Sketchbook: Bulimia Bear
Pencil on paper
One of the questions most frequently asked of writers and artists is "where do you get your ideas?" Honestly, we don't go out and get ideas. It's not like running to the store for Oreos. We become artists and writers because ideas get us. They pop into our brains, for an instant, for a lifetime, and like a toddler, they demand that we pay attention.
The comic Castle Whatsitsname is a "lifetime" kind of idea. This unfortunate Care Bear parody is an "instant." You might say that's a good thing. Not every idea is a gem. In fact, most of them aren't, and the trick is picking which idea-children to nurture to adulthood.
Most artists only show their portfolio, their good work. I've often wished I could see more of my favorite artists' sketchbook ideas, their rejected children, to see how they progressed and grew. I hope you'll find this process as interesting as I do.
Click image for larger view.