The Tuff Stuff Eraser Stick Is Now Being Manufactured as the Factis BM2 Eraser
Celebrate the return of the Tuff Stuff Eraser Stick, now known as the Factis BM2 Eraser by General's Pencil Co. After being discontinued, artists searched for a worthy replacement, but the Factis BM2 delivers the same quality and durability at an affordable price. Available at DickBlick.com, it’s perfect for precise erasing without damaging your paper. Keep your drawings clean and your erasing effortless with this beloved tool!
Why Take Drawing Lessons?
You Used to Love Drawing
Then something happened:
They told you you couldn't draw well.
You couldn't figure out how to make it look "right".
They told you, you didn't have "the eye" for it.
When you were young, they said, "Better stick to writing/basketball/math" or later, "Better stick to your day job".
Only the people who taught themselves were able to draw, and they were called, "talented".
"Creativity Scars" (as referred to by Brene Brown) are real and can be quite painful. So why take drawing lessons?
However, they are not the whole story, nor are they the end of the journey.
Austin Summer Camps for Your Creative Kiddo
Looking for the best Austin summer camps for your creative kid? Check out my top picks that help kids grow and explore outside the classroom. From art camps like The Contemporary Austin Art School and Smudge Studios, to filmmaking with Austin Film Society and coding at Minecraft Camps, there's something for every interest. Don't miss LZM Studio's upcoming cartooning camp, where kids can create their own characters and stories! Whether your child loves art, entrepreneurship, or adventure, these camps offer fun and learning all summer long.
"Tweaking Is Essential to the Drawing Process" (If Steve Jobs Did It, Why Won't You?)
A form of "analysis paralysis" I see my adult drawing students commonly put themselves through is the idea that they have to get something drawn correctly the first time they draw it. This drive for perfection straight out of the gate is horrible for our self-esteem, especially when we're faced with a task we have not yet mastered! I often remind students that they don't know how to imagine the perfect drawing in their head because they have to use their fine motor skills to actually execute the drawing. Fine motor skills are a factor within their control, but more often than not those skills are underdeveloped in adulthood. Because of that, the moving of the hand is a game changer- you can't just "picture it" and be done! And if you're like most of us, you need to be prepared for making adjustments.
Overthinking Could Suffocate Your Drawing Practice
Nike said it best: Just Do It. Overthinking your drawing process slows progress and stifles creativity. Drawing is about connecting your hands, eyes, and brain—not overanalyzing every line.
Studies show that interrupting your brain’s overactive thought process can boost creativity and memory. Yet, adults often hesitate, fearing mistakes. But mistakes are how we grow!
The key? Let go of perfection. Play, fail, and draw without judgment. Grab a pencil and start—because the only thing holding you back is your own overthinking.
Ready to unlock your potential? Start today!
Art Supplies for the Budding Artist
Still looking for holiday presents for your favorite budding artist? These are the essential drawing art supplies I can't live without! Many of these are on my newly updated Recommended Supplies list, however, some of these are not because they go beyond my basic supplies for drawing lessons. Nothing beats the gift of art supplies, because it is the gift of an experience- something that will reward the receiver for much longer than just the holiday season, and will give your favorite person a learned skill that lasts. Here are my most coveted tools, with links to easy online suppliers.
Your Kids Can Draw the Same Things as a College Art Student!
Did you know your 7-year-old can learn to draw just like a college art student? At LZM Studio, I bring my 5 years of teaching experience in community colleges and universities to private lessons for kids as young as 7. For over 8 years, I’ve proven that children are capable of mastering advanced drawing concepts like shading, perspective, and understanding how light interacts with shapes.
Take Ella, for example. At just 7 years old, she confidently tackled drawing a cone with realistic shading after seeing similar work by an adult student. Her excitement and determination proved that even at a young age, kids can grasp complex concepts when they're ready. While younger children often draw to express themselves and process their experiences, my lessons introduce advanced skills step by step, ensuring they learn at their own pace.
Your child’s creativity has no limits, and I’m here to nurture their artistic journey with professional guidance. Book a lesson today and watch their confidence soar!
Drawing Games for Kids: Rewards for Hard Work
Discover how structured drawing classes can embrace kids' natural creativity while teaching rigorous skills! Incorporating fun, imaginative activities like the Creative Mark Game helps children stay engaged, build motor skills, and explore their inner worlds. Learn how to structure 55-minute drawing sessions with breaks that balance focus and play, offering a reward system that motivates kids to learn while having fun.
Perfect for children ages 5–10, these techniques make learning to draw exciting and adaptable—even during moments of silliness. Whether in a class, waiting in line, or at home, simple games like transforming marks into imaginative creations are great for keeping kids entertained and creative. Check out this post for inspiration and examples from young artists aged 7, 9, and 10!