What should I be drawing?

[thesinfulsaint]

As a future animator, I'm a little confused about what I should be drawing in my sketchbook. I know that I need to do a lot of figure drawing, but beyond that, I'm lost. The majority of the people on the sketchbook thread seem to be interested in a career in concept art, and the artwork out of their head is realistic. Should I be doing this too, or is it all right to do more stylized drawings? I've always preferred taking the more stylized route, but since joining this community, I'm a little befuddled. When I look at the sketchbooks of well-established animators, their work is highly stylized. I'm unsure, though, if that's something that's discouraged until one is at that point in his or her career-- sort of "learn the rules before you break them" type of deal.

Any insight is greatly appreciated!

[Seedling]

Well, art basics can't hurt. Click on "Concept Art 101" in my sig if that's what you want. But in order to more specifically study animation, or character animation, I'm less sure. Characters in poses drawn quickly is probably your best bet. If you don't like the way that existing characters are stylized, then design your own characters. Due to the nature of animation - drawing the same character over and over - some abstraction and stylization will be necessary.

[thesinfulsaint]

Thank you, Seedling! If nothing else, it's some really great inspiration. I'll get on it! :)

[supermark]

Don't copy what everyone else is doing in their work, do your own thing, I used to do only things others did and it was horrible and wasnt self fufilling anymore draw whatever you want to draw,its your sketch pad,pencils and mind use them. :) But I'm also not saying not to take others advice.

As Bruce Lee once said"use no limitation as limitation".