Drawing is a form of art that uses marking instruments—like pencils, pens, pastels, crayons, and charcoal—to create lines and marks on two-dimensional surfaces, like paper, canvas, and wood. Most people who draw and aren't handicapped use their hands to do so. Drawing can be useful in entertainment, communication, scientific observation, advertising, construction, and many other areas of life. It's one of the oldest forms of expression, and samples have been found that date back to prehistoric times. In 2018, scientists found a drawing on a rock in a cave in South Africa that they believe dates back over 73,000 years, making it the oldest known drawing in the world.‎

If you're keen to draw for hobby, professional illustration, or artistic expression, knowing your goal can be motivating. Regular practice helps improve technique and creativity. Join online communities like DeviantArt or local art groups to get feedback and support. Work on real projects such as sketching daily objects or creating themed art.‎

You can turn drawing into a career by becoming an artist, but there are dozens of other options too, such as fashion designer, textile designer, and tattoo artist. These creative individuals often draw their ideas before they implement them. Animators for cartoons and video games as well as illustrators for books spend their careers drawing pictures for their audiences' entertainment. It's also an important skill for people who want to become architects, engineers, interior designers, or landscape architects. Keep in mind that in modern times, many of these career roles may also use computer software to complete some of their drawing and sketching tasks.‎