My Top 10 Tips to beat INKTOBER 2023 + my plan for the challenge!

[@shamuscollins5861]

Me and 4 of our kids have done Inktober for the past 3 years. This year we decided to use the prompts to write short stories. I'm planning on drawing some of the characters I create in the short stories, but not all. The stories are the main focus this year.

[@shep4184]

I love that!

[@claowue]

I decided not to do an official prompt list this year. I want to draw something which I find on my way to work every day - in ink with an fudge-pen with ink in black: A stone, a flower, a leave, etc. This way I hope it’s limited enough and I hopefully improve my sketching skills.

[@zoehartist]

What an interesting idea!

[@ChantelleArts]

Wow! I couldn't imagine doing two art challenges in one month and filming it, that's crazy!! 😮

[@zoehartist]

It was too much! I was so tired 🤣

[@suzisaintjames]

I love this idea of putting the drawings in the book after completion. It takes the pressure off of starting a new book (the "what if I screw up the first page, then the whole book is ruined" pressure!) (I know that's not the purpose of inktober, but I think everyone has an apprehension about ruining a new book and adding the sketches after drawing them really helps, so thanks for posting. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@zoehartist]

I always get that fear when starting a new one!

[@varblased]

Omg i love you for bringing up aphantasia. Bc i feel like im all alone in this. No motivation to draw n hours spent on scrolling just to find any inspo or good reference

[@zoehartist]

I know that feeling! I should do a separate video on it!

[@varblased]

@zoehartist please omg. I could send it to my mom too since we both struggle with it. The representation is so small in art field so it would mean the world to me. Get tips n tricks in that comment section from others who have it n stuff. Omg im excited about it already hahah

[@paulalister80]

I’ve done Inktober for three years, first one was no prep and just ink. Second looked words up wrote ideas on one page ink and alcohol markers. Third one Kattober, prep a little on hard words and just had a blast with ink watercolours. Each year I improved on one thing so bonus. This year I’m doing a little prep on hard words, fun with watercolours, ink and pencil maybe if needed. Definition of words help if stuck for drawing ideas. Not doing official list. For me it’s the improvement I’ve found doing inking for a month, fun at looking at other peoples take on a prompt, I love inking, line work and family, friends and my adult art buddy’s pop in and will sometimes join in with me on certain days as I just have fun. None have been a masterpiece however I still smile and laugh at the inkings also at times marvel at how far I’ve come, still can’t draw a perfect circle but truthfully why do I need to? Lol

[@zoehartist]

Funny you would say about definitions because I did this for one of the prompts last year, it was Scurry and I believe it was day 2. I ended up drawing a scurry of squirrels 🐿️

[@fuzzydragons]

Exactly!! when doing inktober, use what ever medium woks for you, and screw anyone who says otherwise!😀 and its all about having fun and practising skills 🙂

[@zoehartist]

100%

[@ddgmakesart]

Really appreciate the tips, especially not comparing myself and not overthinking it. My main goals are to focus on finishing a piece a day and using my fountain pens. I made a board on Pinterest with references for each prompt, which helped ease some of my fear and get me excited.

[@zoehartist]

Good luck! You sound really prepared!! Don’t forget to have fun too!

[@barbistraut5635]

LOVE your idea of creating individual pieces of art and pasting them into a scrapbook!! I've just made up a pile of 6x6" hot press watercolor cards and purchased an 8x8" scrapbook with black paper. I really appreciate your advice to just have fun!! Thanks!!

[@zoehartist]

I had so much paper lying around unused it didn’t feel write using a brand new sketchbook even thought I’m sticking them into a scrap book anyway! 🤣 hope you enjoy it!! Good luck!

[@sweetteasippen]

Out of the four years I’ve tried, I’ve never completed a whole InkTober, Hoping this will be my year and best of luck to you too!!

[@zoehartist]

You can do it!! Don’t over think or over complicate it and you will be just fine! And if you can’t dont worry just have fun!

