FIRST MARKS
Don’t stop at the blank page!
The moment before your pencil touches paper is when most drawings die.
The most intimidating moment in any drawing is the first mark on a blank page. Don’t waste creative energy worrying about "ruining" the pristine surface, when in reality, that initial commitment is what transforms possibility into reality.
Professional illustrators develop rituals for these first marks – warm-up patterns, loose gestural lines, or even intentionally "ruining" the page with random marks to overcome perfectionism. The quality of your starting point matters far less than your willingness to begin.
has these incredible stamps and videos to get you get started with shapes. Use these as reference maybe even get the stamps! (PS: Thanks BOB for recommending this newsletter, it’s such an honor!)Today's Prompt: Create five different character silhouettes using only 30 seconds per drawing. Focus on distinctive shapes rather than details.
What stops you from making your first mark?
I know you are not alone, share your struggles and encourage one another!
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This post hits the nail on the head. I am one of the 90% that often stops before I even start.
It sounds a little foolish but sketchbooks (which I Adore) paralyze me. The rigidity. The set order of pages. The feeling of being set and unchangeable. It is a mind thing but powerful none the less.
Sometimes it is easier to work on individual paper, piece by piece and toss it in a box.
I’ve spent far to much money on unfinished journals that lay half unused. Going back in to them is just as hard. The “new” ideas don’t fit the old ones.
I kind of feel crazy rereading this but that is how it plays out. Every stinking time.
I might have the opposite problem hahah - I hate thinking while drawing. Just go! That's the funnest part for me - when something is revealed rather than conjured.