Preparing for Inktober 2021

Last year I took part in Inktober, a worldwide challenge spanning over October to create 31 ink drawings. The challenge was created by Jake Parker in 2009 but has since been recreated by other artists using prompts better suited to their audiences. I've decided to take part in it again this year as it was a fun experience and a great opportunity to grow an online network, communicating with other students and creatives from around the world. Like last year, I'm using Sha'an d'Anthes AKA Furry Little Peach's Peachtober list as the prompts are more object-based and interest me more than the original list.

The list was posted in Mid-September, and since then I've been working to get most of them done before October starts to keep on top of them. I started with writing out the prompts and generating ideas for each of them to relate to. From there I've been digitally drawing some ideas, here are some of the initial sketches I created on Fresco!

Last year I used sepia ink as I loved that medium and thought it would be a good challenge to use the month to get better at producing monochromatic imagery. This year I've decided not to limit myself to one material, instead, using coloured pencils, watercolours and neopastels. Recently I've enjoyed using more colour and experimenting with colour schemes so I want to use these prompts as a base to explore coloured concepts. There are lots of drawing challenges circulating during October but Inktober and Peachtober have the biggest following and are a good way to engage and build an audience of people with similar interests. My hopes are to improve on using colour more confidently and grow my illustration Instagram page, connecting with new people. Below is the prompt list.

The prompt list I'm following this year, Peachtober by Sha'an d'Anthes

I love taking part in this challenge as it pushes me to create new work with different themes that I wouldn't usually choose. Also, it's interesting to see how other people interpret the prompts and what materials they use, with some people utilising digital processes, 3D designs and pottery to create objects. Over the next few weeks, I want to try and get as many prompts done as possible before going to Iceland in the October half-term. Although it's a big commitment that takes up a lot of time when I have other uni commitments and keeping up to date with blog posts, it's a personal challenge I really enjoy doing and I look forward to getting into it!