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Sometimes I get an exciting idea for an illustration. But, I also find that revising my ideas helps strengthens my artistic growth. I scroll Pinterest for inspiration details to add to my piece, rework my lines, and decide on the color palette. Even think of the title for the work. Iāll have my sketch to a point that I think itās ironed out. However, even with a final sketch in front of me, my excitement and attention have moved on, and there it sits for a day, a week, months, and years!
Yep, thatās right. That sense of urgency has passed and happens quite often for me as an artist. Sometimes, at that moment in time what I could do was get the idea down in some visual form. Part of me gets annoyed that I didnāt end up vibing with what I produce and to not frustrate myself any further, I place it to the side until my mood is ready to revisit it again.
One of two options I go. I either tackle the rendering of the piece to completion or scrap it and start over. Thatās actually what I felt I needed to do with my Dino Galaxy illustration.
Felt I could do better
It wasnāt a matter of me giving up on it totally, I just felt I could push myself to try for something better. A couple of years later, looking at the original sketch, I was getting inspired by Doodle and retro sci-fi-style poster art. Wanting to capture the same feel, I thought my Dino Galaxy concept would be a perfect fit.
Although, it meant that my previous line art wasnāt polished enough like my inspirational style idea. Overall, the concept was the same, but instead of going simplified, I wanted more elaborate elements and depth to the composition.
Stretching my skills
What I was envisioning shifted and that meant I had to stretch my drawing skills to achieve the characterās features and expressions differently. From that exercise alone, a more refined Dino Galaxy line art was emerging from thought to paper.
Reflecting
Looking back, I recall the feeling I get from time to time, I was so happy, engaged, and satisfied with seeing what I was able to create from new lines and shapes! Other artists out there can probably relate to feeling like they have no clue how to draw dang itās kinda crazy I really drew this thing!? lol. Itās a weird trippy sensation to feel like a creator.
Highs & lows
Crazy tug of war between the highs and lows of being a creative person. We may not always be pleased with every single piece we create, but it truly is loving the process of creating. Itās part of who I am, itās my passion that I couldnāt quite even if I tried. At the same time, among the pieces I might consider ābadā, I do not settle until I feel I tried my best to where Iām satisfied. In the end, it strengthens my skills and helps to build up my individual styles.
Have you ever revisited your artwork and felt it was quite there? You knew you could try for something a bit better? Allowing yourself to explore and convey a new look and feel you wanted to convey? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Until next time
~ Gigi
