October has increased in popularity throughout the years as more people embrace the spooky spirit of Halloween. Memes featuring Skeletons and Jack-o-Lanterns start to circulate just as summer ends, and through September, people start to plan their costumes and Halloween activities. For the past few years though, artists have had another reason to look forward to this month:
Inktober is an event throughout October that was created in 2009 by Jake Parker, a comics artist, concept artist, animator, and illustrator. He originally made Inktober as a challenge for himself to practice drawing, inking, and art consistency. However, this challenge was quickly picked up by people all over the internet and now it is observed each year.
The rules are simple: Each day of this month, use the daily prompt word to draw something. There are also unofficial prompt word lists to choose from. It should be drawn using an ink medium such as pens, brushes, block printing, or even serigraphy. Once you’re satisfied with your creation, upload it online with the hashtags #inktober and #inktober2018. It can be uploaded on any social media platform and on art pages or profiles alike.
Here are 4 good reasons to participate in Inktober:
1. Practice
Like any craft, art requires lots of practice. Also, trying new mediums, styles, and content does wonders for development as an artist. In this process, you get to really know yourself and how you work best. Getting a word to work off from daily and getting input and inspiration from others are a good push for shaping up.
2. Exposure
It can be daunting to display your work for others to see. I’ve heard a few worries from local artists such as “What if not enough people like my work?” or “What if my art just isn’t polished enough to be shown yet?” These are valid concerns, but we can’t be afraid to show our progress and express ourselves just as we’d hope others would. Any content will have people who are into it and people who aren’t. We’re doing this for ourselves with the hopes that we’ll reach others along the way.
3. Community
There is a massive art community on the internet with a plethora of different niches, platforms and topics. Inktober is opportunity to jump in and connect. You can give and take some constructive criticism, discover new artists, make friends, share your favorite works, and see all kinds of new styles, mediums and characters. You might even learn of other future events in which you can also participate.
4. Fun
October is already full of holiday cheer, why not add in another festivity this month? Use your imagination to take interesting spins on the prompt words, try out a new pen, ink without sketching first, keep a theme going, make a zine or anthology when you’ve finished all the drawings. Go nuts!
If you’re interested in honing your art skills, getting your work out there, being a part of a community and having fun, then grab your art supplies and get inking! There’s already quite a few UPRM students participating this month, so here’s a few works for you to check out. We’re less than halfway through this month, so stay tuned for more illustrations from these artsy colegiales.
Day 1: Poisonous by Adriana López Rivera Day 4: Spell by Sebastian G. Rodríguez Day 5: Chicken by @demonartis
Day 7: Cursed Objects by Carlos A. Fernandez
Day 7: Exhausted by @kimboddities
Day 7: Exhausted by @AleZza’s Art Says Hey
Day 2: Tranquil by Desireé Soltero @Eredis
Day 3: Monster Under the Bed by Christian Lee @PixelateForWork
For more information on Inktober, you can check out these sites:
https://www.mrjakeparker.com/inktober-1/