something I am grateful for today

[johncomic]

inspiration from unlikely sources


I was re-perusing a graphic novel drawn by one of my latest inspirational artists, Tonči Zonjić... looking at his notes and sketches and "behind-the-scenes" material he provides in the Afterword. And one little item jumped out at me:

There was a [gorgeous] sketch of a very minor character from the book, with this caption:

"The only sketch I ever did for [character name]. Didn't need any more. Some characters take dozens; some take one."

This gave me pause.

"Some characters take dozens"

I don't think I have ever made a dozen attempts to design a character. I usually have a design I like within about six tries or less. Lately I have been stuck with the designs for a new series, and I had reached the point where I stopped, felt like "this isn't working" -- gave up, basically, at least for the time being.

And now I notice that this guy, who is so good, so much better than me, will try dozens of times to nail a character down. His finished work makes it look like it comes easy to him, but I see that it doesn't. I've been feeling like if I haven't got it by now, then I just can't do this... but then I see that a guy this good has to work that hard. Even the guys who are as good as I aspire to be, have to work harder than I expected.

This reassures me, and inspires me -- to go back and keep working harder and longer. I know that I haven't failed just because it isn't coming relatively easy. That's important for me to know.

Comments

[alisonebruce.livejournal.com]

Good to know.