I don't know what is "it" in "how to do it" and when to do it".
An independent artist is probably the one who lives closest to an unbounded creative situation. Many artists have considerable freedom from external requirements about what to do, how to do it, when to do it, and why.

I don't know what is "it" in "how to do it" and when to do it".
Please help me understand it!
Thanks!!

Question

I don't know what is "it" in "how to do it" and when to do it".
An independent artist is probably the one who lives closest to an unbounded creative situation. Many artists have considerable freedom from external requirements about what to do, how to do it, when to do it, and why.

I don't know what is "it" in "how to do it" and when to do it".
Please help me understand it!
Thanks!!

Answer

"it" is a direct reference to the topic that you are currently speaking of.

"Does she know how to draw?"
"No, she does not know how to do it"  -- (or in this case you should use the word, "that" instead, I just used "it" in this case as an example, to show you that "it" refers to the action of drawing)

Answer

It refers to "what," in "what to do" -- I hope that helps.