THIS. This is what I needed all along. I bought this little sketch book three days ago and I’ve drawn in it everyday since. Drawing three days in a row might not sound like a monumental achievement, but it is for me.

I have been in such a rut for over a year. I’ve drawn only a handful of things and I didn’t make any comics at all. I was feeling really self conscious and putting myself down a lot about my work. So instead of just working through it, I stopped drawing. It felt awful, but I didn’t know what to do to get out of it. I tried taking a life drawing class which helped a little, but I still only drew during class and never just for myself.

This sketchbook was the best impulse purchase I have made in a long while. I picked it up and couldn’t put it down. It made so much sense. It doesn’t start on any specific date. It just lists the days: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3… And there’s a little space to write in your own date. The fact that I could start anytime really felt good. I didn’t miss a whole month and a week of drawing this year. I simply started when I bought the book. On the last page it says, “Congratulations! You made one sketch a day for a year! What will you do next?” I’m excited to make it all the way there.

I have tried and failed at numerous “daily endeavors”, but I really feel this one might stick. The book is only 5×7 inches and the spaces to draw is only half that (two drawings per page). Its clean design is inviting and the small spaces seem less intimidating than a blank 8×11 or larger page. I can slip it in my purse giving me no excuse not to bring it with me everywhere. All I need is a pencil (and my trusty eraser!).

I am determined to rediscover the pure, simple joy of drawing for myself again. I’m glad I finally found something that has truly inspired me to do this.

A character height chart of the main characters of my graphic novel. (Click to make it bigger!)

From left to right: Hodei, Gero, Nahia, Gau, and Indar.
(The excited doodle in the bottom right corner is me expressing my approval. Haha!)

Indar is Hodei and Gero’s father. Gau is Nahia’s father. I hope you can see the resemblances!!
Yes, Cro-Magnon man was this tall.
Yes, I do plan on inking this!

I used to worry a lot that my clothing designs weren’t simple enough for the time period, but I really, really like them so I’m keeping them! So far, my plan is for this book to be roughly 300 pages. I need to like what I’m drawing, yes? Plus, we haven’t a CLUE what these people wore aside from some very intricate jewelry. Who’s to say their clothing wasn’t equally as detailed?

Anyway, now that you know what my characters look like, you can start making me fan art now. (Kidding!)

(Or am I…? )

I fiddled some more with that drawing I posted yesterday. Getting it ready for inking!

Aaaaand, inked! I’m going to shade this, too, at some point. I hope you like it! This is really more a hight/clothing reference than anything else. I’m going to do some character sheets and turnarounds that are more dynamic.