Behind the Curtain of Creation
Welcome to Work in Progress Wednesdays, where I pull back the curtain on my creative process and share what’s happening behind the scenes. This is where the magic (and occasional chaos) happens, from the first scribble to the final polish. Today, we’ll take a closer look at one of my current projects and explore how it aligns with the 8 Limbs of Sketchbooking, a step-by-step guide I developed to bring creative ideas to life.
Grab your sketchbook, and let’s dive in!
The Project: A Dynamic Comic Page
This week, I’m working on a comic page featuring a high-energy chase scene—think spy gadgets, narrow escapes, and dramatic perspectives. But like every project, it started as a messy concept in my sketchbook.
This is where the 8 Limbs of Sketchbooking come into play. Let me walk you through how each limb guides my process, from idea to completion:
1. Inspiration (Pratyahara)
Every project begins with inspiration—the spark that ignites the creative journey. For this page, the idea came from watching an old spy movie and thinking, What if the protagonist was an acrobat? That simple question set my imagination spinning.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep an “Inspiration Log” in your sketchbook. Jot down ideas, doodles, or even random thoughts that intrigue you. It doesn’t have to make sense now—it’s all fuel for future projects.
2. Idea Development (Dharana)
Once the spark is lit, it’s time to focus. This stage is all about brainstorming and organizing ideas. For my comic, I sketched thumbnails to explore layouts and pacing. Thumbnails are like visual brainstorming: small, quick, and no pressure to be perfect.
💡 Activity: Draw three thumbnail layouts for a scene. Experiment with different angles, panel sizes, and flow to see what works best.
3. Rough Sketching (Asana)
This is where the ideas start taking shape. I transfer my thumbnail layout into a larger format, roughing in characters, environments, and action. At this stage, the lines are loose, the proportions are imperfect, and eraser crumbs are everywhere—it’s all part of the process!
💡 Pro Tip: Think of rough sketches as a physical warm-up for your drawing muscles. Don’t aim for perfection; aim for clarity and energy.
4. Refinement (Yama)
Refinement is about discipline—choosing what stays, what goes, and what evolves. For the comic page, this meant cleaning up the characters’ poses, adjusting the perspective on a tricky rooftop chase, and deciding where to add dramatic lighting.
💡 Challenge: Take a rough sketch and refine one area (like a character or background). Focus on details that enhance the story or mood.
5. Detailing (Niyama)
Now it’s time for the fine details: facial expressions, folds in clothing, and textures in the environment. This step brings the sketch to life, adding depth and personality.
💡 Activity: Add three small but impactful details to a current piece. Maybe it’s a shadow, a crack in the pavement, or a character’s subtle smirk.
6. Inking and Line Work (Pranayama)
Inking is where the sketch becomes bold and defined. For this comic page, I used clean, expressive lines to emphasize movement and drama. Each stroke felt like a breath—deliberate and controlled, bringing focus and clarity to the piece.
💡 Pro Tip: Practice inking on a scrap sketch to build confidence. Experiment with line weight to add dimension and energy.
7. Coloring and Shading (Dhyana)
Coloring is a meditative process, where the story’s mood comes to life. For this page, I chose a palette of moody blues and sharp reds to convey tension and excitement. Shading added depth, making the rooftop chase feel dangerous and exhilarating.
💡 Activity: Experiment with a limited color palette. How can you use color to evoke emotion or highlight key elements?
8. Final Review and Presentation (Samadhi)
The final step is stepping back and seeing the piece as a whole. Does it tell the story I want it to tell? Are there any adjustments needed? For my comic page, this meant tweaking the lettering and ensuring the action flowed seamlessly across panels.
💡 Pro Tip: Show your work to a friend or mentor for feedback. A fresh perspective can catch things you might’ve missed.
The Beauty of Work in Progress
Sharing your work in progress isn’t just about showing your audience what you’re up to—it’s also a way to connect, inspire, and invite others into your creative journey. Every rough sketch and imperfect line is proof that art is a process, not a product.
This week, I challenge you to share a piece you’re currently working on. Don’t worry about whether it’s “good enough.” Just let your audience see the story behind the creation.
Your Turn: Behind Your Curtain
As you tackle your own projects this week, think about how the 8 Limbs of Sketchbooking can guide you. What inspires you? How do you refine your ideas? What details bring your sketches to life?
💡 Interactive Challenge: Share a work in progress that aligns with one of the 8 limbs. Maybe it’s a thumbnail sketch (Idea Development), a refined figure drawing (Refinement), or even a color study (Coloring). Tag me, and I’ll feature a few next week to celebrate the beauty of unfinished art!
Creating is messy, exciting, and full of surprises. That’s the joy of Work in Progress Wednesdays—it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. So grab your sketchbook, embrace the process, and keep sketching forward.
See you next week for another peek behind the curtain of creation!
I added my example of the color page I started with based on this comic idea at the top of the page…I don’t wish to “color” your own inspiration too much in this case so use the steps above to finish your page and I’ll endeavour to do the same for a quick review next week!!
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