Time is the school in which we learn, time is the fire in which we burn.
- Delmore Schwartz
So October is almost over, and this particular October has been quite different from my Octobers of the last 5 years (in more ways than one, but I’ll leave out the “2020 ffs” jokes because, well, you’ve probably heard them all by now.)
My usual mode for the month of October is very outward-facing, with me engaging in a 31-day prompt-driven art challenge by the name of Inktober. This means a general materials theme (ink, watercolors, iPad,) a rigorous daily deadline and some drawing prompts (example on the right.) I know: it’s the very definition of silly and unnecessary, but man, is it fun.
here’S A GALLERY OF the drawings I did For Inktober 2018, in sequence:
(You’ll notice there’s 32 drawings here, rather than 31. I did an extra at the end as a kind of victory lap. Also, I broke my leg and was bedridden for much of that month, which may have contributed to the success.)
Your mileage may vary, but for me, Inktober has been such a useful exercise to indulge in as an artist. It’s allowed me to test my visual problem-solving skills daily in a structured manner; one that is loose enough to play around with. It’s helped me practice working towards a deadline (Lord knows you can’t practice this enough.) And, as a bonus: it’s allowed me to connect with so many other artists online who are into this kind of…let’s call it “creative masochism. “
They’re still doing it this October—if not Inktober, then one of the many splintered variants like Drawtober or Witchtober. As a side note, maybe because of the recent controversy, I feel like there are even more Inktober variants now than in past years. I even made a comic about it last week (emulating the legendary Floyd Gottfredson of “Mickey Mouse” fame):
From Page 1 of “NoBoy and the Inside Ocean of Why”
All of this to say that I haven’t participated in any art challenge this October, because I wanted to use the time to focus on my comics work.
Doing a single illustration a day has its challenges, but for me at least, it’s nowhere near the level of effort required to tell a coherent, cohesive sequential narrative. And in past years, I’m afraid I’ve been guilty of indulging in the former in order to avoid doing the latter.
SO: what have I done so far this month?
Well, I just finished that five-page comic that’s been on my desk all year. It’s called “NoBoy and the Inside Ocean of Why” and I’m so excited for people to read it.
It’s one of the few comics I’ve managed to create completely on the iPad, which makes it a good candidate to do a process video on. Soon!
Some of the X-folk I drew for my 2019 Inktober challenge. 💖⚔
I also did a trio of short comics for Instagram, one of which I just showed up top. You can read the other two HERE and HERE. I have a couple more lined up. These are fun little low-pressure strips to get the flow going on the heavier projects.
Speaking of which, that 200-page graphic novel (let’s call it PROJECT BROKEN TICKER) has really picked up steam again this month. Dedicating a solid chunk of time to this every day has done wonders for my comics. I should be done with roughs through page 132 by the end of the year, which should round out Act 2 and set me up for the big multi-climax conclusion.
I also have this super awesome 6-page coming with another writer that I’m calling PROJECT VIRTUE. As someone who’s been writing drawing my own comics forever, it’s a joy to just focus on visuals without the pressure of being the writer. It’s a different mindset to get into but a useful one. Moore on that in a few weeks!
So yeah, no Inktober for me this year. I still get a little jealous when I boot up Instagram and see all the gorgeous work everyone’s making, but after 5 years of doing it to varying degrees of success, it’s nice to step back and just focus on my comics work for the month.
Next year though—oh man, I really want to do another X-men fan art series. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying Hickman and co.’s X of Swords event lately. I want to draw all the Arakki and sword-wielding mutants. Oh well. Another time!
Hope you’re all having a lovely month. Talk soon.