I am STRUGGLING with INKTOBER! |

[@berry186]

I suggest preparing weeks ahead (Ex: September). Writing or sketching down ideas, storylines, etc ahead of time it will cut down the workflow faster. Example: I do Nanowrimo (writing 50,000 words in November challenge) and I prep an outline/characters/etc in October (which writers call it preptober) so that I will have an idea what to write in November.

[@MDCampbell]

Great advice, EDI. Thank you!

[@cammiluna]

I haven't done an inktober in several years, and even when I did, I always struggled with prompt lists because half of them were uninteresting. What I did was pool a bunch of different challenge prompt lists together and picked the prompts that looked fun to draw. Even if the prompts were done out of order. In 2016 and 2017, I started doing the hobonichi challenge. There's these Japanese day planners called Hobonichi that have a big graphed page for every day of the year (and the paper can handle assorted inks and light splashes of watercolor paint). The challenge was to draw something, be it a slight doodle or something more, every day of the year. I never completed a whole journal before, but any day that I DID draw on it, it would be whatever's on my mind- an idea for my comics, something funny an aquarium fish does, a thought in my head, a character I thought was cool, a cute outfit I've seen somewhere, the list goes on. In recent years, I'm even more causal about it, but I like flipping through the pages of my previous books and seeing what positive things were going on in my head that particular year. I was a little depressed in late 2021 that I stopped doing the challenge after 2018 because there's nothing to look back on, so I picked up a 2022 Hobonichi and my 2023 one just came in the mail for January! Back in the early days, I'd have about 8-10 months worth of dumb drawings done per journal year. This year, it's about 6 months due to day job burnout, but there's still lots to look back at later! I find inktobers good if the challenge you want is to follow a prompt list, but sometimes it's challenging enough just to to put something down on paper at all.

[@MDCampbell]

I couldn't agree with you more, Cammiluna - especially with regard to the prompt lists. Many of the words are very literal and from what I'm seeing, the words aren't allowing for imaginitive exploration, but drawing exactly what the word is, like an "eagle," "fowl," armadillo," etc. There's some good words, like "tempting," "salty," or "gear." But words like "uh-oh" and "booger?" I just don't even want to do those. I would love to see some more intellectual words or words that inspire creativity, like, "polymorphic," "explore," or even, "vibration." I would enjoy seeing that! I also like that you've owned your challenge and even after time off, you felt compelled to come back to it. So great! And yes, the challenge of just being creative... it can be really tough!

[@robineliason7850]

Wishing you success finishing the challenge. My cranky, temperamental Chromebook elected to go belly up last week. Unfortunately, it took my reference pics with it (I wasn't doing the prompts, I was working on bird flight from the Muybridge animations), My main push this year was to get back into drawing daily and this kinda threw me off stride. New Chromebook came today, so i can get back to it, but I think I am out of Inktonber at this point. It doesn't mean I am going to stop drawing, just not for Inktober. I will try again next year. Your suggestions on overcoming difficulties sound reasonable to me, and I am going to use some of them to keep myself drawing without the impetus of the challenge. I had deliberately kept my ideas simple and was not planning to do complex pieces for the challenge. I have had success with completing the challenge in the past. And it will help me keep drawing without the challenge now. And I 100% agree with your suggestion to breathe! It is amazing how that can help, how it can allow you to refocus. Thank you once again for a great, and useful, video.

[@robineliason7850]

Also, I think the fact that I am not a professional artist makes it easier for me to accept it when a drawing goes wonky or I end up with technical difficulties that put me out of the game. I have less on the line.

[@kellywilson2147]

Year after year I look forward to your Inktober videos! Mainly because I love your art, but also because you always have a great take on the challenge. I hate to see you struggle, but I'm so glad to know I'm not alone! Your 10 list hit home for me because every single one applies to me; I forget to eat, I spend too much time on a single drawing that I'm never happy with, and the list goes on. Thanks for sharing your struggle with us! Your insight is so appreciated!

