So you want to do inktober? Here's how to crush it!!!
I’m going to give you some amazing tips on how to really knock it out of the park for your next inktober, as well as give you some guidance on what sort of materials to use!
A little bit of history, if you’re unfamiliar with Inktober. Inktober was created in 2009 by an artist named Jake Parker who wanted a way to develop his inking skills as well as an art challenge that would encourage him to create healthy creative habits.
First and foremost, the intensity of this challenge really remains with you and what you want to put into it, but at its core; the rules are simple:
1) Make a drawing in ink (you can do a pencil under-drawing if you want).
2) Post it* (not really required, but it’s fun because you get to interact with other artists who are participating!)
3) Hashtag it with #inktober and #inktober2019
4) Repeat
Jake Parker provides a prompt list each year for inktober, and every day you do a drawing based on that prompt. It can be whatever you like! It can be as abstract or as literal an interpretation as you want. The goal is to get you drawing more! You can spend ten minutes on it, or you can spend three hours on it. It’s really up to you and what you want to do!
If you just want to draw your own ideas, that’s fine too, just be sure to do them every day!
My first tip is to predetermine your supplies. Figure out what sort of pens, markers, brushes or dip-pens you’ll be using, as well as what paper or cardstock you want to draw on. - If you’re on the go a lot, you may want to consider taking a small sketchbook and some pens and markers that can be easily used and put away without any cleanup. - If you’ll be doing your drawing at home and have more space to spread out, you might want to try using ink and brushes or dip pens! Or if you want that brush & ink experience but don’t want to fuss with using brushes and having to clean them up afterward, you can get brush-pens that work beautifully as well. Another neat trick is you can fill up an aquabrush with drawing ink! You can also do the challenge digitally with ink-style brushes! - Overall, just use what you’re comfortable with, but don’t be afraid to challenge yourself!
Secondly, make a plan on how to approach the prompts. Some people prefer to not spend any time thinking about it before they draw, and some people prefer to go over the prompt list many times and even write or sketch out ideas beforehand. Either way, if you have a plan in place, you’re less likely to get frustrated and give up in the middle of the challenge. You can use the main prompt list, or make your own, or come up with prompts with friends, but get it done before October first, so you’re ready!
Next, make sure you get familiar with your materials a little bit before starting Inktober. This way you have at least an idea of how the materials will function and behave, so there are no surprises on October first.
Draw in pencil first. Unless you’re very proficient with ink drawing, you are probably going to be pretty intimidated by the idea of just diving right in with inks. Pencil will let you sketch out ideas and still be able to erase and edit things before committing it to the paper with your inks.
You can make a theme to all of your drawings if you don’t want to just have a bunch of random drawings. Both can be fun. The first time I did inktober, I did each prompt based on my characters Agatha & Zed! As a matter of fact, I created them specifically to have characters to draw for inktober!
Don’t be afraid to bend the rules a little bit. Start a little early if you want. Or if you miss a day, catch up the next day. Just don’t get too far behind because these days add up fast!
Most of all, have fun with it! Share your work online or in person with other people, and be sure to get on your favorite social media and browse other people’s inktober creations! Interact with the ones you like! It’s a really great way to make new creative friends!
I’ll be posting on instagram and twitter for inktober this year, so follow me @artbygalen on both platforms, and let’s have a great inktober and create some fun and awesome things!
Have a fantastic day, and until next time, take care!
DISCORD:
/ discord
PATREON:
/ artbygalen
PODCAST:
arttangents.buzzsprout.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA:
/ artbygalen
/ artbygalen
artstation.com/galen
/ artbygalen
SOFTWARE:
Adobe Photoshop CC
Adobe After Effects CC
Adobe Premiere Pro
OBS (Open Broadcasting Software)
Adobe Audition CC
HARDWARE:
Canon Rebel T6i
Wacom Cintiq 22hd
Logitech c920 webcam
USB Condenser mic