Blog 1: Daily drawings
I have decided to take the plunge and start drawing everyday with the view to make a book down the line called something really clever like…. erm…. daily drawings or a drawing a day, I dunno? Lots of drawings that I did?
The drawing I did at the top took a lot longer than one day just so you know. I’m not trying to bullshit you and make you think that I’m some sort of machine that churns piece after piece out. Youtubers I’m looking at you. All in all it took me around 4 days. Mainly that was getting my head around the way riso brushes and how all that works.
Drawing something like this seamless pattern has awakened something in me though. I challenged myself not to be too precious about everything as I can really make a meal out of my illustrations. I also wanted to fill the space as much as I could. I think I’ve done that??? I wanted to keep it loose and draw in the style that comes naturally to me, which is essencially just Beano cartoons. I’m not trying to emulate someone elses style or make anything im not comfortable with. But the biggest take away I would mention about this project is that I now have loads of little drawings that I could refine for other things.
Need a sticker of a severed hand? I’ve got you. Need a baseball cap that says hedgehog on a scroll? I have it. Want a pin badge of an angry Badger? I am the king of merch!!! Or at least I will be.
So What’s next?
I am going to prise myself desperately away from drawing wrestlers. I seem to fall down that rabbit hole way too often. Having said that I am really into this Netflix version of wrestling so you might see a project where I just draw Jimmy Uso’s gurning face over and over. No! I can’t do it to myself again. If you have any suggestions for a project of maybe 10-14 drawings please get in touch I’d love to hear it.
My overall plan is to just do a drawing every day and post it to instagram probably. It’s not a great platform and I’ll probably get AI’d into starvation in the long run but you know I’d like more than you, my mum and myself to see them so if you don’t already give me a follow @conaldeeneyillustration
I googled daily drawing habbits and found some ‘tips‘ they plucked from the abyss.
Make time (even just 10 minutes) It’s a good point I guess. Bit obvious but whatever. It shouldn’t be a problem for me as, even though I do this professionally, it’s also my hobby, I love doing it so I should be fine. Just thought I’d mention it incase I inspire you to follow suit.
Creating a comfortable space. Fuck that. I have 2 kids under 4 so comfortable spaces is a luxury I seldom find. They are always up in my face asking questions too like, what you doing daddy? what you drawing daddy? IT’S A FUCKING MAGPIE ARE YOU THICK?
Exploring new techniques and styles. Yeah sure I will be doing a bit of this but I have also danced around different styles long enough to know what I actually enjoy and it’s being stupid and silly. What’s the point in me trying really hard to make something really difficult that someone else will knock out of the park in an afternoon. I’ll stick to my strengths for the most part, I just want a big bulk of work that doesn’t really mean anything. I want to see my progress.
Building a habbit with no pressure. This is probably what I’m after here. I want to do a drawing that means nothing to everything else I’m doing. It can be used to warm me up or just to pass time, whatever I fancy really, no pressure.
Documenting progress. A natural By-product of this will be documenting my progression. I will literally have a catalogue of images from day one to day whatever I stop at to show myself down the line. And you never know I might start a youtube channel if i find infinite hours in the day somehow.
The bigger picture: creativity beyond drawing. This bit is a bit self reflective and more than just doodling. The google post bangs on about ‘creative journeys’ and ‘bettering myself’. I’m taking it with a pinch of salt.
Final Thoughts. Erm… dunno. I’ll get cracking and you just keep watching my instagram I guess. If you really like something let me know and I might make something for you to buy. I might not though so dont get your hopes up.