Is How To Think When You Draw Volume 1 Worth Reading?

How to Think When You Draw Volume 1' is this incredible resource for artists, especially if you're into comics, animation, or just love sketching. It's packed with practical advice, step-by-step tutorials, and a ton of visual examples that make learning feel effortless. The book breaks down complex concepts like perspective, anatomy, and composition into digestible chunks, all while keeping the tone friendly and encouraging. What really stands out is how it emphasizes thinking critically about your art—not just copying techniques but understanding the 'why' behind them. It’s like having a mentor guiding you through every page. One of my favorite sections is the breakdown of dynamic poses. The book doesn’t just show you how to draw a figure in action; it explains the mechanics of movement, weight distribution, and even how clothing folds interact with motion. There’s also a strong focus on storytelling through art, which is huge for anyone working in sequential mediums like comics. The author, Lorenzo Etherington, has this knack for making even the most technical stuff feel exciting. By the end, you’re not just memorizing rules—you’re developing a mindset that helps you tackle any drawing challenge creatively. I still flip through it for inspiration whenever I hit an artistic block.

I adore 'How to Think When You Draw'—it’s one of those books that feels like a treasure trove for artists! Volume 1 doesn’t follow traditional characters like a novel would; instead, it’s packed with tutorials and insights from the Etherington Brothers, who guide you through drawing techniques with their signature humor and clarity. Their teaching style is almost like having a quirky mentor over your shoulder, breaking down everything from anatomy to perspective in a way that’s accessible. The 'characters,' if we can call them that, are the countless example figures and doodles they use to demonstrate concepts—each little sketch has its own personality, like a silent cast of helpers. It’s less about a narrative and more about the duo’s dynamic energy, which makes learning feel like a collaborative adventure. What’s really cool is how the Etheringtons infuse their lessons with so much life. Even their rough sketches seem to wink at you from the page, urging you to grab a pencil and join in. The book’s charm lies in this informal, almost conversational tone—it’s like they’re right there, cheering you on as you stumble through your first attempts at dynamic poses or expressive faces. By the end, you’ll probably feel like you’ve spent hours in a lively studio with them, surrounded by their whimsical creations.

If you loved 'How to Think When You Draw Volume 1' for its practical, bite-sized lessons and the way it breaks down complex art concepts into digestible chunks, you're in luck—there's a whole world of similar gems out there. One of my personal favorites is 'Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth' by Andrew Loomis. It’s a classic for a reason, packed with foundational knowledge on anatomy, proportion, and gesture, but presented in a way that feels approachable. Loomis has this knack for making intimidating topics feel manageable, much like the 'How to Think When You Draw' series. Another book I’d throw into the mix is 'Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain' by Betty Edwards. It’s less about technical steps and more about shifting your mindset to see like an artist, which complements the practical focus of Lorenzo Etherington’s work beautifully. For something with a more modern, stylized vibe, 'Force: Dynamic Life Drawing for Animators' by Mike Mattesi is fantastic. It’s all about capturing energy and movement in your drawings, and the exercises are so engaging that you’ll forget you’re learning. If you’re into the playful, informal tone of 'How to Think When You Draw,' you might also enjoy 'Sketch Every Day' by Simone Grünewald. It’s part sketchbook, part tutorial, and full of colorful, inspiring artwork that makes you want to grab a pencil immediately. Lastly, don’t overlook 'The Art of Comic Book Drawing' by Maury Aaseng—it’s got that same mix of step-by-step guidance and creative encouragement that makes Etherington’s work so special. Honestly, flipping through any of these feels like hanging out with a friend who just happens to be an amazing artist.

Ever stumbled upon a book that feels like a treasure trove for artists? 'How to Think When You Draw Volume 1' is exactly that—a goldmine of techniques and insights. I spent weeks poring over its pages, absorbing every tip on perspective, character design, and storytelling. The way Lorenzo Etherington breaks down complex concepts into digestible chunks is pure genius. It’s not just about copying lines; it’s about understanding the why behind each stroke. Now, about finding it for free—I get the temptation, especially when budgets are tight. But here’s the thing: Lorenzo and his brother put their hearts into this series. Scouring shady sites for PDFs feels like a disservice to their craft. Instead, I’d recommend checking your local library’s digital catalog or saving up for the official release. The tactile experience of flipping through those pages? Worth every penny.

