I’m going on an adventure!
When I post this it’s going to feel like a distant memory, but right now I’m sat in a little café, sipping a hot chocolate with a pastry on the side, looking out over the beautiful view at Symonds Yat while drawing in my sketchbook. And I feel very peaceful.
Awwwww, I want to go back so badly!
For those who missed my last journal entry, I booked a cabin in the Forest of Dean for a solo trip. I wanted a rest from daily life, but I was also craving a little art retreat, something to help me reconnect with my inner child again and explore new drawing materials that I don’t usually use.
As you know, all my work is digital. Sometimes I explore ideas in my sketchbook, but I never stray too far away from a pencil or pen. I felt like I needed a bit of a fun challenge.
I packed coloured pencils, pens, highlighters, a few sketchbooks, thick paper, oil pastels, and a pencil rubber. Some of these materials I haven’t used in years, so I definitely didn’t expect to make any masterpieces straight away, and let’s be honest, some were very questionable…
Here are some of the things I created (some a triumph, others not so much…so be nice >_<)
As the month went on, I wanted to keep exploring drawing with new materials, so I started a little sketchbook series on my socials where I draw without any pressure or stress. No expectation for things to be perfect, just to have fun. And it’s actually helped me explore new ideas that I can bring into my digital art! It seems like you all liked it as well, so I’m going to make sure I keep it up and fill the WHOLE sketchbook.
Not sure I’ve ever done that before…it’s kind of like finishing a lip balm. Does anyone actually get to the end?
We also can’t forget our goals! Have you got yours to hand?
Mine were centred around my comics and my future book (eek!) I can happily say I’ve created a few more comics and added them to my comic page above. I’ve also sketched out an intro for my book, but it isn’t fully finished yet. The more I look at it, the more I want to change it…but I guess that’s normal!
I’ve started noticing a pattern in my need to be a perfectionist and how it delays certain tasks. A big example was my portfolio, I just kept tweaking and tweaking, never getting it live! It actually took a friend to give me a good shake and tell me to just post it. Sometimes you just have to let things be what they are and see how they go. Everything is a learning experience.
TBH some of the pieces I wasn’t 100% pleased with have actually been my top performers on social media. So what do I know!
Now for next month’s goals: I want to focus on drawing in my sketchbook and show my shop some TLC, because she’s been totally forgotten. I need to put my business hat on for a bit and actually start getting my work out there for people to buy.
So that’s my little update! I feel like this month has been a very peaceful one for me, and that could be because I haven’t gone on any dates and no boys have been in my life causing me drama…solo girlies for the win!
Until next time!
Lora x