[@sweetteasippen]

@@zoehartist thanks I’ll do my best!! Best of luck to you too, you’ve got it!!

[@ArizonaSun]

Great tips! Having fun with it and your art is the most important! :)

[@elaineashdown4012]

I'm with you Zoe so glad I caught your video. I also suffer from Aphantasia and know the struggle to try to visualise the prompts so I never bothered to do this challenge. Now it feels like you have given me permission to use references so now I'm looking forward to the challenge. Great Video.👍

[@zoehartist]

Nothing wrong with using references! Use 10 per piece if you need to!! Good luck if you do the challenge!! 🎉

[@vylxis.]

I too have aphantasia. Having an artist like Zoe mentioning references makes me feel hopeful now about trying Inktober for the first time. Let's give this a solid try!

[@fuzzymeow5576]

Just an idea, but you could use the stack of loose paper, and then when Inktober is finished, perfect bind the pages into a book. I use cereal box cardboard covered with cloth as my covers. Then you don’t need an extra sketchbook to glue them in. Keeps it all tidy and looks good, too!

[@zoehartist]

Nice idea but I’ll be using the black paper scrapbook that I showed in the video

[@melfallon]

Great video, with lots of helpful advice. Small paper squares is genius! Way less overwhelming that way. 100% agree about the gatekeepers. (I just nod at them while I hop the fence anyway. 😆) At the end of the day, it's all about the joy of creating and sharing art. Like you said, if the challenge isn't fun, it's not worth it!

[@zoehartist]

Thank you! I find with gatekeepers the more they push the rules onto people the more I rebel against them!

[@poorbutproudgeek]

I'm thinking about participating for the first time this year, and you've given me inspiration and encouragement.

[@zoehartist]

Good luck, I’m sure you’ll smash it!!

[@orange14122]

Yeyyy !! First time participating Inktober and I’m exciteedd and nervous (ﾟ∀ﾟ) Also for my plan I’m not doing the 31 days word thingy BUT !! I’ll be drawing my fav characters, genshin preferably, cause they have detailsss and I want to practive my lineart skills!! ( and also it’s more enjoyable for me rather than sticking to a theme !!) So thank youuu for the tips !! and i just want to share my supplies are fineliners and fineliners with ✨colors✨ BWHAHHAHAHHAHA. Once again thank youuu !! Also just subscribe looking forward for more videos !!

[@zoehartist]

Awesome! Thanks for subscribing and good luck!

[@cherylotto-cunningham1843]

Thank you!! I heard about this very recently and was thinking it was too late. With your input, I'm just going to get whatever supplies I already have, cut up some paper, and pick a theme. I've decided to accept this even though I'm a new artist, with love for art but not much learning my work will simple! If I draw a cat that looks like a cat, success 😅! I'm curious about myself and this challenge. I hope it's more about self-discovery than self-discipline. I'm an avid amature photographer and I've felt the need, the compulsion to learn this physical way to storytell. I think it would be beautiful. I hope a person can learn two mediums. I wonder, often, with the intensity required to master an art, if it is even possible.

[@zoehartist]

It’s never too late!! Just enjoy it!!

[@RoryChronicles]

Thanks for this! I have watched other Inktober prep videos. and I still got value from yours. I am planning to do Inktober as my Instagram launch this year. I had a go at it a few years ago (managed three drawings). It never occurred to me to preplan subjects and sketches for the prompts - this one tip from the videos I've seen makes the challenge seem possible! I love your emphasis on ignoring gatekeepers and doing the challenge your way! Good luck with your Inktober!

[@zoehartist]

Glad you found it useful! Good luck!

[@amexjam55]

This will be my 3rd Inktober. The first two were both very stressful to say the least. I'm going with your tip #8 and choosing the Catober prompt list Thank you so much for your helpful tips.

[@zoehartist]

You got this!

