[Long Post] I've Already Decided on A New Year's Resolution (or whatever)

 

It's very similar to my resolution of this year but let's call it the 2.0 updated version of the resolution.

Since I've been drawing tons more, due to inspiration, motivations, and medication (prescribed by my psychologist), I decided to continue from mid/late October of this year (2022) into the next year.

I am taking just the same amount of time, if not more time, to focus my mind/heart/and soul to do anything relating to learning about drawing or doing more drawing.

From learning more about anatomy to practicing inking with either liners or pen nibs and ink to watching videos of drawing tips and trick (and taking notes along the way) to just sketching or drawing ideas and/or original characters.

Some Youtubers I recommend for Artists/Manga Artist-wannabes

Whyt Manga

Drawing Like A Sir

Marc Brunet (here's a vid where he recommends other artist)

DD Markk

(There are so many others though, some that I don't even know, but these are the ones I mainly watch.)

I shall also try to continue drawing a character from Oct 29th 2022 (when I started) to Feb 3rd 2022 or so, until I get 100 different types of characters, not limited to just human (hopefully).

I want to also try to sketch then draw then ink (with pen nibs) manga panels from either manga I own or manga panels I find on the internet as a learning experience of manga paneling and practice with pen nibs.

While doing all of this, over time of course, I am going to try time how long it takes me to draw or limit myself to a specific time for drawing.

I know I am doing most of this for the rest of 2022 but I want to continue the momentum for next year and further if possible.

I need to make use of my Wacom One (desktop/computer) tablet and maybe a little less of my iPad. Procreate has so many pre-installed brushes though lol. I say this mainly because I eventually want to validate an upgrade to my desktop/computer tablet once I get money somehow. 

I also need to invest some money in Bristol Paper as it is recommended for use of Copic Markers, which I also want to practice.

I recently, like today, found some sketchbooks that are about 6" x 8". I need to use those too, work on smaller drawings rather than bigger drawings.

Things I need to work on:

• Different Clothing Styles and Clothing Creases
• Backgrounds in General (buildings, forestry, etc.)
• Different Body Types
• Different Hairstyles than I'm used to
• Facial and Body Expression (like a aggressive or arrogant character) + adding more feeling in the poses (like hugging)
• Hands and Hand Poses/Positions
• Figure Posing
• Bare Feet
• Different Types of Eyes
• Perspective
• Variety in Character Creation
• And Probably some other things.

Lots to do for the rest of the year and next year and I am already making some progress. Slow and Steady wins the race and Practice makes Perfect (or at least better)

I know it might seem like a SHIT TON of things to do or work on but this is what I want to do and improve on. Drawing is how I escape from reality and distract myself from my depression, anxiety, paranoia, and stress. It's also fun despite it looking like a lot of work to do. 

And Don't worry, I am making sure I take breaks for meals and my hand/wrist. I am doing things to stretch and relieve tension/minor pain in my wrist and hand. And I have a bandage on my middle finger to try and help get less of an artist's/writer's callous. I also take breaks to play games (either solo or with friends) like Overwatch 2, ESO, or Assassin's Creed Valhalla. I don't want to take too long of a break because that might mess with my flow that I have currently.

Meet the Artist//Art Schedule//Water-Coloring

 

I decided to make an updated "Meet the Artist" image. I used Procreate on my tablet. 

I have designated days for different aspects of my art I want to work on.

Here is the Schedule (though it's not super strick):

Monday: Clothing Styles

Tuesday: Timed Drawings, Note-Taking, and Typing my Story

Wednesday: Backgrounds (building, forestry, indoors, etc.)

Thursday: Body Types + Hairstyles

Friday: Facial Expressions

Saturday and Sunday (and Some of Friday) I try to relax and play videogames but I do draw still because often I feel like I should be working on my drawing skills. Or my writing skills in someway. 

I also want to do some more water-coloring drawings. I did one, and only one, so far. And I really enjoyed it. And the piece I did looked like this

So I've been drawing... Like a lot (Long Post)

 

Drawn Nov 1, 2022 via Procreate.

I've been drawing lots and lots since like mid-October. Maybe it's due to my new meds or maybe because I am feeling inspired. I have drawn 22 drawings, probably more, since mid-October. 

I have also "set off on a quest" to draw 100 different characters that aren't related to the story I am currently working on nor characters I've already created. I started that "adventure" on Oct 29th and have done 6 Characters so far (did 2 in one day). I'm tryin to get one character per day. Target date to finish is 100 days from Oct 29th, which is Feb 6th 2023. But if I can finish earlier the better. I am also trying to time myself while drawing so I dont spend too much time on a single drawing though it really depends on what kind of drawing. Sometimes though I wont time myself because either A. I want to spend a good amount of time on the piece or B. I completely forgot to time myself.

I recently read The Shounen Jump Guide to Making Manga. It was very helpful with different aspects of creating manga (and if you hit a wall during the process) and gave me some insight into the popular mangaka's mind and workday. I highly recommend reading it if you are interested in the manga making process or if you want to become a mangaka (manga artist). Just dont feel overwhelmed when you read about all the different mangaka's processes and skills.

I'm trying to use my tablet more when drawing though I will often go to my pencil and sketchbook because I am used to pencil and paper more. But the only way I am going to get better with digital art is to use my tablet. I was very surprised to all the different "brushes" on the Procreate app on iPad. There are so many. I find it fun to try different effect brushes like the flare or the snow.

Even though I've been drawing much more I do try to play games on my break(s). Like I've been playing tons of Overwatch 2 [even though the store is way overpriced and the reward for credits for Weekly quests is abysmal). It can be a mix of fun or disappointing. I also still play ESO or I play Assassin's Creed: Valhalla on Console. I also make sure I have Lunch and Dinner, Breakfast varies from just Coffee to Coffee and a Bagel with Cream Cheese. 

I also have a sketchbook where I am jotting down things I like/enjoy/or find interesting. Its actually been quite fun drawing things like that. I've already got 15 pages (more or less) filled with such drawings. I have to wrap the pages with printer paper or lined writing pad paper so the pages dont bleed onto the next one while I draw on either side. Like I kept having to erase pencil marks that would in sense bleed onto the other page.

I actually had to purchase more sketchbooks via Amazon because the last four I had were designated for

1. Regular Sketches

2. 100 Characters

3. Two Page Manga Sketches (with or without Prompts)

4. Redrawing Manga Panels (to analyze later, though I haven't started in this sketchbook yet).

So I bought 4 more, hopefully for sketching in general. I also bought a stand for my iPad which e r g o j o s h on YouTube suggests in this video (which starts at the point where he mentions the stand I got.

I've also cleaned up my desk and side area. It might not seem organized but for me, its organized lol.

And that's what I've been up to.

Hope anyone who reads this has a great day!