Several months ago, I wrote about my position flip-flop in When A Teacher Becomes A Student. Did you read it? If not, go ahead and give it a scan…don’t worry, I’ll wait.

See where I wrote about how ready I was for the work, critiques and the staying-up-late-to-get-assignments-done bit? Let me let you in on a secret. Come closer. I have something to whisper to you. I wont bite, today (smirk)…

I lied.

I really thought I had the upper hand, since I was on the other side of the fence with teaching and having the experience with meeting deadlines due to my branding business. But as the weeks went on, I realized how very wrong I was. I would like to thank Steve Ahn for kicking my ass into basic drawing shape. Lol, even though I’m sprinkling in some humor on my art workshop experience, I took his intensive drawing course very seriously.

I watched every lecture and took notes. I also drew along side him, during those lectures. Well, sort of drew along side him. He’s kind of like a drawing sensei of the Hidden Leaf Village, so move aside Kakashi. I had to keep stopping the video to catch up to his teachings and to fully understand things (I get it now, Naruto). There were also times that I would not draw at all. I would put down the digital pen and just watch him perform his art jutsu…under a trance, of sorts.

Among the lectures and assignments, Professor Ahn also sent out separate critique videos. They consisted of both general and individual critiques, as well (I told you he was a ninja). I was pretty happy with my first week’s critique, on inanimate object turn-arounds, but it was short lived once we got into human drawing. This is where I needed the extra guidance.

Here’s an example of the most recent critique on facial expressions and the drawing notes on what I need to improve.

Steve did a great job on instructing me on precisely what I needed to work on. I meant what I said in my last write up with, “bring it on, Steve” and yes, he brought it.

Some of my “ninja way” mantras due to Steve Ahn’s drawing workshop:

I do draw top heavy and I will no longer.
I have bought a mirror for facial expressions for my desk and I will use it every day.
I promise to never draw another sausage or snow ball man, again.

It was so beneficial to get the detailed instruction on what to do to improve, but he would also dish out some “likes” to our drawings and I would literally call out a happy “YAY” in response!

A Steve Ahn “like” of a job well done. <3

This workshop was hard, yes, but it is meant to be. Drawing believable characters is not an easy task and takes time to master it, however, Professor Ahn taught us the principles and techniques to successfully achieve it.

So with this I say thank you Steve for the glimpse into your amazing art and the ninja ways of animation. I will continue to train myself in the hopes that one day, one day I’ll become a Hokage.