Monday, October 6, 2014

Working Based On A Schedule or Working When Inspired?

I struggle with a problem many artists should be able to relate to: How to motivate myself to work when I don't feel inspired. There's an old Faulkner quote that I always found enlightening and frustrating at the same time - "I write when I’m inspired, and I see to it that I’m inspired at nine o’clock every morning."

There is definitely something to be said for having a set schedule for work, and I make sure I have dedicated time for graphic novel work each day, but it doesn't always mean I get quality work done during that time. However, when I work while inspired I always get a high volume of quality work done. The problem is that I'm not always inspired when I need to be. Therefor I've settled on a hybrid method.

First thing is that I make sure I'm at my drawing table for a set time each day and prepared to work. I'll start with some warm up sketches to get loose and hopefully be ready to tackle the next page in front of me. If for some reason the drawing is looking or feeling forced, I'll usually stop for a while and take care of some of the more mundane tasks such as scanning and cleaning up pages, or fiddling with the script. If I don't get much drawing or inking done during this scheduled time, I tend not to worry too much about it. I've ruined my share of pages by forcing through work when I'm not feeling it.

The way I make up for lost productivity during scheduled time is by having my book and supplies with me at all times so whenever inspiration strikes throughout the day, I'll have my tools with me to work. Since I only need a table and chair for my workspace, I can turn most environments into a suitable studio.

So far this method has keep progress moving along at a steady pace, although it would be easier if I could figure out Faulkner's secret.


It occurred to me today that it's going to be difficult to post an image each day without revealing too much of the story. To manage this, the panels will necessarily be cryptic. I invite you to submit captions, and if I get any interesting ones I'll post them. #Inktober

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