Art Mindfulness

#2 - Preparation for my first Inktober!

A month-long journey into daily ink drawing practice. From gathering supplies to developing a sustainable routine, this thought explores the preparation, mindset, and discoveries that made my first Inktober both challenging and transformative.

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Planning & Mindset

28/9/2024

Setting Realistic Goals

Instead of aiming for masterpieces, I focused on consistency and exploration. The goal was simple: one ink drawing per day, no matter how small or imperfect.

Key Principles:

  • Progress over perfection
  • 15-30 minutes maximum per drawing
  • Embrace happy accidents
  • Document everything

Building the Habit

Creating a sustainable routine was crucial. I established a morning drawing ritual with coffee, setting up my workspace the night before.

Routine Elements:

  • Same time each morning (7:30 AM)
  • Dedicated workspace by the window
  • Materials laid out beforehand
  • Phone in airplane mode

Supplies & Tools

30/9/2024

Essential Inks

[Ink samples]
  • Pilot Iroshizuku Shin-Kai (deep blue)
  • Platinum Carbon Black
  • Diamine Ancient Copper

Pens & Brushes

[Drawing tools]
  • Sakura Pigma Micron (0.3, 0.5, 0.8)
  • Pentel Pocket Brush
  • Dip pen with various nibs

Paper & Support

[Paper samples]
  • Rhodia DotPad A5
  • Strathmore Bristol (smooth)
  • Moleskine Art Sketch Album

Week-by-Week Progress

Throughout October 2024

Tracking evolution from hesitant first strokes to confident daily practice.

Week 1: Finding Rhythm

[Early sketches]

Tentative lines, lots of erasing, learning ink behavior.

Week 2: Building Confidence

[Progress sketches]

Bolder strokes, experimenting with line weight.

Week 3: Flow State

[Confident work]

Finding personal style, enjoying the process.

Week 4: Integration

[Final pieces]

Habit established, looking beyond October.

Key Learnings & Reflections

1/11/2024

Unexpected Discoveries

  • Ink bleeds became creative opportunities
  • Simple subjects yielded complex emotions
  • Morning practice improved focus all day
  • Sharing work online built community

Beyond October

Inktober became a gateway to deeper artistic practice. The habit continued, evolving into a sustainable creative routine.

Next steps: exploring color inks, mixed media, and urban sketching.