Okay.
First, the sad and unfortunate truth: this industry is a ruthless cutthroat business, especially if you're freelancing. It's very hard and extremely stressful even if you're decent at it (which I am). My experience in the professional field is part of the reason you've found me here, on a forum devoted to suicide support. However, if you're business savvy, you may have an easier time.
On to happier topics:
-graphic design jobs; your logo, typeface, layout, marketing presentation type stuff does not require a high level of drawing skill. This is an easier path to take, there are more permanent full-time jobs in this field, and the money is better at entry level on average. Important skills for this job are mostly software proficiencies and good attention to detail. Hiring companies will have a list of software they'd like you to be familiar with in addition to judging you based on your portfolio. So, stuff like Adobe creative suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat etc.), some java related stuff, some flash related stuff, and some familiarity with web design/html.
The absolute best way to learn those things outside of school is to get a part-time job in a print shop. There you will learn a lot about the nuts and bolts of image production software that is extremely important to all graphic design work.
Regarding drawing instruction, dazzle11215 is correct that you
cannot do this alone. While there are alternatives to formal instructors you will need to enlist the help of other people to get better. That is non-negotiable. Call around to local art stores/schools and ask if there are any public drop-in life drawing courses available. These are basically casual classes that revolve entirely around figure drawing. A model is hired each week and drawing sessions are held on a weekly or bi-weekly basis for a small fee. This is very cheap. A few bucks a session, under $20 at the maximum. No commitments, no grading. Often at these sessions there will be an instructor offering help to anyone who asks. Also, be persistent and keep hassling this artist friend of yours for help. Annoy the hell out of him about it if necessary. There are no points in life for politely accepting refusal.
Go to the library and find books on proportion, linear perspective, and anatomy. There are lots of books geared towards figure drawing specifically. Study.
Once you feel confident enough to post artwork on the 'net, go to drawing forums and ask for critiques.
www.drawingboard.org is a good place for that, or it used to be anyway. Friendly people for the most part. Listen to what people have to say and always maintain objectivity. You'll need to develop a thick skin about that stuff. Try not to be defensive and take things personally.
No matter what area of professional art you're interested in, you'll need to put together a portfolio. Best way to do that is just to look at other people's portfolio's for that field and take notes on what they've included, things they're trying to show off, etc. This is the end goal, right before you start applying for jobs. Do not rush this. It takes time.
Debt is not a death sentence. I have about twice the figure you've posted hanging over my head at the moment and it isn't holding me back as much as you'd think. Goddamned annoying for sure, but necessary, and liveable. Education is worth it.
If you take anything away from what I've written, remember this: drawing is hard. Contrary to common opinion it is not an on/off switch. You are not either good at it or bad at it with no in between. If you're kind of good at it, it does not mean doing good drawings is easy. It is never easy. Not for anyone. The best artists in the world still have their days of hair yanking frustration occassionally. This takes years and you will not see noticeable improvements from day to day. You must have faith that practicing every day year after year will produce improvement, which it does.
You say you can't draw a figure now, but I'll bet you can hammer out a pretty slick looking stick man, right? Well, that's step 1 down. There are about 10,000 steps. Strap on the boots and prepare to climb the mountain.
Good luck. Now, vamos! :poke:
