Watercolor Monotype Print: Blue Sip Cup
One of the most frequently discussed challenges creative people face is consistency in making things. There isn’t enough time, space, energy, inspiration, or focus to sit down and create something with your hands on a regular basis.
The secret to success is consistency of purpose.
Ben Disraeli
One remedy for this is month-long projects, hosted on social media. Writers commit to 30 days of typing their hearts out in groups and on Pinterest Boards. Illustrators upload a new piece of art based on a single word published every Friday on Illustration Friday.
Quilters join Block-of-the-Month clubs to receive a box of fabric to make one quilt block within 30 days, leading to the eventual assembly of a quilt. The profusion of these monthly challenges is proof that this struggle with creative consistency is prevalent. We are all in good company.
Inktober Challenge
So, I’m inviting you to jump into a challenge too! Have you heard about INKtober? (See below) Think of it this way; you’ll get a little structure, and some accountability – mostly to yourself – to make and post your once a day, or once a week – your call. (Keep reading.)
It’s not something to stress over, because it’s just a teeny framework to box around your willy-nilly, here and there creative meanderings, and there’s delightful camaraderie with like-minded creative pals attending the same party, so we can all cheer each other on. (C’mon, it’ll be fun!)
Habitual Sketching in Ink
This week’s link love post is about Utah illustrator Jake Parker. He coined the term INKtober in 2009 to challenge his own inking & drawing skills, and now it’s an annual event for artists all over the world to draw something in ink every day for the month of October. All you need: a sketchbook, and a pen.
So, Whataya say – wanna play? You can read about the rules of INKtober here. I’m a week late jumping in, but that’s okay – artists are flexible. Here’s my motive: I REALLY want to get in the habit of doodling & sketching more often.
Science says it takes 21 days for anything to become a habit, so there’s still time in October to get on the INKiness-train, and doodle once a day in a sketchbook. Doesn’t that sound doable? Take 10 minutes and put pen to paper, and wiggle it around.
My inspiration for this project will be a stack of vintage family photos. Surely, you have some of those, right? Come on, Let’s draw!
If you use Instagram, follow me, and I’ll follow you back. Leave your Instagram handle in the comments and we can all follow and encourage each other. Let’s #makesomething. ♠
Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll see you in the next post –
Belinda
Art Quote
Courage is the most important of all the virtues because, without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.
~Maya Angelou (1928-2014)
I will certainly sketch when I’m in italy andwill post it on instagram. This Is such a good idea. Thanks Belinda
Hi Gabriele – That sounds great! Happy travels to you, and I’ll be looking forward to your posts!
Thanks Belinda,
I’ve been looking to add to my “reasons to sketch,” for a while now. I belong to an Urban Sketchers’ group and once a month James Gurney has a challenge on his site, but this every day–just what I need.
Hi Joanne – I thought so too, and with ink and a sketchbook; just two art supplies – it couldn’t be any simpler! Happy INKtober to you!