I haven’t really drawn creatures before until about 4 years ago when I had started to work on Miserably Altered Issue 1. Since it is a horror series, I knew I would have to start designing creatures that would fit the comic.
At first, it was tricky.
At first, it was super fun.
At first, I had a lot of ideas.
Then the creature came and blocked my thoughts.
Ever heard of the writer’s block? Well. There’s one for artists too. ‘An Artist’s Block.’ Or what I like to call, ‘Sketchbook Terror.’ I’m sure we have all experienced this block after many or so drawings and concepts. It creeps its way in...slowly...blocking the view of every pencil, brush, or digital stroke. It has happened to me many times over the years when I do concepts for my creatures or even just my human characters. Many of us strive to create something different. Something ‘unique’ that no one has ever seen before. The thing is, that can be hard. Especially, if you like to post on instagram daily with new creatures. Yes, I fall into this category so this block is ever so familiar to me.
Many creatures have already been created. So creating something different can be challenging. But don’t give up! Don’t ever give up! With time, you will come up with drawings that are so different because everyone has their own style and ideas that just haven’t been drawn out yet.
So what do I do when I am having trouble coming up with a creature concept? How do you battle such a thing?
Be brave. It can be frustrating to know that you can’t seem to come with the next idea. Or that when you have an idea, you can’t get it to come out right on your paper or digital device.
Retreat & let the creature win for now. I know. I know. I mentioned previously for you to don’t ever give up on your drawing. But this is just taking a short break not giving up. Taking short breaks in between whether it's just ten minutes, an hour or even a couple hours, can help you reset and come up with ideas you didn’t before the break.
Look at other art warriors! You can get a lot of ideas and make it through the frustration when you get inspired by seeing art that you love. It helps a lot!
Get back up. Yes, this is the one that gets me too. I am not really the sociable type. But getting feedback other than yourself can help a lot. Even if you just ask your family! If I really can’t come up with an idea I tend to ask family or friends, “Can you name the first 2 or 3 animals?” What do I do with this information? I combine them. This creates very odd looking creatures and I tend to add my own twist on them. If you follow me on Instagram, you will see that I have a lot of very awkward drawings that turned out to be pretty cool in the end! Most of the time (90% of the time), they look nothing like the original animals that were given to me. LOL
Embrace the so-called mistakes and hold your ground! If you find yourself erasing a lot, try not to! Try to work with them. You may end up with a happy accident!
Stand tall & set your flag. Making it through an artist’s block a.k.a sketchbook terror can be satisfying. So the next time this creature creeps along picking a fight, put down your art tools and say, “Not today.” Because you can make it through this! So when you make it through your block, I know you will! Just give it time. Rest up. Keep practicing your art. There is always so much to learn.