Keeping a Comic Diary

[@rvrgrrl]

Ahhh...hearing you say that the most boring things make the best comics was really wonderful. I would like to try my hand at something like this, and I love graphic novels!

[@JanePorterPictureBooks]

Ah that's nice to hear! You should definitely have a go - if you want some weekly encouragement, you could always join my online class - starts Jan 15th!

[@suzanneboily5224]

Will start for sure looks like fun

[@JanePorterPictureBooks]

Perfect timing, start with the new year! Good luck with your diary :)

[@marielouiseweeksb33attitud33]

This is fabulous. I am truly inspired.

[@JanePorterPictureBooks]

That's lovely to hear, thankyou!

[@manuelnoailles]

This is amazing! I started a journal 11 years ago and some days I would add a tiny drawing for something special and now I can see how that transformed over the years, now beeing almost 50% writing and 50% drawings. Wish I could be as talented as you! This was very inspiring thank you for sharing it!!

[@JanePorterPictureBooks]

Thankyou so much Manuel, I am glad you found it inspiring! Good luck with your journal :)

[@straydogstrut115]

Thanks for sharing, this was such a lovely video♥ I've attempted Hourly Comics Day a couple of times, but never thought to keep a comic diary. I'm currently trying to develop my illustration skills, and only recently started drawing with ink pens, but i'm looking for a regular creative habit to help soothe my daily stresses. I like the idea of a diary format because it can evolve over time, even if I don't share it. The last few years have been really difficult and I think it could be very helpful to have a visual record to look back on when things are all too much. Thank you for sharing your approach.

[@JanePorterPictureBooks]

So glad you enjoyed it - and that you are finding making comics a good way to soothe stresses in difficult times. I find it ENORMOUSLY therapeutic - have been going nearly ten years now!

[@linesandgrace]

"The most boring things make the best comics" - I just learned something new! 🤓

[@JanePorterPictureBooks]

It's so true!

[@seek.life.elsewhere]

I'm in love with this whole concept - I'm not an artist at all but would love to start one now. And I just wanted to say I could watch a video every day of you just flipping through them and narrating a bit just as you did. Your voice is super soothing and helped me on a rough day. Thanks!

[@JanePorterPictureBooks]

What a lovely comment, that has made my day! And you should definitely start your own diary, there is no need to be an artist - it's just about finding your own way to record all those quirky things that make up day-to-day life. I'm planning to start a beginner-level comics class in January, join my free newsletter here if you'd like to keep in touch! janeporter.substack.com/about

[@duskyperil]

Jane, thank so much for making this. I've been on and off with drawing for years, and I have been struggling to make the habit of drawing a comic diary for some time, and this was just a great bit of inspiration. Wishing you all the best.

[@JanePorterPictureBooks]

Thankyou so much Nikka, that's made my day!

[@NelaDunato]

I took Emily's class as well! But sadly it didn't make me start a regular comic practice 😂 I particularly liked the garden composition, such a clever way to feature many interesting details from the same destination.

[@JanePorterPictureBooks]

Aw it’s never too late to start one! Glad you enjoyed the video, a diary is a fun place to experiment with formats 😊

[@lailayasmin1502]

These are lovely Jane. I try and do something similar called draw your day. But I love your comic idea and I am going to give that a go.

[@JanePorterPictureBooks]

thankyou so much Laila! I really recommend keeping a comic diary, it's so interesting to look back on as well as great drawing practice :)

[@Silver_the.cat.lady.]

This was such a delightful video to see ❤

[@JanePorterPictureBooks]

Thankyou!

[@zoilarivera8866]

Great flip thru of your comic diary😍😍😍. You’re a treasure so much inspiration! I think I will start a comic diary too. Thanks for sharing your love of art🙏🏻

[@JanePorterPictureBooks]

Thankyou! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@Sam-qq2ut]

Hi Jane! Nice video! All of your sketchbooks looked like they were approximately the same size and paperweight as one another--is there a particular brand that you use?

[@JanePorterPictureBooks]

Hi Sam, glad you enjoyed the video. The sketchbooks are all A4 hardback: I usually get a Daler-Rowney or Seawhite but the one I'm using at the moment is Stillman & Birn - more expensive, but the paper is luxurious!

[@CandyGourlay]

Jane, I love this! Do you spray your comic diaries with fixative as you go along?

[@JanePorterPictureBooks]

I don't, but I probably should as the 2B pencil is quite smudgy!