then I played DeSu 1.
Naoya for me is full of nuances— he says one thing but does the other. He wants his way, but ultimately cares for Kazuya’s well-being. (Arguably, he’s manipulative, and willing to sacrifice nearly everyone to achieve his goals) I think it’s cute of him: he helped Kazuya in Law Route despite being absolutely disappointed over his choice. Granted if Okininushi (did i spell it right?) succeeds, he wont ever have a chance of revenge ever again.

Furthermore— the root cause of his jealousy was being not being chosen despite putting in the same amount of effort as Abel. As someone who puts a ton of effort into almost everything I do, that’s a huge slap to the face, which is why while I disagreed how he handled his jealousy, I can’t fault him so much: he’s human, and to have God basically just.. not acknowledge you is even a greater pain. (Although I’m catholic…) Furthermore. I love that he lives on because of spite. When you live over and over again, life becomes utterly meaningless and boring— he probably picked up so much careers and hobbies and life experience to tire him out: but he still perseveres on without giving up, and that’s something I want to achieve— become so spiteful that I refuse to quit and continue living. Honestly, Naoya Minegishi is someone whose tenacity, wisdom and ability I wish to achieve.

Lastly, his character is really up for debate— he speaks in riddles, half-truths, and lie transparently that you know its a lie when you see how his words mismatch his actions and I find it fun and challenging to understand him more as a character, that’s why I can’t help but love him even more. I can’t help but just snicker every time he gives out a half-truth, and scam others into following him—- irl, I’d probably stay away from this kind of person as I don’t like bringing trouble to my doorstep, but to observe and be on the same side as this kind of person would probably make my routinary life a bit more interesting and fun.. its a shame he’s just a character.

I think i got carried away wgdkbdms why, but that’s the most that went over my head!!