Inktober 1-11

So, to match the current theme: Inktober (see last post), I'm going to show ya'll what I've done so far!

How to Commit to Inktober

So, it's that time of the year again.

Aaaaaand I've already fallen behind. Bummer.

Is your homework tying you down? Is your job keeping you from your beloved set of ink? Are your chores making you paint floors with soapy water instead of painting paper with your favorite paints? Are your commissions making you draw other people's ideas instead of your own?
     Well, guess what? Me too!
     There are two (or more) ways to fix this! The hard road of dedication and alarm setting and the also hard road of just cramming.

1. The Dedication and Alarm Setting Way

     a) Plan Beforehand: have a special space set up where all your art supplies will sit. Buy the ink that you've always wanted to try but never actually got, this will help inspire you!

     b) Make Time: reserve the right amount of time each day that you think you'll need and DO NOT let that time fill up with other plans! Unless it's something urgent (wedding, funeral) or something that you can't do next month (maybe a birthday of someone special to you or a graduation), decline.

     c) Make a Detailed Schedule: you'll spend less "art time" scrolling through Tumblr if you have an hour set aside specifically for that. This will also propel you through things faster if there's a deadline for yourself. Of course, faster is not always better. Always remember that real life (jobs and homework) is probably more important than that Inktober drawing. If you're bogged down with homework and simply cannot follow your schedule, that's okay, missing a day won't be the end of the world!

     d) Follow a Theme/Prompts: Having those handy-dandy prompts that Mr. Jake Parker makes, or even making a prompt yourself, will help you through any tough artblocks that'll spring you halfway through the month. 

2. The Cramming Way

     a) Do it when you Can: Literally just draw whenever you're free and feeling inspired. Sure, it's not exactly following the Inktober rules, but art isn't about following strict rules (unless you're talking anatomy/composition. In the name of love, follow those rules), it's about having fun! So you missed a day, who cares? Make it up the next day, or skip it entirely! No art police are gonna show up at your door just because you were at school all day and missed a day.


The most important thing about Inktober (I believe) is to have fun! For me, it's also about trying new mediums! My art is usually digital, and I almost have never used ink. So it's a learning curve as well!

I hope this was helpful, interesting, and inspiring!

Now go make some beautiful inky art!