Some commonly believed myths about figure sculpting are: Because You Can Paint, You Can Sculpt - In painting you are creating the impression of 3D space on a 2D plane.
In sculpting you are actually creating 3D space.
Painters tend to create "flat" looking sculpture.
The usually only consider the composition of a piece from one direction also.
Painters can overcome this tendency to create "flat" looking sculptures by practicing sculpting simple objects all the way around and measure frequently to check proportions.
Just Because You Have Been Sculpting For Years, You're Doing it Right - Some of the biggest mistakes I have seen in sculpture have been by sculptors who have been sculpting for years.
It's possible to develop bad habits in sculpting that can be difficult to unlearn.
It's important to always continue to learn from new instructors and try new, correct techniques.
Learning anatomy and proportion are some of the biggest factors in making a piece look realistic and lifelike.
It isn't necessary to learn all anatomy but some basic anatomy will help and knowledge of proportions is crucial.
Being "Self Taught" is Just as Good as Learning From Others - There are things that take years to figure out if you are self taught.
Professional and skilled sculptors can teach concepts that will cut out years of trial and error.
Also, some things you may never figure out on your own.
It's important to learn from as many skilled sculptors as you are able to.
When you are self taught, you can end up establishing and ingraining in yourself bad habits that will be difficult to unlearn.
It's better to learn correct techniques the first time and go from there.