Okay, here we go. I would like whatever art tips you have, I am not asking for the big universe secret (but if you'd like to share I'll listen ;)) just some little tips for beginners, things you wish you knew, if you found a way if doing something that's amazing.

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I am asking more specifically for body prep type things, because I am attempting digital painting.

I've dappled a bit in manips, and lineart and did so-so in both, but a bit better in lineart. I am not an artistic person, I hated art class in school, and only took it once in middle sy, because I had to. I am finding myself having to train my eyeballs to see things they don't want to see. It's quite difficult. I kinda found my place with palettes, but really want to make art, so *sigh*. I have watched tons of youtube videos and have read a bunch of deviantart tutorials, and am just waiting on ref pictures before I start, I have started a few piece but haven't made it to shading yet, as I can't figure it out. I am also challenging myself to not use smudge as I want them as realistic as possible. I'm really hoping a make a thing out of this.

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Anyway, thanks for reading my rant, and body prep, even lineart, shading, highlighting, hair, markings, etc tips are greatly appreciated.

What program are you using? That will help with advice giving

Ibis X

I use Procreate, though these tips may work with Ibis as well;

For the basic body prep, I use the horse stock, and make it transparent over top of the horse I'll be using. This helps me outline the basic shading. For my hair I actually use a brush that Procreate provides, so that's a bit easier. I would suggest playing around with the brush transparency a little, see if that makes your hair look softer.

For my white markings, if they're small, I just turn up the brightness. If they're bigger I trace them out, then shade them one I've done the base colour.