Inktober : What I'm doing, Tips and Advice, Patreon Updates...

Hi guys, 

Since I now have a few years of experience with Inktober, with some successes and some failures under my wing, I figured it might be interesting for me to a post about what I know about Inktober, and what I have learned from attempting it myself. 

This post is supposed to go with the Youtube video I will be releasing tomorrow, and includes what I will be doing for Inktober this year, what will happen on Patreon, and 101 Inktober info, such as tools, supplies, paper, and tips and tricks to give yourself the best chances of reaping all the benefits from the challenge. 

It's a big one, so let's get started!

➊ My theme 

I have something to confess....If I could do mental illness again...I would.
I mean, I probably could I suppose, but I feel like that would be a bit of a cop out, and a poorly disguised attempt at milking last year's success, plus I feel like it would show little effort on my part.
I wouldn't choose to do it again for any of those reasons, I would be tempted to use it again because I still have a million ideas that fit that theme, and I suppose it's a general theme in all my work since then anyway, so it would make sense.
BUT. No. It would be too easy.
So, this year, with the help of my lovely boyfriend, I have chosen to use an equally dual, complex, and broad theme : Entropy. 

Not the thermodynamic meaning, but the philosophical meaning.
or, as Google defines it :
the lack of order or predictability; a gradual decline into disorder.  

I also love this definition by the Urban dictionary : 

The degradation of the matter and energy in the universe to an ultimate state of inert uniformity.

I love that concept,  it has a wonderful duality to it, and can apply to humans and our personal struggles in so many ways. And it's just broad enough to accommodate my numerous, weird ideas, and I'm excited to start. 

➋ My tools 

Last year, I used mostly fineliners and some India Ink for some backgrounds.
This year, I have decided to use an entirely different tool, one I am not very comfortable or familiar with : brush pens.
And in addition to this, I will be using both a black, and a red brush pen.
I will probably mostly use my Pentel Pocket Brush Pen for the black, and my Pentel Color Brush for the red.
I do have a good collection of brush pens though, so I might try some of my others black ones throughout the month and see how they compare (see the Basic Supplies Section, Fineliners/Multiliners, for pictures of the pens I am talking about and more. )

➌ Youtube

As last year, I will be attempting to post 2 videos a week showing my pieces, with a Sketchbook tour at the end.
I am thinking of maybe doing an "Inktober Vlog" also, but that will depend on how much stress it puts on me and if I feel up to it. 

➍ Products and Store

✦ Originals ✦
Like last year, each original will go on my shop at the end of each week, with Patrons getting first pick at them before they become publicly available for purchase.  
All originals purchased will ship at the end of the month, once I have filmed the "sketchbook tour", and have put the booklet together. 

✦ Prints ✦
Prints of each piece will become available at the end of every week, in the same way as last year.
I might also create a special listing for a "postcard package", although I still need to work out the details for that, if it is to happen

✦ Stickers ✦
I will be creating at least one sticker design based on a Inktober 2018 piece, which all qualifying patrons wills receive, and the rest will go on my shop. 

✦ Booklets ✦
I will be ordering a limited batch of 2nd Edition Inktober 2017 Booklets, numbers still TBC. 

If I manage to complete this year's Inktober, and am happy with my work, I will put a 2018 booklet together, which will become the November physical reward for $20+ patrons who have supported me for over 2 months, and will also be publicly available for purchase, in limited numbers, before Christmas. 

➊ What you'll see during October 

✦ Whenever I finish a piece early, you guys will see a high-res scan of it first.
✦ Patrons will get first dibs of any originals going up for sale before I put them up on my shop.
✦ You will get to see any sketches I manage to create in advance, essentially getting the scoop on any concepts before I ink them.
✦ I'm sure I'll have more things to post as time goes by! I'm thinking of maybe trying out process gifs,  putting titles up for vote, running ideas past you...that kind of thing. 

Obviously, if there is anything you are hoping to see, do let me know and I can see what I can do!
 

➋ November Rewards

Since I most likely won't be able to produce a new big painting in October, and probably won't have much to show in the way of sketches either, November rewards will be Inktober themed, rather than their usual selves.
Here's a breakdown of the rewards you will get in November (subject to change during October if something better arises, which I will always run by you beforehand obviously) :

✦ Sketchbook Scan : Undecided. Will depend on if I manage to do sketches during the month, and if not, I will put up a vote with a few ideas.
✦ Process PDF : Will be a breakdown of what I learned about brush pens, and any general art advice and techniques I feel I learned about during the challenge!
✦ $10 Tier Welcome Postcard : Each new November $10 patron will receive 2 postcards, 1 of an Inktober drawing and one of a sketch.
✦ $15 Postcard Tier : Each November Patron at that tier will receive 3 postcards, and a sticker we designed during Inktober.
✦ $20 Print Tier : Each patrons who has supported me for 2 months minimum at this tier at the time of this post will receive a copy of my 2018 Inktober booklet, an Inktober print,, and a postcard (plus a sticker).
New patrons at this tier (anyone that joins during October or November), will receive an Inktober print of their choice and a postcard of their choice. 

