[allenu]

Forced constraints are definitely a great training tool. I think constraints in general also bring about great creativity in the artist. Having little to work with forces the artist to look at the essence of what they're trying to create/communicate and "do more with less", which leads to a sort of innovation.

One of my favorite drawing exercises I have done in a drawing class is speed drawing. You're asked to sketch a model in different poses, but at first you are given 1 minute per pose, and then 30 seconds per pose, then 10 seconds per pose, then 5 seconds per pose. It really forces you to look at the core shapes you see and translate them into as few lines as needed.