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you for such generous words, Kelly Wilson! I appreciate your feedback. I forgot to eat, too, the other night. I also find I eat less healthy food, like chips and snacks, because they're easier. I'm trying to get a better handle on my time management, but it's not easy. lol! Stay well and thank you again! ~ Mark

[@shirleyj3255]

I think that part of the idea of the challenge is to establish a drawing habit. If that is the case, then come up with a concept drawing for the month and work on it each day. How much you work on it each day is up to you. Then if you do finish...Fantastic. If you don't finish by the 31st, you still have days in November to keep going until you do. Just keep drawing. I too struggle and succeed some days and fail others. I just keep trying. That to me is what is most important.

[@VictorianStudio]

I hope you find your balance Mark. I am absolutely amazed at the pieces you turn out. I didn't attempt Inktober until I was retired in 2019 so this is my 4th year in a row participating. Because I don't have work commitments, I successfully completed the challenge each year; I can't imagine trying it while having a full time job or school. Even so, this year I also pared down my theme to more simple images and have been able to keep up even when I have "down" days. I guess the only good thing about being alone in the house is that I can stay up till any hour if I want to but I do miss the encouragement and support hubby gave me in previous years - I loved sharing every drawing with him.

[@MDCampbell]

I like to believe that those we love are with us in spirit and if we allow room for them, they help to motivate our creativity. I have not experienced the deep loss of a loved one or family member, but I know the time will come. I like to think I'll continue to share my creativity with them. It is difficult to imagine not having that support or encouragement. Fortunately, you are putting yourself and your work out there to draw in support and even criticism, should it come. You are owning this year's challenge and your solution for "Forget" is truly memorable. I enjoy seeing what you are producing. Keep up the great work and thank you, as always, for checking this video out. I'm grateful! ~ Mark

[@lucybarker3156]

I love your realism and your drawings are great. I have the opposite situation this year, although what you described was very much me last year. This year though, something happened at work that has made things so difficult, Inktober has been the only thing helping me get out of my head and give me some peace for a few hours each night

[@MDCampbell]

It's funny, Lucy Barker, I think that was me last year. I looked forward to each prompt and dove right in after work. I guess I'm doing that again this year, too, but I'm feeling less inspired this year. The prompt words aren't engaging me as they have in the past. Perhaps too literal, I don't know. But, my plan is to continue despite the struggle. Thank you for the encouragement and support! I'm glad you're engaged in the challenge! Cheers!

[@jimmydragonstudios]

Each time inktober comes around I always say I'm going to do it. But it comes and sometimes I can do it out the door great and I'm good for half the month. Other times like this year, I don't touch anything. I only finished inktober once with all 31 drawings on time. Burn out is real. I'm also someone who spends too much time on a drawing. You always have good ideas and love your work. Keep at it with inktober and do your best. If you need to stop, that is alright. Your outside life is important too.👍😊

[@paulalister80]

My 3rd year doing Inktober. This year I’m doing the Kattober prompts, having a blast. I focus in on one thing, last year it was shading it worked I got better and my mono art improved. This year it’s cats (yep not the best at drawing them) must say I’m definitely better, I’m also using alcohol markers, not great with them, I can see improvement so again happy. I’m trying not to take it to seriously not the best at this. Yep got stressed on one prompt so far. Still I think it’s the habit of drawing for 31 days that I like, creating new pictures. Fun was had each day for me this is the key.

[@dianeo]

I can relate to the difficulties that go along with Inktober. I struggled with Inktober 3 years in a row and finally decided I just didn't need a month of anxiety and frustration. Maybe a better approach (for me) is to do only 4 drawings per month by combining a week's worth of prompts into one drawing and preparing it in September then inking it in Oct. Not sure if that would relieve some of the pressure, but considering that for next year. This year I'm dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian so Inktober got shelved. I think the most important advice is to get enough sleep! I am such a big proponent being fully rested. Your body needs that time to recharge. If you don't, everything becomes more of a struggle compounding the difficulties. Put the pen down and sleep! 😄

[@Benham_Design]

I love that you use a full array of tools from analog pin and paper to digital tools like Photoshop

[@annmccarthy1354]

It's over Mark! Hope you were able to enjoy the last part of Inktober 2022! Wondering when you will make your video about how you survived the challenge and preview your always amazing drawings!

