The Importance of Going Back to Basics

"If you miss the beginning, the basics, then you are destined to go back and visit the basics" - Buck Brannaman

I’ve loved to draw for as long as I can remember.?

As a little girl, my favorite TV shows were Hart Beat, Art Attack, and (now tarnished, unfortunately) Rolf’s Cartoon Club. Art was my favorite subject at school, and I eventually got into Product Design Engineering because it combined my love of drawing with my science and math nerdiness.

These days, Sunday evenings are my reset button. You’ll usually find me cozy and snuggled up with an old favorite TV show playing in the background and an animal-themed coloring book in hand.

I can never have enough colored pencils, and honestly, I love any excuse to wander around an art store adding to my collection.

Since 2008, I’ve also dabbled in life drawing. I first signed up with a colleague, Robbie, and we spent evenings at Brunel University sketching real-life models. Those sessions gave me the space, ambiance, and accountability to immerse myself in something that brought me joy and a sense of calm.

I’ve been doing it on and off ever since.

But if I’m honest, I was mostly just winging it. I’d pick up tips here and there, try to apply them, and hope for the best. Sometimes my sketches resembled the model, but most of the time… they didn’t. I’m far from the next great portrait artist (too many hours spent binge-watching Portrait Artist of the Year have confirmed that for me).

Here’s the thing: I never actually stopped to learn how to improve. No books, no videos, no formal techniques. I just kept going, assuming that repetition alone would lead to growth. And sure, I’d found a groove that kind of worked, but deep down, I knew I could do better.

For my birthday last year, my parents gave me the most thoughtful gift: an “Introduction to Life Drawing” course at my favorite art school in South London.

At first, the idea of going back to basics felt a little strange. But honestly? I was ready. And the results have been eye-opening.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

1. Tiny details make a huge difference. I picked up small tips that drastically improved my understanding of structure.
2. New techniques and mediums are inspiring. I’ve tried things I’d never considered before, and I've been chuffed to bits with the result.
3. Community is powerful. Being surrounded by others who were also vulnerable and “just giving it a go” was so encouraging and we support and share our work in and outside the classroom
4. Perfection is overrated. Letting go of the need to make my work look exactly like the model has been liberating.
5. My most interesting work comes from stepping outside my comfort zone. Trying mediums I’d never used before has sparked so much creativity.
6. Ego gets in the way. I had to resist the urge to stick to what I already knew just to protect my pride.

I only signed up for the first half of the course, but I’m itching to enroll in the second. I can’t wait to see what else I learn along the way.

This experience has reminded me how many of us are simply muddling through life, clinging to what feels safe because stepping into vulnerability feels scary. As adults, it takes so much courage to go back to basics and confront our egos. I deeply admire anyone who’s willing to give it a go.

If I hadn’t gone back to basics after losing my job in 2021, I genuinely think I’d still be stuck in an endless cycle of fear, burnout, and unfulfillment.

Sometimes, starting over isn’t a setback—it’s the first step onto the path you’re meant to take.

Would love to know your stories about how going back to basics helped you in the long run, leave a comment below!

Some other updates from SharpMinds

1) Navigating Redundancy It’s a tough time right now, with so many people facing job losses and the uncertainty that comes with it. I recently wrote a blog post about what to do when you get that dreaded redundancy call.?

I hope it offers some guidance and comfort to anyone going through this challenging period. Sending positive vibes to everyone still finding their footing—you’re not alone....

2) 1:1 Coaching and Speaking Engagements My books are now open for 1:1 coaching sessions and speaking engagements, just in time for International Women’s Day on March 8th.?

If you’d like to chat with me directly about what’s on your mind or explore how I can support you or your team, click the button below.?

You can also check out my website to read testimonials from previous clients!