[@barbarabrady1267]

Thank you. 😊 I stopped at day 11 last year. I also need a reference photo, I also didn’t have the skills to draw what I wanted 😆. We like hearing you ramble 😊

[@zoehartist]

I’ll tell you a secret BB! Everyone needs reference photos, people who say real artist don’t need them are liars!! Imagine trying to draw a portrait without a reference 😱

[@barbarabrady1267]

@@zoehartist You’re right 😀

[@sarahhirsch8919]

The idea off using a scrapbook and pasting the finished squares in is friggin brilliant. I'm going to do this this year! Part of the anxiety of doing these kinds of challenges is that I'm going to screw up a page in a sketchbook. This has led me to draw on loose pieces of paper for the most part when trying these challenges, and this is a great way to get all those loose pieces of paper into a cohesive whole!

[@zoehartist]

I know what you mean about worrying about messing up a page!! I was the same but this year just wanted to do something different!

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Zoe, good tips for everyone! Beginners and more advanced artists can benefit from the tips in this video! I love how you created thumbnails! I have struggled with InkTober every year and only finished once! I never let it bother me overmuch. I have plenty to do and I do enjoy watching others creations. I wish you only the very best going forward! Have a lovely day!

[@zoehartist]

Thank you! I wish I had seen a video like this before I did it the first time so I thought I would make one for others!

[@mk-aka-morgan8386]

I don’t plan on participating this year because I’ve been focusing on my comic, but I’m super excited to see your pieces this year!!!

[@zoehartist]

I really need to get started on them 🤣

[@shep4184]

I’m doing the official list in pencil sketches and choosing one or two colors other than black to highlight each piece My first inktober in 4 years a bit nervous but I really wanted to get back into art so I can improve

[@sandrarahimi5688]

Thank you for introducing me to the Stabilio Boss highlighter. After seeing a few if your drawings using the gray highlighter for shadows, I ordered the 4 pack that included pink, blue and a kind of golden yellow in addition to the grey. I just tried them out and the blue and pink can blend to make violet and the blue and yellow can blend to make green. And they seem to be waterproof! I am always looking for small versions of materials to add color and this “set” will fit nicely in my purse with my BIC 4 color ballpoint pen and my Pentel 8 color 2mm clutch pencil. Thank you!

[@zoehartist]

They are a great highlighter! I like to use mid liners as well I think Zebra make them!

[@MedaHalmaciu]

Thanks. This was very inspiring and encouraging. Keeping it easy is the way yo go. I have a small sketchbook I made myself (10x10) cm. I'm using that and I'll gather up my inky stuff - I don't have a lot. In terms of drawing, I will use the offcial list and I'll just copy some reference, hopefully every day. Not sure if I will post anything anywhere. That is my criptonite.

[@zoehartist]

Oh fabulous! I was planning on making my own sketchbook for next year’s Inktober! You don’t need to post anywhere if you don’t want to just do it for yourself!

[@robyndixon8361]

Such a great idea to cut sheets from random old sketch books! I love the idea of using something just sitting on the shelf (beause I can't not buy new sketch books, right?).

[@zoehartist]

It definitely made sense to use them! Next year I might even make my own sketchbook from them!

[@vylxis.]

This will be my first time trying Inktober. I'm new to art and am looking at this as motivation to practice and stretch my creative muscles a bit each day. Thank you for the tips. It is very much appreciated. Being new though, could you explain to me what a thumbnail is? If it is really complicated or you don't have time, no worries though. 🙂

[@davesartbook]

A thumbnail is a really basic sketch of the idea you have for your artwork, like a rough draft. They help to see if you like the idea, style, composition etc before you decide to draw the final piece.

[@zoehartist]

What Dave said! I have nothing further to add! Good luck with your first inktober!

[@vylxis.]

@@davesartbook oh I get it now. Thank you so very much!