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you so much, Ann. Really - your words are very generous, indeed! I am working on a "recap" of Inktober video, but between work and videos, it's tough to find time! lol! Hope you are well! ~ Mark

[@C0raBr0wn]

Sometimes it's hard to decide if dealing with the struggles is worth the effort, or it's better to skip the challenge. I don't always know whether the effort was worth it until much later. Art challenges make me feel under pressure to perform, and keep me away from doing my "real" art, so I usually skip them. When I did the 30 x 30 Direct Watercolor challenge in 2018. I wanted to quit so many times. Now when I come across these challenge pieces, they delight me and make me remember how much I learned from doing them. Thanks for your practical tips on how you deal with the struggle.

[@MDCampbell]

Thank you, my friend. Sorry for the late reply on this. But, yes, I feel exactly the same way about the pressure. I also grieve the loss of allowing my creative spirit drive the work I create, not some silly prompt word like "booger." I'm toying with the idea of doing my own, personal challenge next year called Marktober. lol! I'll create my own prompts and I won't limit it to pen and ink drawings. I think I'd enjoy that much more! Cheers to you and hoping you are well! ~ Mark

[@tombeirl2559]

Personally, I connect the prompts to a theme. This year is pizza. My first year was to set a time limit if possible. I struggle with finding the time. I'm a retired art teacher with a background in cartooning/illustration. I struggle with the prompts at times. One solution is to accept the first thing that comes to mind. I also accept my mistakes and limitations. I seek the enjoyment of the challenge and seeing others artwork. There are exceptional artists throughout the world during Inktober. I'm very grateful to share and view the artwork. Struggle equals compassion/care to do what you love.

[@Jendollla]

I take more time on prompts that inspire and I doodle the ones that don't. Forget gave me no inspiration at all so I literally drew a bubble with a question mark. Now some of the others like eagle, I took more time on. Some days I just skip it and revisit it the next day to catch up. I don't want to feel pressured to complete it. I want it to be fun and relaxing.

[@Pixiewithpens]

i have never attempted a 31 day challenge and i dont think i ever will, unless something massively changes for my health somehow. im disabled and this amount of pressure on top of what i have to manage gets too much really quickly. but this year i didnt wanna miss out, so i made myself a personalised challenge of doing and posting (posting is the more challenging part for me) 15 ink drawings, using prompts of my own that are tailored to my interests and what i enjoy drawing. and im still struggling! ive been making tiktoks+reels of every drawing, and while video production gets easier with practice, and these arent advanced or anything, it does add work and i need energy to be "social" to record a voice over. a week in i started getting this fatigue flare up and its been making it hard even to draw things i dont have to post. so i should probably quit, but im not willing to give up and have to go back on my word just yet. i think the next step of accommodation is not record every process. i can still make a video where i show the drawing, and meet that goal i set myself, but get some drawing done on the couch and take it easy with it. i also knew going in that some of these 15 would have to be simpler doodles, and that i cant compare myself to the fully fledged original concepts of more experienced artists, but it still stings a bit to share a sketchbook doodle id normally keep to myself. all that being said, i am super enjoying filling out this sketchbook with subjects and themes i like and keep returning to - its becoming a rumination on who ive been as an artist and where this might lead in the future. i strongly recommend leaning into your interests if youre struggling - maybe do fanart, or draw your go-to doodle and either let it be that or use it as a starting point for something more. its hard to find the balance between pushing yourself, because it is a challenge, and being kind to yourself. worse come to worst, the 15 will be completed into november. thats also fine. the satisfaction of completing a project is so important to my confidence, but there is such a thing as too high of a cost when it interferes with health. expanding the deadline lets me complete without running myself into the ground. this has become a whole essay, if you read to the end i appreciate you very much! and i hope youre doing well and having fun drawing.

[@MerKittiez]

Thank you for this video, I stopped drawing for the past 2 years and I decided to give it another go this October, I took on the #promptober challenge and have been struggling on and off, but it has been worth it because my love for drawing has been restored and it is something I needed, and watching your videos has always been inspirational, you are so right, we need balance and keep living our lives, again thank you for all your videos and I am looking forward for more.

[@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel]

Yeah I kept it simple. this will be my first ink tober to get done. I keep it to drawing my ocs and now I see what I like to do.

