Start somewhere else.
(Unsolicited advice for when you're stuck. Part 1.)
When it comes to my plans and schemes, I tend to dream big, long, deep experiences. I’m good at seeing the whole enchilada from the sky: where the ingredients could be sourced, all the varying flavors and enchilada varieties, the marketing campaign would get those puppies into the mouths of America, franchising opportunities, I can imagine it all as it unfolds, or rather folds.
Accomplishing these things? There’s my downfall.
I’m not alone, nor am I special. This is a run-of-the-mill challenge. But it’s frustrating nonetheless when you truly want to birth something you can envision, but your feeble body just won’t do the G-D work.
Two episodes ago, I mentioned that I’d reveal my Bonesick story in three acts. And last time, I said I just wasn’t ready to dish. Well, admittedly, I haven’t picked up my outline in weeks. And that’s gnawing at me like you wouldn’t believe.
This is my truth.
Some people rely on God for answers. Some people peer into their tea. I read Tarot. No, don’t walk away from me, I’m telling you, Tarot kicks my ass into gear just like any decent deity would do.
Last Friday morning, my Tarot guides told me:
1. It’s time to hunker down and hermit up if I want to see the light.
2. Creative muses gave me an idea, it’s time for stage two of wands. Shit or get off the pot! Take a leap! Do the thing!
So this is where you start somewhere else.
I was so focused on the whole Storytelling aspect of Bonesick, I kinda forgot about how I really want to draw Bonesick. But I kept circling around, chasing my assumption that I must hash out a story before any drawing could occur. Well, that’s dumb. When you’re stuck, start somewhere else.
I have a bunch of scribbled sketches in my notebook that could, in theory, be part of the Bonesick world. Not sure where. But that doesn’t matter. If they’re in my head, let’s get a better look.
And so we shall.
My idea is housed within this photograph of City Methodist in Gary, Indiana, by The Flash Nites — a daunting endeavor for someone who “takes up drawing” once a year, but I knew I needed to give it a try.
It’s a Friday night in.
I press play on the latest Harry Styles album.
And I get to work.
No lie: I spent the first half hour drawing and erasing over and over before I finally figured it all out. This initial pencil sketch took three to four hours.
On to PEN.
Gulp.
This took maybe another 3 hours. I’ll add color and shadow eventually, but I didn’t want that next Double Gulp hurdle to stop me from sharing with the cavernous void that is the internet.
Why is Toby in this abandoned church? What’s with the cat?
In our next episode, more will be revealed about our dear Skeleton friend.