[@toothfairy10133]

i'm going to seriously attempt inktober this year for the first time since 2015, which was when i was just starting out. im very excited, although i haven't actually done traditional art in a hot minute and have No Idea what to do with the first prompt

[@zoehartist]

Ooh good luck! When I don’t know what to do for one I go onto Pinterest a type in whatever the prompt is and then illustration and see what other people have done with a word! I don’t copy but it always gives great inspiration!

[@suebrown3194]

Very useful video! And not just for those who are planning to do Inktober. 😁

[@zoehartist]

Exactly these can be applied to any long art challenge!

[@carmelestellearts]

These tips are really helpful I’m going to take note after screaming last year 😂❤ good luck and have fun! I can’t wait to see what you create

[@zoehartist]

Yass!! We took on a lot last year 🤣

[@artyfartyannie]

Lots of wise words there from the voice of experience Zoe, thank you, and I will look forward to seeing your Inktober artworks :)

[@zoehartist]

Thanks Annie!! I guess I’d better finish the planning I started before I recorded this video!

[@WeirdSnakeGal]

Last year I just went in and liked challenging myself. Sometimes I'd do 2 in one day or sometimes skip a day cause I needed a break. There is only one I didn't finish in the end cause I just couldn't get it right and I was like f that 😂 Also I find it funny how day 2 you almost changed it cause you don't like it and that's the one I'm most excited about 😂

[@zoehartist]

Day 2 filled me me with dread!!

[@davesartbook]

Great video Zoe, if I had to give any advice I'd say it's fine to not try to keep your art in a similar style or theme, and change mediums to suit each prompt if that's what you feel like doing. Like you said, it's meant to be fun and there are a lot of people who take things too seriously, you gave a lot of good advice and this video deserves views

[@zoehartist]

Thank Dave! I agree people do take it too seriously and that stops it from being fun!! I think really anything goes if that what people want to do!

[@GABYCHICDOLLS]

I was watching your video with headphones on and at the 13:32 mins i heard a bang and i thought it was paranormal activity in my bedroom 😂😂 This is brilliant Zoe , in the beginning i thought we had to use only ink and i thought I was cheating using watercolous. I'm so glad you clarified that because now I can have more freedom creating my pieces . Great tips and advice Zoe ! ❤❤❤

[@zoehartist]

Can we confirm paranormal activity!! 😂 I think we are supposed to stick to ink for the official list but I’ve never been very good at doing what I am told and I am also a bad influence who encourages people to break the rules!!

[@GABYCHICDOLLS]

@@zoehartist haha I'll join in breaking the rules 😂

[@GABYCHICDOLLS]

AND the bang sounds louder with the headphones hehe

[@zoehartist]

YASSS!!!!

[@MaryNewnham]

Last year was my first attempt but I only got maybe 10 days in. Going to try again this year. I am putting together my Pinterest board so that I’m more organized. I also like your idea of sticking with minimal tools (brush pens, ink pens). I look forward to seeing your artwork 😊

[@zoehartist]

It’s definitely a challenge that needs planning!

[@TraceyAnneCreativeIdeasWithBSL]

Thank you Zoe for this video this has helped me so much also please send me the list your using this October I can't wait to watch your videos im doing mix of ones scrawlrbox one, annies one this will be my first year I couldnt finish ot last year things happen with family this year nothing holding me back to finish I hope im not sure if im video it but i share in discord so everyone can see my art work when they can Thank you for sharing with us all i know it helped me I hear you on Annie's live tomorrow hopefully xx

[@zoehartist]

Glad it’s helped you! I’ll post the list in the discord and tag you so everyone can see it as well if they want it 😊

[@josedibujoycine]

Yo también voy haser mis dibujos de inktober 2023

[@Stacysmom92]

This may sound like a stupid question, but does anyone know where to find the official prompt list? This is my first year doing this. Thanks! :)

[@zoehartist]

It’s on the official inktober Instagram page ☺️, but I’m sure if you google inktober 2023 it will pop up

[@Stacysmom92]

@@zoehartist tysm!