Let me know what you think of those and if you have any extra ideas!

➌ Inktober Exclusive Tier

I really want to have a tier that would only be available for Inktober themed rewards. I would activate it just before the November billing date (1st of the month), with the rewards being activated in November, if that makes sense?

I am still unsure as to what the best tactic would be though, and what amount and rewards everyone is most likely to be interested in.
Therefore, I will be putting together a little poll for everyone to vote on their preference, in the coming week. 

➊ Drawing and Inking Implements

When setting up this challenge for himself, it is my understanding that Jake had traditional inking supplies in mind, and also mostly focused on black and white work.    

So if you want to keep it OG, and follow in Jake's footsteps, you can decide to use those classic, basic inking tools :     

✦ Fineliners/Multiliners  ✦
Such as the ones below.
These are great if you want a lot of detail, if you'd like to use cross-hatching, or if you like texture.
[This is not an exhaustive list, these are the ones I own and have tried, but I'm sure there are others brands out there that do great too]

✦ Brush Pens ✦
These can be a little trickier to get used to, but used properly, you can achieve some beautiful, flowing lines,  artwork, and gorgeously graphic-like pieces.
[Again, not an exhaustive list, these are the ones I own and like.
Jake has his own favourites list here. ]

✦ Dip pens and nibs ✦
These can also be somewhat tricky to get used to, but they offer a wide range of possibilities and looks. 

✦ Brushes ✦
The ones below are cheap ones in a variety of sizes, that I like to use with India ink.
You could also use traditional calligraphy brushes, or ink brushes!

I don't personally use them very often, but you could also use waterbrushes, and either dip them in ink, or fill their containers with it!

✦ Liquid inks ✦  

✦ White gel pens and white inks (If working on coloured or tan paper) ✦
[Again, not an exhaustive list, and I am not actually very knowledgeable regarding white inks and pens, but Jake recommends his favourites here too.]
These are great to create highlights when drawing on coloured, stained, or tan paper!

✦ Any other inking and writing pen! ✦
If you don't have any of those supplies at home, or can't afford them, or can't find them, or if you want to use some more basic, every day tools, then feel free to pick up a ballpoint pen, or a gel pen, or markers, or fountain pens!
Hell, you could even use a whiteboard and marker, or highlighters, for all it matters.
These are all fit for purpose, and are just as great as any of the above implements.
Remember, it isn't about the tools, it is about the artist. 

✦ Adding some colour ✦

If black and white isn't your things, and you'd rather your work was colourful, why not use copic markers, or even felt-tip pens or coloured inks?

You could even add some interesting rules to your challenge, such as restricting yourself to a few colours for the months, or doing a colour theme a week, or letting others choose your colours, which could be fun if you have a following. 

➋ Paper 

If you are planning to use any kind of pen, I would recommend choosing paper that is smooth, and easy to write on.
Regular printing paper isn't ideal because of its thickness and its non archival quality, but is a good example of the kind of smoothness that a pen can glide on easily and on which you can achieve clean, straight lines, with minimal effort.
Art cartridge paper, sketching paper and marker paper are great for use with pens. 

If you want to use ink washes, or any kind of paint, such as watercolour, make sure to use paper that can take water without buckling too much.
That usually entails using mixed media or Hot Press (meaning smooth) watercolour paper, thicker than 160gsm (ideally, 300gsm or thicker). 

I would not recommend using Cold Press watercolour paper, as its tooth (texture) means that it is a lot more difficult to draw straight lines on, and requires a lot more effort to control the nib, which can lead to injury if you tense up too much. 

➊ Pick a theme or/and follow a prompt list

✦ Prompt lists  ✦  
If you feel like inspiration might be difficult to come by during the month, using a daily prompt can really help.
Jake releases an official Inktober prompt list every year.
He keeps his list very broad and open, and the words he picks for each day are meant to be used as ramps to kick start your imagination and inspiration.
However, following his list is not compulsory to participate in the challenge, and tons of others artist create their own, usually with hashtag associated to them. I have a downloadable list of some of them at the end of this post, and you can decide to follow either one of them, or mix and match, or even create your own!

✦ Theme  ✦   
Alternatively, if you are like me, and prompt lists tend to stress you out and hinder your imagination, then you can instead decide on a theme for your month! (Or you could combine both, if you are feeling adventurous).
I like to go for broad ideas that blanket fit my general themes and aesthetic, which leaves me loads of room to create various different pieces, but you could decide to go for something more specific, if that's what you feel you need.
It could range from being your favourite film, to animals, to weather, to moods....etc...
I have also put together a list of theme ideas that you are welcome to download and use however you want!

