Trying to improve your drawing without paying for classes? YouTube can be an amazing place to start. The key is knowing where to look — and how to use those videos the right way. In this guide, we’ll help you explore free video lessons to boost your drawing skills from home, one sketch at a time.
✏️ Want beginner-friendly video lessons you can actually follow, step by step?
Start drawing better from home with guided video tutorials
🎯 Why YouTube Is Great for Learning to Draw (When Used Right)
With thousands of tutorials available, YouTube offers:
- Free access to professional-level instruction
- Real-time drawing demonstrations
- Variety — from cartooning to realism to figure drawing
But the downside? It’s easy to get lost in random videos without structure. That’s why we’ve narrowed down some of the best channels that work well for self-taught beginners.
🏆 Top YouTube Channels to Learn Drawing for Free
1. Proko
- Great for: Human anatomy, figure drawing, gesture sketching
- Why it’s useful: Clear explanations, structured playlists, and beginner-to-advanced lessons
- Tip: Start with “How to Draw Gesture” if you’re new to sketching people
2. Circle Line Art School
- Great for: Perspective, cityscapes, basic shapes and shadows
- Why it’s useful: Simple breakdowns for beginners who want clean, realistic sketches
- Tip: Perfect for adults returning to art after a long time away
3. Draw with Jazza (now Josiah Brooks)
- Great for: Characters, comic-style drawing, fun sketching challenges
- Why it’s useful: Entertaining and educational — great if you want to learn while having fun
4. Schaefer Art
- Great for: Realistic pencil drawing, shading, portrait sketching
- Why it’s useful: Teaches observational techniques and slow, controlled pencil work
- Tip: Ideal if you want to draw lifelike portraits with just a pencil and paper
5. Love Life Drawing
- Great for: Figure drawing, poses, proportions, sketch confidence
- Why it’s useful: Encouraging tone, body-positive models, beginner-friendly advice
- Tip: Focuses on drawing what you see rather than perfect anatomy
🛠️ Tips for Getting the Most Out of YouTube Tutorials
- Stick to one creator or playlist for at least a week
Jumping around can lead to confusion and overwhelm. - Draw while watching, not just after
Pause, copy, and try each step in real time — that’s how your skills grow. - Take notes!
Writing down one key idea per video helps reinforce the lesson.
🔗 Want a Beginner Course With No Guesswork?
YouTube is great, but if you want a full path mapped out for you, this course lets you explore free video lessons to boost your drawing skills from home. It’s video-based, beginner-safe, and built for steady progress.
🧭 Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend a dime to start learning. YouTube can take you far — if you stay focused, choose high-quality content, and give yourself permission to learn slowly.
✏️ Want a structured video course to guide your drawing journey at home? Try this one