[@RinaArlingMedia]

No wonder why your paintings in InkTober are so clever, fun and well done. And yes... this is my 2nd inktober. Learned about this last year, did all 31 in 2 days, but with mostly watercolour in low quality sketchbook. So this year is 1st with proper paper, ink.. never used ink before, brush pen. I feel challenged with painting fur, I start way to easily painting each hair separately. And yes staying in tempo is hard. I had few years health issues, that make me very tired and my hand cramps. I think my paintings should not be so taxing on my energy, kind of imbarred to admit I spend plenty time on these, but I enjoy getting these done, I love learning and getting more comfortable with ink. Not perfect results, as sometime ink has its own life, but I love it. 2 x I been a day late.. yesterday got 2 done, so today I can take a bit more meditating and chill.

[@madebylora]

I’m doing inktober for the first time this year (so I don’t know anything about past controversy). So far it’s going well but I have deliberately kept it very simple because it’s my first year and 31 days is a big enough challenge for me without extra complications. (I’m using a small sketchbook and just fine liners). However, I can very easily imagine that there is an internal pressure to do it bigger and better every year to really push yourself! (I guess I’ll find out next year!). If this newbie dare give advice, I have a suggestion for you…. You said yourself that you feel out of balance because the amount of time you are spending on this drawing challenge so my humble suggestion would be to change your perspective of what the challenge really is. Maybe instead of pushing yourself to do the best drawing you can, however long it takes, maybe your challenge is to do the best drawing you can within a preset time limit. I saw an old video where Jake Parker said that creativity comes out of constraints and accountability. So for you maybe the challenging constraint is not so much about materials but about the time. It will push you but in a different way and hopefully give you back some balance. I hope this is a helpful suggestion!

[@theartofeldon902]

Thanks for posting this one. The struggle is real. I have really liked all of your advice in this video and all I'll say is that showers are definitely an important part of the balancing act and shouldn't be skipped. 🚿 Sleep is good too. 😴 I've enjoyed seeing your drawings so far. Half way through! At prompt 15 Armadillo now. Not sure what to post for that one yet but hopefully something will work out. Good luck with it everyone. 👍 -Eldon

[@KelliPaints]

I feel this so much! I actually took this year off after finally completing the challenge last year after four “failed” attempts 😂 I have to say I am so relieved not to be doing a drawing challenge rn. Love these videos, thanks for sharing!

[@CuriosityRocks]

I’m doing Kinktober, I am using a set small hexagon shape to keep each day cohesive and to make it easier to manage, I’m currently a couple days behind but should be able to catch up 🥰 I’m having a lot of fun interacting with the community

[@AVigortsson]

This video brings up so many points I relate to! I've tried making small boxes to limit my time, but by accident I've been doing digital Inktober instead this year 😅 Going with a theme or incorporating characters is fun, a colleague of mine made a comment so I include my version of Pikachu in each drawing 🤷‍♀ I also have fallen behind on the challenge, but life happens. Both how to limit yourself, trying to lessen internal stress from the challenge as well as falling behind being natural, are things I told a student of mine when I presented the challenge to her. Great video 🙂

[@erichoffman1664]

It is a strength to be able to take a day off when you need to and then pick right back up and do the next prompt.

[@alyssav2124]

Lately I've been taking a "less is more" approach to my art; creating has been a consistent struggle for me this year so I never even considered doing inktober this time around. Maybe you would do well to try and dial it back a little as well; try to approach the prompts more simplistically and find a balance between less work and yet still being satisfied with what you make. It's always nice to watch you draw, though, and it's definitely inspiring me a bit! Maybe I'll pick up my pencil today. Always appreciate the videos and hearing your ideas and opinions! Hang in there :)

[@moonlightgator541]

I have never done this challenge. I just have to many responsibilities. I am lucky if I have few minuts to draw a day. I have time in the summer so this is when I do my challanges.

