Since I took two naps today (is that a symptom of something?), I figured this guy would be a good subject for practicing with my new nib pen. I definitely lack confidence when using permanent ink (no Ctrl+Z!), but truthfully I’m happy that I’m able to create a line.

Back when I was a kid (I really hope this site isn’t starting to sound like granddad’s storytime), every resource on cartooning recommended India Ink and nib pens and brushes. There was no such thing as digital inking, of course. So I was really frustrated that I couldn’t ink to save my life. I don’t know what the heck I was doing wrong, but I remember leaving vaguely inky scratches on the paper. I wasn’t much better with my fancy Rapidograph pen, which quickly became permanently clogged from disuse.

So, ironically, now that I have absolutely no need to ink the old-fashioned way, I’m finding it’s not that hard. Kid me would despise 21st-century me.

I think I picked the wrong paper, though. We have a bleeder!

Here’s a quick digital drawing of my niece in her Halloween costume, which was designed by my mom!

Made an impulse purchase at the art store today. See if you can spot it.

I guess I’ve been in an analogue mood the last few days.

Back to basics; when I was a kid I lazily practiced constructing the examples in Preston Blair’s Advanced Animation, and here I go again. I’ll spare you the overlaid comparisons, but it’s fairly obvious that rabbit just ain’t right!

My left hand is deformed, but not that deformed. Actually, this exercise turned out marginally better than expected, which encourages me to keep practicing. Hmm, too bad I wasn’t willing to work this hard in my 20s when I actually had something resembling energy.