Best way to tell a friend how to fix their art?

[Luminosophy]

Beginner work is extremely difficult, frustrating and boring. The absolute best way for him to start out is to just work with what he enjoys most - so that he even draws at all. Over time as he does more work, sees minor improvements, he'll look to new methods and challenges when he's ready.

[droidmonkey1]

I think, if you'll show him the same thing your'e suggesting, not as a lesson.
just do you art or show him the process like friends, or maybe the process of an artist he likes.
If he'll draw his on conclusion on how to do it, you didn't instruct him.

[hjfsdh2222]

Saaaaame I agree so much

[ZombieOwl]

I just want him to stop complaining about how good I am.

I feel this in my booooooooones.
"You're so lucky! I wish I could draw like you!"

I get that people say this as a compliment, but.... after nearly everyone in your classes, and/or your grade, says this, it's really hard to not wanna snap at them.

I'm not sure how to give him advice if he doesn't ask for it. Unwanted advice gets dismissed instantly.

Maybe you can tell him what books you've read (or just suggest a popular one if you don't use how-to-draw books). Maybe that'll get him started on creating drawings with a solid base/structure.

[indagold]

Just tell them. Better get it over with and if they can't accept it either be as critical and thorough as possible for them to understand or accept they won't listen since you said they claim its part of their style.

I had a similar situation with a friend that kept pitching me extremely nsfw plotlines for their comic and I had to tell them to tone that down since you clearly aren't making a porno and its extremely thematically clashing for the type of work you're going for. They felt broken because this was their work they spent so much time on but they kinda understood it just did not fit.

It's hard, they're your friend but a good friend tells the truth instead of just lying to make them feel better.

[amortelito]

@JakiraJurosawa Oh yes this happened to me! I have a friend who has taken drawing courses, he practices a lot and posts his drawings every day. He is in his 30's and he draws like an amateur high school kid. he copies pictures and I don't think he really understands what he is doing and that's why he is not improving. And yes, he calls "my style" to poorly constructed hands and crooked eyes.

I doubt my friend will ever reach the level he thinks he has. On the bright side, some people are not naturally gifted but they are so willing to improve that they are able to reach great quality! But when the person has little talent and lacks self-criticism there is nothing we can do. That's why I keep my mouth shut unless he asks for advice (even if I know he is not changing anything XD).