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While the lifeforce was being drained from my body, I thought up this comic.

Little known fact: I can’t handle blood. The sight of it makes me queasy and getting it taken out of my body leaves me positively useless. I have never donated blood and I’m not proud of this. The one time I tried, I turned white, fainty, and started to perspire just from looking at the rows of people generously giving their blood-stuff away for free cookies… they didn’t make follow through with it and I still got a free cookie.

It’s been a long time since I’ve actually drawn a comic strip and though I can’t promise anything regular, I promise you that it’s not dead… just dormant.

So far my learning process has been observing art I like, whether it’s the style, colour, or poses used, and trying to incorporate them into my own works.

Today’s experiment involved a palette with few colours, thick lines and a black and white background. I really enjoyed how it turned out and will probably play with and evolve this style more.

Kuchisake-onna (“Slit-Mouthed Woman”)

Wearing a surgical mask, the Kuchisake-onna approaches children and asks them if they think she is beautiful. If they say no, she kills them with her scissors. If they say yes, she removes the mask and says, “How about now?” If they still say yes, she will slit their mouths like her.

The way to escape her is to tell her she is only so-so, it will confuse her and give the victim time to escape.

I’ve been sketching a lot more lately in my fancy new moleskine (thanks Mike)! I recently read an inspiring post by kateordie which has really fueled the creative fire. I wanted to pick out the best parts – but honestly, the whole thing really affected me as a beginner artist:

“I’m asked this at least once a day, and I always respond with a variation on the same answer, so here it is for the record: My advice.

Draw every day. Not once a week, not when you feel like it. Every single day. Draw when you’re happy. Draw when you’re sad, or angry, or excited. Draw on every surface you can find with every available tool. Study comics. Read as much as you can, find artists you love and then figure out why you love them. Apply those concepts to your work. Push yourself. If you aren’t satisfied, don’t get frustrated; try something new. Take classes, draw with your friends, show your work and accept constructive criticism. Carry a sketchbook with you at all times. Buy art, make friends with comic artists, show them what you do.

Promote yourself. Put your art online and tag it. Link to it. Send it to artists you respect. If you’re using tumblr, submit your art to every possible relevant blog and get it seen. Make fan art. Try new platforms and social media. Start with single-panel gags, work your way into sequential art. Always want more from yourself. Never get too comfortable.

Above all else, don’t get discouraged. It’s impossible to rid yourself entirely of moments of doubt, but know when to shake them off. Remind yourself how much you want to improve, how much you love to create. Think about the first time that something you drew made someone smile. That’s all it takes. I can’t paint like Alex Ross, I haven’t got the technical skill of Jill Thompson, I can’t colour like Dave Stewart, but I can draw on a post-it note and make my coworkers laugh. And that’s all you need. Webcomics and indie publications are proof that you don’t need a wealth of artistic ability to reach an audience; you just have to connect. Who knows – in ten years, maybe you will be just as good as your favourite artist. They all had to start somewhere, too.

Draw from experience. Draw from your heart. Redraw the same subject a dozen times. Treat yourself to some decent supplies. Never stop looking for inspiration. Never, ever talk down your work in front of anyone, especially yourself. Keep perspective. You will improve, you will develop, so don’t get impatient with yourself. In five years, your art will be better, so get excited for the change instead of being angry with where you are now.

I’ve only been putting my art online for seven months, but I work very hard and I’m proud of myself. It’s taking me to some incredible places. You can do it, too.”

I’ve still got a ways to go, I know, but I’ve started to approach my art with a positive outlook and I’ve never been more proud of every small achievement.

Here are some of my recent dinosaur-inspired sketches. I’m particularly proud of the top one!

Girl and Apatosaurus

Tea-Rex

Space Channel 5: Part 2 is available on the PSN and I recommend that everyone pick it. It’s a multiplayer rhythm game with a quirky storyline and fun gameplay. Basically, it’s a Simon-style game where you’re given a series of moves to memorize and repeat to the rhythm of the music. Also, awesome cameo from Space Michael Jackson.

This is my take on the main character, Ulala, slighty more saucy-proportioned to be sure!

I’ll try to post more often! Until then: check out my tumblr!