Inktober Challenge 2017 A book about the water

What is this Inktober Challenge 2017 thing?

I wish I had learned about the Inktober Challenge sooner. I happened to see a YouTube video by Jake Parker about the challenge just a few days before October 1st. It was so much fun. I decided to draw to the official prompt and interpret each prompt to reflect the ocean. I drew each of these pieces on a 3″ x 4″ heavy stock to turn into a small book. You can follow me on Instagram to see the book once it’s complete. I’ll post it there.

At first I started with a cartoony look, then I went more with my usual style. I’m calling this unique book:A book about the water and oceans, “A Book About the Water and Oceans.”

Why Am I Taking On an Art Challenge?

I think that every fine artist needs to step outside of their safe zone. Be it by trying new mediums, putting time restraints on their pieces, or just do something completely different. In this case I did a few things. One, I created a theme to follow. I chose sea life and our impact on it. Secondly, I created a very small format. 3″ x 4″ cards. Finally, I planned to bind these cards into a small book. I haven’t bound a book since my graphic design class in high school. We’ll still have to wait and see how the book part turns out. As for the challenge itself, I wasn’t sure how it would work out.

Inktober Challenge 2017 wasn’t my first challenge, I’ve done a lot of long term dedication challenges. In 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 I challenged myself to take a picture every day. In 2012, I added a constant in my pictures that allowed me to animate all of the pictures at the end of the year. I’ll post this on a different post. 2013 was also different because I included a second factor. Draw/paint every day, too.