Even the best drawing skills can't fix a distorted reference. What you shoot—and how you shoot it—matters more than you think. I’ve always loved portrait drawing in graphite, but during a self-portrait project a while back, something felt off in my final piece. I couldn’t figure it out at first. I thought maybe it was just me—but it wasn’t. The real issue was the reference. What I didn’t realize is that photography itself introduces distortions—and one of the biggest factors is focal length. Wide lenses stretch and exaggerate features, while longer lenses compress and flatten them. If you’re using a distorted photo as your reference, even a technically perfect drawing will still feel wrong. Understanding photography—and especially focal length—is crucial if you want to create accurate, powerful portraits. Attached is a great visual example showing how much a face can change just by adjusting focal length. Notice how the features shift—from a wide, stretched look at 20mm to a much more natural, true-to-life appearance at longer lenses like 85mm and 100mm. Takeaway: If you want your drawings to capture true likeness and structure, don’t just study the subject—study the source. Better reference = better art. Stay inspired, keep learning, and keep pushing for excellence! — Corey

Post your homework assignment here. In your post include: - All assignments and coursework - sketches and studies - references

@Iyin Okhidie Very nice lines. Be careful when exaggerating proportions

I woke up this morning completely stunned—my motion graphics and animation work has been nominated for an Emmy. In two categories. I know this isn’t my illustration work, but I truly believe this honor wouldn’t have happened without the foundation I built as an artist.That one free illustration—the Hip the Remix poster—put me on the radar of the directors who opened this door. What I’ve come to realize is this: Our artistic voice doesn’t stay confined to the sketchpad—it shapes everything we touch. My approach to motion, design, and storytelling is deeply rooted in the same eye I’ve been training through illustration. I want to give a heartfelt thank you to @Chris Legaspi and everyone in the Academy of Drawing Excellence. This community has helped me sharpen my vision, trust my instincts, and see the long game in the work we do. To all of you pushing your craft: Keep going. Your next drawing might be the spark that sets everything else in motion.

Almost done with this assignment. I like how this turned out. If you guys like me at all and want to keep seeing poster work, please don’t distribute! 🙏😎✍️✍️ Verithin on paper.