The ending of 'How to Think When You Draw Volume 1' feels like a warm hug from an old friend who’s been guiding you through the messy, beautiful journey of art. The book doesn’t have a traditional narrative climax, but it wraps up by reinforcing its core philosophy: drawing isn’t just about technical skill—it’s about observation, curiosity, and playfulness. The final sections loop back to earlier lessons, reminding you to trust your instincts and embrace mistakes as part of the process. What I love is how it leaves you energized rather than overwhelmed. Lorenzo Etherington’s chaotic, doodle-filled pages might seem unstructured at first glance, but there’s a method to the madness. By the end, you realize the 'ending' is just a starting point—your sketchbook is now a playground, not a test. It’s the kind of book where you flip back to page one immediately, noticing details you missed before.

I picked up 'Draw Manga: Drawing Kit' on a whim last summer, and honestly, it felt like stumbling into a hidden gem. The book breaks down manga-style drawing into digestible steps—like how to sketch dynamic poses or nail those expressive eyes—without overwhelming jargon. It’s packed with visual examples, which helped me grasp proportions way faster than YouTube tutorials ever did. That said, it’s not perfect. Some sections assume you already know basic anatomy, so I had to cross-reference with other guides. But if you’re patient and willing to practice (I filled two sketchbooks!), the payoff is real. My characters went from stiff stick figures to actually emoting, and that confidence boost kept me hooked.

'Poses for Artists Volume 3' is hands down one of the most versatile tools in my collection. What sets it apart is the sheer range of dynamic angles—everything from ballet movements to parkour stances, captured with crisp clarity. The spiral binding lets it lay flat while you work, which is such a small detail but makes all the difference when your hands are covered in charcoal. If you’re tired of scrolling through Pinterest or struggling with stiff mannequin models, this volume’s organic, fluid poses feel alive. It’s especially great for comic artists who need exaggerated action shots or anyone studying muscle tension in motion. My only gripe? I wish it had more seated/grounded poses, but that’s nitpicking. For the price, it’s a steal compared to specialized anatomy courses.

I picked up 'Sketch Manga: A Draw-Inside Step-by-Step Sketchbook' on a whim, and it turned out to be a delightful surprise. As someone who’s dabbled in drawing but never seriously committed, this sketchbook felt like a friendly guide rather than a rigid textbook. The step-by-step breakdowns are incredibly approachable, and the fact that you can draw directly inside it removes the pressure of 'ruining' a separate sketchpad. It’s packed with basics like proportions, expressions, and dynamic poses, but what I loved most were the little tips on adding personality to characters—like how a slight tilt of the eyebrows can change a whole mood. One thing that stood out was how the book balances instruction with creativity. It doesn’t just teach you to copy; it encourages you to tweak and experiment. The paper quality holds up well to erasing, which is a lifesaver for perfectionists like me. If you’re looking for a low-stress way to dip your toes into manga art, this is a solid choice. It won’t replace dedicated art classes, but it’s a fun, hands-on companion that makes learning feel like play.

I picked up 'How to Draw Cute Stuff' on a whim last summer, and it quickly became my go-to guide for doodling during downtime. What I love about it is how approachable it feels—the author breaks down even the simplest shapes into friendly, digestible steps. It doesn’t overwhelm you with anatomy or heavy theory, which is perfect if you’re just starting out and want to see progress fast. The book’s playful style makes practice feel less like work and more like fun. That said, if you’re aiming for hyper-realistic art later, this might not be your long-term resource. But for building confidence and learning to infuse charm into your sketches? Absolutely worth it. I still flip through it for inspiration when my drawings feel stiff.

My friend lent me 'How to Draw Buildings' last year when I was just starting to dabble in architectural sketching, and honestly, it felt like unlocking a cheat code. The book breaks down complex structures into simple shapes—cubes, cylinders, cones—which totally demystified skyscrapers and cottages alike. I used to panic over perspective, but the step-by-step tutorials on vanishing points made it click. The exercises start easy (think basic boxes) and gradually introduce details like windows and textures, so you don’t get overwhelmed. What really sold me were the real-world examples. The author compares famous landmarks to their simplified forms, showing how the Eiffel Tower is just a series of intersecting lines or how a Gothic cathedral’s arches can be traced back to basic curves. It’s not just technical; it teaches you to see buildings differently. I still flip through it for warm-up sketches, and my sketchbook’s full of doodles that actually look like architecture now instead of wonky rectangles.