Since I joined DeviantArt I've browsed through many an artists' page, wishing and hoping that I could draw like them, and sometimes losing hope in my abilities altogether. See, my dream is to become a graphic novelist or a character concept artist. I'm not formally taught in art, in fact I'm completely self-taught, which made me feel like I would never improve in what I did.
But it was funny how a simple piece of gift-art completely changed everything for me.

The minute I saw it, I wanted more than anything to be able to create something as amazing as that.
And thus began my amazingly quick progression.

And since I've been improving, I've been getting people say to me, oh I wish I could draw as well as you, or I'll never get that good.

Well to all those people who wish and doubt themselves I have one thing to say:

YOU CAN HAS PROGRESS!!!!
SERIOUSLY!!! You can do it! And to help empower those watchers of mine I drew this:

It shows my improvement in the last ten months. It shows my drive, my blood, sweat and tears. I WANT my dreams to come true. And so should you. So I have something to ask of you all, a project more like it.

I want you to redraw something that you're very proud of. Something rather old of yours....and I want you to re-draw it to the best of your ability and then post the two next to each other, because it's a lot easier to see your improvement when the old and new work is beside each other.

And when you're done with it, note me and I'll set up a giant news feature.

I think every artist needs a bit of a push of faith, needs that reassurance that they can be successful if they truly work their hardest.
So I hope you take something from this, and I look forward to seeing what you all come up with.
--Reminder, this isn't a contest. Just a way to help yourself and empower yourself. :3