…and character development. By sketching, doodling, drawing every day (thanks to SkADaMo challenges with Linda Silvestri and Alison Kipnis Hertz’s Doodle Day fb group) I have become aware that a lot of my creative process does not take place in my head, but though visual communication with my hand. Sound crazy to anyone? The shape of one curve often interests me enough to change the way I’m drawing a character from the visual I had in my head. Often ‘accidents’ happen that are more appealing than what I was attempting. I thought I’d share an example – how I came upon an alpaca while trying to draw a dog!
So here was one attempt at a dog, utilizing black so that I could concentrate more on the shape and how it was working for me. It wasn’t. Do I want this dog to have more anthropomorphic qualities? Should he be able to stand on two legs? Hold on to it, but create a new file.
Fun lines, but this did NOT look like a dog to me! Nope! Next…
Now I have really taken a departure form the canine world! but now I see something quite different, a different species altogether…’follow your nose, Julie’…another file!
Now I see, it’s an alpaca! But so stiff! I’ll play, and add color too…
No dog created, but I found this delightful creature! So I allow myself to write a crappy story draft, and draw crappy sketches – a workable piece could be in the next file!
He’s great! And his name “could” be Rover, or Fido, or Spot.
Needs a playmate named Mittens, Fluffy or Felix!
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I do like the way you think, Cathy!
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Adorable! I like Cathy’s name suggestions.
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Me too!
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I love hearing about your process, Julie. The funky style of your grass and leaves is awesome and unique to you.
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Just goofing around!
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Ha, this post made my morning! I may not always comment, but love your blog and the insights you give 🙂
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Love the dog-turned-alpaca process!
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I completely agree with you – so much of what I create happens on the page and does not always correspond with what is in my mind. Love your stuff.
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Sorry, Sylvia. I have fallen off the wagon with posting doodles every day – but I will get back on soon!
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This is genius! Learning how to go with your instincts is really hard to do. You inspire me. I’m still fairly new at this whole illustrating thing, but I’ve found the more I am able to trust my instincts the better my illustrations are.
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Sing it, sister!
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Love your process and the end result. 🙂
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Yes! Yes!
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That peppy little alpaca packs a plethora of personality! I love seeing your process, too! Fun!
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And I love your aliterification. (Yes, I just made that up – like it?)
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I love your alpaca. I MUST learn to be free to goof around.
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Let your sillies out!
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We discover some of our best art by playing around. love it.
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Gleaning and scrounging in our own muck is a good thing!
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That’s awesome! I like the look on the alpaca’s face! 😀
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