LESSON FIVE

Some of us struggle to decipher whether a particular resource will meet our needs at our current level of skill. This may help you understand what type of resource is most effective for your current abilities.

How Focused is the Resource?

Start by examining how many different topics the book or course tries to cover. If it touches on a broad range of subjects - such as, lighting, color, and composition - all within a single source, it’s likely intended for beginners or first-timers. These resources aim to give you a taste of several topics, h elping you get familiar with them without going too deep.

What do the Examples Look Like? 

Take a close look at the visual examples. Are they constructed with simple shapes and forms, or are they more complex or maybe stylized?

Simplified examples, like using boxes and cylinders to build the human body, are common in beginner-focused resources. These help new artists understand form without getting overwhelmed with too many details. If the examples are more sophisticated the resource may assume you already know the basics of forms, proportion, and construction. This shift often signals a book or lesson is meant for someone further along in the journey, like an intermediate or advanced artist.

Does the Resource Have a Glossary?

A glossary (found at the back of a book) is an alphabetic list of terms and their definitions, and the presence of a glossary can tell you a lot about a book. If the resource includes one it is likely about to introduce you to new concepts. This is a strong indicator that the material is geared towards intermediate learners. Artists that aren’t total beginners, but are still learning the language of art. A glossary shows that the author expects you to encounter new ideas, offering support to help you learn them properly.

Does the Resource Have an Index?

An index is similar to a glossary, but it is instead a tool for looking up topics quickly within the book. If a resource includes an index but no glossary, that usually means it’s not pausing to define terms, it assumes you already know them. This layout is typical of resources meant for advanced learners who already understand the basics and are using the material to deepen their expertise. It suggests that the content is structured for quick navigation, and in-depth reference.

Are There Words, or Just Drawings?

Some books and resources offer primarily i mages, with minimal to no text. These are usually meant as visual references rather than instructional guides. This can be incredibly valuable once you already understand the theory behind the subject. For example, if you’ve already studied anatomy, a book full of poses or muscle diagrams can help refresh your memory and inspire you work. However, without prior knowledge, such as resources may be confusing or overwhelming. They’re best suited for more advanced artists revisiting familiar material rather than needing to learning it.