I’d like to tell you about a website called More than a Fish. I know little about the author and artist other than they posted my videos on their old blog – that’s what drew me to their site.

Actually, I assume it’s a he. This is because the old site was called “Crap Artist” and that sounds like male self-deprication. I didn’t think that title was at all fair. Novice Artist might have been okay, but just because you are learning does not mean you are no good. I sent an email imploring the site owner to change the name of the blog as it it would become a self-fulfilling prophecy – call yourself crap and that is what you will become. It was evident that the artist was working very hard and was a serious student of drawing.

As soon as I sent the send button, I regretted it. I felt like an interfering busy-body. I had no reply. I wondered if I had put the artist off – ruined their dreams – blown their fragile self-confidence.

And now I see that someone else is referring visitors to my site. A new name I did not recognise – More than a Fish. It is the same artist and they have changed the name and outlook of their site. It looks upbeat and professional and I get a mention in the about page, so I consider myself forgiven for my intrusion!

Artists are the worst people in the world for self-deprication and low self-confidence. One minute they will imagine they are the new Picasso or Shakespeare and the next minute they will be telling themselves how useless they are and descending into the depths of despond. One’s art is something that grows everyday, as More Than A Fish says in his strapline, he’s learning to draw, one sketch at a time.

And that’s how it works. Don’t look at and dwell on the bad parts of your work. Just accept them and tell yourself you will improve. Improvement comes through analysis and practice. Look at the best part of your work and be proud of your achievement so far. But also know that it is not the best that you can do. Everything can be improved upon.

Good luck More Than A Fish – and keep working at it – I hope you will soon be proud enough of your work to add your name and not be anonymous! p.s. Hope you don’t mind me showing your drawings.”