[@CreatingwithWinglessAngel]

My cat drawings are getting better and better every day. #kattober2022

[@maryebert3884]

you gave me advice when things were not going well as I did nano you told me to slow down and stop for the yr, and examine what I could physically and mentally do. That's what I've been doing and I'm still struggling but I'm following the advice you gave me you need to follow your own advice

[@azalea1404]

I think all of us who have attended Inktober can relate. It tend to become stressfull and all absorbing if one gets too engaged in it - and it's difficult not to do that. Pertaining to your struggles - may I suggest you only do the ink-part throughout October and postpone the colourwork to November? It is after all INKtober, so a B/W-drawing is enough. Most of us do that. However, I know you enjoy making a printed colour book each year based on your Inktober work, but you can do that whenever it suits you in a relaxed pace. It's just a game. You are in charge of the scope of your work, so don't get stressed because of this. Stress is very harmfull to your health. Anyway, thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts, your skills, experience, ideas etc. I enjoy your channel a lot. Take care, Mark. 🙏❤👍🌞

[@phyllisd3705]

I had a work trip for part if the first week of Inktober, so I pencil-sketched the drawings for the days I’d be out of town and put down ink each day of the trip (two on an airplane). This is my first Inktober and I’m drawing vignettes from a Richard Scarry book that match the prompts because I was overwhelmed with trying to create original art each day. The daily changes are improving my drawing skills, which is the whole point, right? Your advice to not let the challenge overshadow daily life, from family to self care to enjoying this beautiful season is really good. It’s just hard for a creative perfectionist to limit each day’s drawing to a limited picture.

[@grannysmithart]

did you ever think of publishing your inktober pics , maybe comic book style. we all love what you create, please don't stop. That said, you might try limiting the size and scope of each drawing. I've seen people who do one large drawing and add to it each day.

[@MysticSparkleWings]

I'm a bit of an odd duck; I do still struggle with immersing myself too deeply in Inktober [...and most of my other artwork if we're being realistic, but I digress...], but I feel fortunate that after completely failing the first year I attempted it [2017], when I tried doing it the "normal" way, Year 2 I found the bones of a very different approach-one that would be an order of magnitude easier and faster to do daily than my normal process while still being creatively fulfilling-that has since carried me successfully through 3 Inktobers and I'm working my way through hopefully a 4th as I type. I've still given myself room and permission to change things up a bit year to year, but the general basis is the same. Also, while I never get around to doing as much as I'd like, I do try to start prepwork in September to limit catastrophies and surprises. And if I have the time and energy to work a day or two ahead [or I have days coming up where I know I just won't have time] during the month, I let myself, and then just wait to post it on the day-of. Taking an approach that's totally different both from what's popular and from a given person's "normal" style/process definitely won't be for everyone, but I think it's worth considering if and when it starts to look like the "normal way" just isn't working out. The way I see it, the whole point of these challenges is for fun and giving yourself a little creative push, not driving you clean over the edge and making yourself miserable.

[@CuriosityRocks]

I actually think you should leave the full colouring until after this month, save your energy for getting your line work done and then you can colour it later.

[@vernakg]

These prompts this year were a real struggle for me

[@icanhazKnit]

Does that say rip the dab? 💚😶‍🌫️💨??

[@MDCampbell]

Yes.

[@CuriosityRocks]

If you’re doing bigger pieces I suggest getting your pencil work done a month or so before

[@MadebyDawn23]

thank you for your support and advice. When I am stuck in a drawing a take a break but i do something else creative. Maybe pull out a paint set and reswatch it. luckily I usually do my drawing challenges at least a month early where I can take a break without feeling the anxiety of falling behind. I also accept bad drawings and lazy ideas. Accept that not all my illustrations are most amazing as i want it, or i made a lazy idea, accept that for 31 days per month will come with some lazy ideas but it is ok. I am apart of two art youtube discord groups and after inktober i felt burnout and wasn't enthusiastic about drawing for a week or two, thankfully the youtube artist in both of the discord groups that I am apart understand how i felt and was great support that I dont feel alone. thank you for your advice, and you too are great help and support for me thanks

[@MDCampbell]

I appreciate that, Made by Dawn. I've been lazy, myself, but not in my drawing. Rather, in my self-commitment to visit other people's social media channels and indulge in what other's are creating. Not because I don't want to, it's just that time leaves no room for it right now. I'm at that point where I'm starting to look forward to Inktober being InktOVER. LOL!! This has been the hardest year for me, so far. I put too much pressure on myself, so I would like to maintain my commitment. I look forward to seeing more of what you're doing, esepcially. Do you post to Instagram? Stay well! ~ Mark