Extra advice : Inktober is the kind of challenge meant to help you push yourself and get out of your comfort zone. However, unless you feel confident enough and want to challenge yourself a step further, remember that you need to keep going for a month or at least for as long as you can. To give yourself the best chances to go the distance, I'd recommend choosing a theme you are familiar or comfortable with. Something that keeps your creative juices flowing, and you know will inspire you for a while. Having a topic that excites you is more likely to help you keep going, than choosing a subject that you feel lost, worried, or daunted by. 

➋ Keep it simple and limit your supplies

A good rule of thumb when trying to go the distance on a long-term, sustained exercise, is to pick your supplies carefully, limit them, and stick to them.
Not only will using the same ones all month mean that your brain won't have to keep thinking about all the options you have every day, and help alleviate some of the pressure and mental clutter that can result from this kind of daily pressure, but this challenge is about mastering something new or something you were struggling with, so sticking with the same implements for a month will definitely make you improve in using those implements. Plus, your handle on what you have chosen to use will have obviously improved by the end of the month, and it will feel easier and easier to use it as the weeks go by, which should help you keep going even when your mental energy is draining. 

Extra advice : Whatever supplies you decide to use, you could choose to take and extra step, and put them in a pouch or sleeve that you can easily store and carry around. Having all your tools in one easy to find place will help alleviate some of the stress, as you won't have to go looking for each element you want to draw with every time you sit down to create your piece, and a pouch has the added benefit of facilitating drawing on the go, which could help if you are worried about not being able to fit a sketch in every day. It can also help you not second guess your choices of concept, and push you to not over think or be too perfectionist about it, as you are more likely to be drawing in between other tasks. 

➌ Plan ahead

Probably the most important piece of advice here, this is a great thing to do for any project like this.
I personally write down any ideas I get before the challenge starts, and I even have a page on which I write any words that feel like they could spark inspiration in me.
I regularly reread my words and simply the act of doing so can awake a lot of ideas and imagery in me.

Alternatively, or alongside a list, you can start drawing up thumbnails.
If you are the kind of person who's imagination is triggered by drawing, then doodling might help you come up with ideas more easily.
Or if you already have ideas, then fleshing them out before the challenge starts can help you save time and brain power you'll need during the event. Not having to work out kinks and details during the day your drawing is due, can really help relieve the stress of creating it. 

No need to necessarily come up with all 31 concepts ahead of time, as giving yourself a head start can only benefit you during the challenge, as you'll have more time and energy to come up with more ideas during the month if you already a few days you don't have to worry about.
A good middle ground would be to and 10 to 15 ideas before it all kicks off, giving you  at least enough fuel to last half the month (the first half is the most difficult bit).

➍ Treat it like a marathon

Inktober is a sort of endurance challenge in a way, and like for any event of that sort, it is best not to exhaust yourself too quickly.
Try and spread out your favourite ideas throughout the whole month, keeping a few nuggets for the end to look forward to.
If you're not sure what your biggest challenge will be, take the first week to work them out by doing no pressure pieces.
The biggest obstacles in a exercise like this are usually :
✦ Time management
✦ Inspiration
✦ Technical Skill
✦ Self doubt and discouragement (linked to the 3 above)
You'll need to learn to contend with each of these during the month, and learning how best to do that for yourself will be particularly relevant at the beginning of the event, so make sure to be aware that these will be strong at the start, but if you work through them, that is when you'll be able to go the distance. 

Inktober is also the kind of challenge that can take a few tries to complete!
Don't feel bad if you don't fulfill it the first time your try it, it is a tough exercise that even seasoned artists can struggle with, for a multitude of reasons. Getting to know yourself and how you work takes time, and is one of the keys to succeeding. So just make sure you try your best, which is all anyone, including you, can ask of yourself, and then learn where things were most difficult, and where things were easier on you, and try to do better next time! 

✦  You can download a list of theme ideas I put together to help anyone out that might need some direction at the end of this post! 

✦ If you don't feel like working in ink, but would still like to participate in a popular 31 day drawing challenge in October, you may want to look into doing Drawtober, or Drawlloween! These are more general challenges, with no medium restrictions, so they might be more up your alley if ink just isn't your thing!
Don't forget to check out the PDF of prompts you can download at the end of this post also!

✦  Pep talk  ✦

I go into more philosophical detail in my video, and if you feel like a pep talk then head over to watch it if you haven't already, but basically, remember that this kind of daily drawing challenge is tough, and difficult for everyone to fit into their lives, albeit to varying degrees.

Remember the advice to not compare yourself to others too much, as we all have our own trials and challenges to face, and our own personal context to contend with. 

The best you can do for yourself is try our hardest, while also not being too hard on yourself, and understanding where your limitations stand. Inktober can be a good way to learn more about your limits, your shortcomings and the obstacles you can put in your own way. But don't forget to always acknowledge your victories and achievements also, as one rarely comes without the other. :) 

Inktober is an awesome challenge, and I'd strongly recommend it to anyone trying to go a step further in their art practice! 

And on this note, I hope this post was somewhat helpful, and whether you decide to give it a go yourself or not, I hope to have the pleasure of your company during the coming month! ♥

All my love,