Why people believe they can’t draw - and how to prove they can | Graham Shaw | TEDxHull - Summary

Summary

In the session, the presenter demonstrates that anyone can learn to draw simple cartoons by following a step-by-step sequence, regardless of their initial belief in their artistic abilities. The process involves drawing basic shapes and lines to create characters, emphasizing that drawing is a skill that can be developed rather than an innate talent. The presenter also shares inspiring examples of people who learned to draw despite facing challenges, such as stroke survivors, highlighting the confidence-building aspect of learning to draw. The session concludes with a reflection on challenging limiting beliefs and the potential for personal growth.

Facts

Here are the key facts extracted from the text:

1. The speaker asks the audience how many people think they can draw, and only about 1-2% of hands go up.
2. The speaker believes that people's inability to draw is more due to their beliefs than their talent or ability.
3. The speaker shows the audience how to draw a simple cartoon character named Spike.
4. The speaker demonstrates how to draw three more cartoon characters, Thelma, Jeff, and Pam, using slight variations of the same sequence.
5. The speaker mentions that they have worked with children and students in schools, teaching them how to draw for memory and presentations.
6. The speaker has also worked with adults in business, teaching them how to draw for presentations.
7. The speaker mentions a charity called Talk, which helps people who have suffered strokes and have aphasia, a condition that affects their ability to communicate.
8. The speaker worked with a group of stroke recoverers, including one named David, who drew a picture of Spike despite having to use his wrong hand due to his stroke.
9. The speaker received an email from Dr. Mike Jordan, the chair of the Talk group, saying that the session helped build the confidence of the stroke recoverers.
10. The speaker invites the audience to draw one more picture, which turns out to be Albert Einstein.
11. The speaker asks the audience to consider how many other limiting beliefs and thoughts they may be carrying around with them.