Inktober is the brainchild of artist and illustrator Jake Parker, and it ha
s just a few simple rules:
Since Parker dreamed it up in 2007, Inktober has spread like wildfire among artists and on social media. I have to say it’s a brilliant example of how to build a platform and drive secondary income as an artist, especially through partnerships like ArtSnacks. Don’t get me wrong, though – his challenge is no less valid for it.
This project has a few simple rules and a lot to say about success in creativity. Here’s what the Inktober Official Rules look like on a day-to-day basis:
- Go forward, not back. Drawing in ink means you have to commit to your lines, and carry a project through to its last step (which is usually inking).
- Get “Scary Accountability.” Say out loud to people that you’re going to take the challenge, and then post your art to somewhere with a timestamp. It’s the only accountability that works. It’s a bit like practicing lines out loud that way.
- Be consistent. You have to choose the thing you would work a 60-hour week doing if you had a chance, and follow through. Do it every day, no exceptions.
These rules are very much the same for a similar art challenge, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). I’m not ready to commit to that for this year – ask me in a week or two – but if you’re considering it, now’s a good time to lay some ground work. Try laying out the major plot points of your novel now, using our free, downloadable scene cards and you’ll have a much better chance of success next month.
In the meantime, I’d like to make you a deal. Follow me until November on Instagram or Twitter. I’ll be posting a new drawing, inked and colored, every day, and giving you the inside look at what it’s teaching me about art and creativity. You’ll also see sneak peeks at some current and future projects as I go.
If I’ve earned your attention this month, stick around in November for new projects from Scintilla Studio.
