Yes! Whenever I get overwhelmed by projects (such as making the current graphic novel), I would repeat in my head: "Bird by bird. Bird by bird." and work one panel at a time. It's like a magic that calms my nerves. Anne Lamott forever!
I'm at that stage as well, in my current picture book project. Deadline at the end of the month, and I find I need to focus on one spread at a time rather than spending too much time looking at the overall list of things I need to do.
A friend in the ministry community often talks about praying the scripture, “‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit,’ says the Lord.” When I feel overwhelmed, many times I hear her voice saying those words and I try to imitate her faith.
Yes! I have a song that I listen to when things get tough. I also have an "illustration last push" Playlist that reminds me why I'm in this profession to begin with. It helps when I need a boost of motivation!
That's fantastic! Music is such a big helper, I love hearing that you have a song and playlist for when you know you'll inevitably need that encouragement. 💖
Good luck with your deadline, Eliza! Also, I happen to be listening to BIRD BY BIRD right now via audiobook. I read the print version years ago but wanted to reread it, plus the audiobook is narrated by the author herself. I'd forgotten how FUNNY parts of the book are, and especially when read by Anne Lamott. 😁
Late reply here, sorry Debbie! I LOVE the idea of listening on audiobook, that's gotta be fabulous! Will have to listen for a re-read. Thanks and hope you are doing well amidst your own deadlines, too!
I loved that book, and often think of that "Bird by bird" advice when breaking big tasks into more manageable bites. It really does help to avoid the overwhelm. And thank you for sharing the glimpse into your working process. So interesting to see how other artists get things done. Looks like you track progress on individual spreads according to refined sketches, characters, background colors? But what is "base BL"? Just curious. Your work is beautiful!
Thank you Missy! And thanks for asking, re: tracking my progress. This is my first time with a totally digital process, so it's still evolving a bit...I'm building each artwork in layers much like a screenprint. There are 5 milestones that I'm working towards for each spread:
1. Sketch; refined
2. Base Blocks; these are base shape layers that I'm creating in procreate in black "ink"
3. Characters; painted
4. Background Quick Color; assembling the base block layers and layering their colors together
5. 85% finished; the final step (which I'm sharing more about for the next post!)
Interesting! Thanks so much for the explanation. I'm looking forward to reading your next post!
I work mostly in Photoshop, Illustrator and Fresco, but Procreate is on my list to learn. The Procreate brushes seem so much more flexible, in terms of different settings, but I have a lot to figure out on brushes in general. It's so much fun!
I love the different options that come with working digitally, but every once in a while I do catch myself hitting "command-Z" when doing traditional sketches. LOL.
Wow, what a wild synchronicity, Elizabeth–that sounds amazing! She's a great speaker, and I never thought to listen as an audiobook. Will need to do that! Thank you.
Yes! Whenever I get overwhelmed by projects (such as making the current graphic novel), I would repeat in my head: "Bird by bird. Bird by bird." and work one panel at a time. It's like a magic that calms my nerves. Anne Lamott forever!
Good luck on your book project, Eliza! (ॢ˘⌣˘ ॢ⑅)
I love hearing that you also use this as encouragement, Maple! Yes!
Thank you *hug*
I'm at that stage as well, in my current picture book project. Deadline at the end of the month, and I find I need to focus on one spread at a time rather than spending too much time looking at the overall list of things I need to do.
A friend in the ministry community often talks about praying the scripture, “‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit,’ says the Lord.” When I feel overwhelmed, many times I hear her voice saying those words and I try to imitate her faith.
That's lovely, thanks for sharing Samantha.
Yes! I have a song that I listen to when things get tough. I also have an "illustration last push" Playlist that reminds me why I'm in this profession to begin with. It helps when I need a boost of motivation!
That's fantastic! Music is such a big helper, I love hearing that you have a song and playlist for when you know you'll inevitably need that encouragement. 💖
I listen to Kenneth Soares meditation on Insight Timer that includes a bunch of affirmations saying that I got this!
Awesome!
Oooooh!!! This looks AWESOME.
I would LOVE to hear from you what "overviews, milestone charts, & work hours logs" actually mean!
I'm always looking for ways to keep myself disciplined and accountable :)
I have been meaning to do a post to share more on that -- stay tuned! (And I'm in the same boat...it's a moving target, for sure)
Good luck with your deadline, Eliza! Also, I happen to be listening to BIRD BY BIRD right now via audiobook. I read the print version years ago but wanted to reread it, plus the audiobook is narrated by the author herself. I'd forgotten how FUNNY parts of the book are, and especially when read by Anne Lamott. 😁
Late reply here, sorry Debbie! I LOVE the idea of listening on audiobook, that's gotta be fabulous! Will have to listen for a re-read. Thanks and hope you are doing well amidst your own deadlines, too!
I loved that book, and often think of that "Bird by bird" advice when breaking big tasks into more manageable bites. It really does help to avoid the overwhelm. And thank you for sharing the glimpse into your working process. So interesting to see how other artists get things done. Looks like you track progress on individual spreads according to refined sketches, characters, background colors? But what is "base BL"? Just curious. Your work is beautiful!
Thank you Missy! And thanks for asking, re: tracking my progress. This is my first time with a totally digital process, so it's still evolving a bit...I'm building each artwork in layers much like a screenprint. There are 5 milestones that I'm working towards for each spread:
1. Sketch; refined
2. Base Blocks; these are base shape layers that I'm creating in procreate in black "ink"
3. Characters; painted
4. Background Quick Color; assembling the base block layers and layering their colors together
5. 85% finished; the final step (which I'm sharing more about for the next post!)
Interesting! Thanks so much for the explanation. I'm looking forward to reading your next post!
I work mostly in Photoshop, Illustrator and Fresco, but Procreate is on my list to learn. The Procreate brushes seem so much more flexible, in terms of different settings, but I have a lot to figure out on brushes in general. It's so much fun!
I love the different options that come with working digitally, but every once in a while I do catch myself hitting "command-Z" when doing traditional sketches. LOL.
Thank you for this recommendation! Sounds magnificent. Looking forward to the book. 😁
I really need to read that book. Sending you bottomless-cup-of-tea energy as you finish up your book, Eliza! xoxo
It's a classic. I think you'll enjoy it for your 'creativity coming back online' days. :) Thank you Nina!
I’m listening the audio of Bird By Bird right now! It’s fabulous to hear the words read by Anne herself! Such a perfect book!
Wow, what a wild synchronicity, Elizabeth–that sounds amazing! She's a great speaker, and I never thought to listen as an audiobook. Will need to do that! Thank you.