Today marks the start of a global phenomenon for all artists to create works of art in a 31 day challenge. That's right, I'm talking about Inktober! For those who wonder what Inktober is, it is a full-month challenge with 31-days worth of prompts to help artists build skills and effective habits. This challenge was initially founded by creator Jake Parker in 2009 with a goal to improve his inking skills and build positive habits towards creating. In 2020's challenge, I manage to create 20 drawings with 23 prompts. While I did not achieve all 31 prompts as I have expected, hitting 75% of it was an achievement in itself! It was the most productive month of 2020 by far in my creative journey so despite the mistakes made along the way, I am proud of my progress thus far.
Check out my Instagram if you like to see what I create! I've had the privilege of joining Inktober for the past 3 years and this year would be my 4th year of participation. My goal is (and always will be) to discover my potential/style and pushing the limits of my creativity. Despite not being able to meet all prompts every year, I did however found a style I love and have continued to hone that skill like raising a puppy or growing a plant. Since the pandemic and multiple lockdowns within the span of 2 years, I have undergone a series of rollercoaster emotions which led me to believe my sanity was in danger. I lost motivation to create, my weight yo-yoed, I developed insomnia for a prolonged period, I am easily irritated and I have had multiple breakdowns. My body, mind and soul was a mess! I know I needed help but I did not know where to start or how. In that exact moment when my soul cried for help, the universe reached out and heed my calling. My company organised a mental health seminar and thanks to their efforts, it made me realise what I went through was also what many others are going through. It gave me a glimmer of hope that I am not crazy and calvary has arrived to save our poor souls! We were referred to professionals and through a series of test, I have what my counsellor calls a "Lockdown Burn Out" aka "Pandemic Burn Out". I have heard of burn out before but I never thought I would experience it until now, or at the very least, I have not been aware of its presence in my life until now. Getting diagnosed and talking to a counsellor was the best thing that could have happened. Detection is the first step to treatment. I felt lighter, happier and I felt the urge to create again. In the past, one of the many mistakes I've made for Inktober was thinking every prompt I create has to be perfection and no matter what, I have to finish every prompt on that list. If I don't achieve them, I have failed myself. That took a toll on my spirit and passion causing me to burn out and have constant creative blocks. It led me down the rabbit hole of lost causes. As I dive into this year's Inktober challenge, I will remind myself to make progress instead of striving for perfection. With my current packed schedule, instead of reaching for the stars maybe I'll reach for the clouds instead, to pace myself and create when I'm able. If I had to let go some of the prompts, then I shall because stress is an enemy to creativity. If you want to get out of your creative rut or want to heal your creative soul, join us in this challenge. Let loose and explore your creativity. Do visit the official Inktober website to understand more. Happy Drawing!
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