“This course is completely changing how I approach refernces. My sketches feel more accurate and confident after just a few exercises. After the first exersice I immediately caught proportion issues I wouldn’t have noticed before. My sketch just worked better. Thank you Iva ♡”
– Maya R.
See First, Draw Better: A Practical Drawing Series I Made to Help You Build Stronger Skills
Why does observation matter?
If you’ve ever felt like your drawings are close but something’s just off, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too.
And more often than not, the issue isn’t your drawing hand. It’s how you’re seeing the subject.
That’s why I made this course: to help you train your eye, slow down, and actually see what’s in front of you before you draw.
It’s a small shift, but it changes everything.
What’s inside the course?
This is a practical video series designed to help you draw anything with more accuracy and confidence.
Each lesson is short and focused. I walk you through one observation technique, give you a drawing assignment, and include downloadable photo references and mood boards to get you started right away.
You don’t need anything fancy, just your drawing tools and a little bit of time.
How does the course work?
You will learn a handful of simple but effective ways to get proportions right without tracing. We’ll go over things like:
- Comparative measuring
- Anchoring key points
- Line and spot alignments
- Noticing and using negative space
Each lesson is step-by-step.
I don’t just explain the method, I also show you exactly how I’d approach the same assignment.
You can draw along with me and see how it all comes together in real time.
Why it’s worth taking this course?
This isn’t a theory-heavy course. It’s hands-on and progress-focused.
Every assignment leads to a small finished illustration, so you can actually see your growth along the way.
The lessons are short enough to fit into a busy day, but still structured so you’re building real skills with each one.
I’ve used these exact techniques in my own workflow, and they’ve helped me fix proportions faster and draw more confidently, especially when working from references.
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone who wants to:
- Improve their proportions without relying on tracing
- Build a stronger drawing foundation
- Learn through short, practical exercises
- Feel more confident tackling any subject
Whether you’re just starting out or coming back to drawing after a break, you’ll find tools here that are easy to use and worth practicing.
I made this course to give you a strong, practical way to improve your drawings, one small project at a time.
You’ll train your eye, learn a few repeatable techniques, and come away with a set of tools you can use in any drawing session.
If you’re ready to slow down, draw with more intention, and build better habits, I’d love to have you join me. See you there!
Meet Your Instructor
Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
