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Miss Marck

Comic Writer and Artist

Tag: idea

How to Become the “Creative Type”

Whenever I tell people I’m an artist, there is one very common response I (almost) always hear: “Oh that’s so cool! I could never do that, I’m not really the creative type.” In the words of Dorothy Sayers, there’s nothing for me to do except “laugh deprecatingly”, so I do so and move on. At best, I… Read More How to Become the “Creative Type”

July 7, 2016July 7, 2016 MissMarckLeave a comment

#WIPWednesday – Course Correcting Your Week

 It’s Wednesday, which means we’re half-way through the week! Wednesday is also a good time to look back at the first couple of days and reflect on what we’d like to do differently before the week is over. For me, I constantly need to evaluate how productive I actually am, and compare it to how… Read More #WIPWednesday – Course Correcting Your Week

March 9, 2016 MissMarckLeave a comment

3 Things I Learned from Working

Everybody loves lists! And I’m still working, so don’t think that this is entirely retrospective or anything. Because it isn’t. A lot of people treat work like some kind of inevitable hurdle that we have to get past in order to be happy. Work is treated like an unfortunate by-product of being human, something that… Read More 3 Things I Learned from Working

May 22, 2014 MissMarck2 Comments

10 Good Habits for Artists and Writers

These first 5 are day-to-day practices that I want to implement/get better at. Warm ups – I typically don’t do warm-up sketches or writing, but over the last few weeks, I’ve been trying to do better… and it really works. My brain starts working, my hands start moving, and everything falls into an effective flow.… Read More 10 Good Habits for Artists and Writers

May 20, 2014May 23, 2014 MissMarck6 Comments

The Case for Storytelling

Virtually all of us have a natural instinct for telling stories, and it comes out in day-to-day conversation. When your car breaks down and you’re telling your friends about it, you don’t simply say, “I ran out of gas this morning. But my mom picked me up, and nothing else really happened, so I’m fine.”… Read More The Case for Storytelling

April 22, 2014April 30, 2014 MissMarck2 Comments

Inspiring Inspiration Manually

Inspiration: the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something creative. Here’s my theory: Inspiration is the state of being when the desire to create something specific is greater than any apprehension of possible failure. Just wanting to create isn’t enough, because you can still be paralyzed by the blank canvas/page. Inspiration is just not… Read More Inspiring Inspiration Manually

April 15, 2014April 30, 2014 MissMarckLeave a comment

24 Hours Without Facebook

My Facebook has apparently broken, everyone. I can’t even get to the home page. My Windows 8 Facebook app won’t even load. This has been going on since yesterday. What has the last 24 hours been like? Well… I want to document it very clearly because if/when Facebook starts working again, I want to remember… Read More 24 Hours Without Facebook

April 1, 2014April 30, 2014 MissMarckLeave a comment

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I N S T A G R A M

Honestly, I really should draw Prince Tenon more! Partially because I always feel a little stiff when I draw him in the comic, but also because his mop of dark curls is fun to draw (although a bit challenging.) - He's a pretty upbeat, balanced, happy individual, which is probably why he doesn't get drawn much. I tend to naturally doodle angry guys, as y'all are well aware. But this episode has a LOT of Tenon in it, so hopefully I'll get more comfortable with him. You can just search for "DAZER" on Webtoons if you wanna read the comic! - It also feels good to record a simple lil timelapse like this for some reason. I think it's related to my previous post about fun/not fun art... it's so easy and quick to record something like this, but I feel the pressure to use my real camera and edit the footage, add music and titles, and all that stuff for YouTube. (I still want to do higher quality videos for YouTube, I just don't want to *skip* opportunities like this because it's not professional enough.) - Apparently the theme for this month is "You Like Art, Remember?" . . . #inkingcomics #comicink #comicartist #comicart #lineartink #dippenart #nibpenart #inkillustration #inkartist #inker #princetenon #dazerandeleanor #webcomic #webtoons #onlinecomic
LONG DESCRIPTION AHEAD HA HA - I often forget I'm "allowed" to draw and paint (and post) fun stuff for myself. I get so caught up in the "must be perfect, must get followers" mentality... but honestly, the beauty of social media is that I can share a comfort-painting like this, and other people will find it comforting as well. - I recently watched a video by Adam Duff about how social media is ruining your art. Something that he talks about is rhythm and tempo, and I've been thinking about that a LOT since watching the video... and I think these kinds of illustrations are essential for me to maintain my rhythm. They help me unwind and meditate a bit more, since they're less challenging. They let me think about other things, or just enjoy painting without thinking at all. - And THEN I realized that my audience is probably on a similar rhythm. My audience (generally) enjoys these little bursts of cheesy cuteness, but they also appreciate (and wait patiently) for more complicated elaborate pieces. It's not a giant realization, but it kinda helped me shed some of my anxiety over trying to impress everyone, every time. It also made me feel even more grateful for you people who make social media so pleasant! - I've been really thinking hard about social media (pros/cons) lately, and this realization helps me understand what it IS and what it is NOT. I still have a lot of figuring out to do, but I highly recommend Adam Duff's video. It's more what you might call guidelines, than actual rules, but it helped me feel less at the mercy of an app ha ha . . . #dazerandeleanor #webcomic #onlinecomic #webtoons #traditionalcomic #comicart #comicink #watercolorillustration #watercolorcomic #watercolorsketch #sketchbook #lineart #nibpen #nibpenart #indiaink #paulrubenswatercolors #patreonpost #originalcharacter #romancecomic #fantasycomic #fantasyillustration #conceptdevelopment #characterdesign
This seemingly simple illustration really challenged my brain! I'm continuing to work on my color theory, and one thing that I've been grappling with is shading techniques. I'm trying to let grow beyond just using value to show lighting, and also use hue/color. - So my goal with this one was to put the most saturated colors to the left (the lightsource) and then let the colors get cooler and paler towards the right. I also "forced" myself to let layers of blue and white show (instead of doing washes of color over everything.) - I wouldn't say the result was flawless by any means, but I feel like the result is a) very satisfying and b) very "me." It meshes well with my bold-yet-organic style of inking. It's a solid lil illustration and I learned from doing it... win/win! . . . #watercolorillustration #watercolorpainting #watercolorart #watercolorsketch #originalart #originalillustration #originalcharacter #webcomicart #comicartist #webcomiccharacter #comicart #generaldazer #dazerandeleanor #characterdesign #napping #sleepyboi #primawatercolor #primatropicals #artistsoninstagram
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!! I manged to whip this up this afternoon for y'all! I couldn't call myself a writer of a romance comic and then NOT draw anything for Valentine's Day, amaright?! - I was feeling super-duper rusty today when I sat down to draw. I've been doing comic pages, so doing a doodle felt "off" for whatever reason. It's just hard to switch gears, you know? But this was fun, and it helped me loosen up and relax, so s'all good! - Hope you guys had a good day! Besides planning and doodling, I also took my car to the car wash so it's all shiny and clean again! A very relaxing day all in all :) . . . #watercolorart #watercolorillustration #watercolorsketch #valentineart #happyvalentinesday #romancecomic #webcomic #comicartist #originalcharacter #originalart #dazerandeleanor #generaldazer #princesseleanor #smooches #comiccharacters #primawatercolors #thetropicals
#Artistvsart Throwing this together for fun! What's kinda weird is that I think my eyes look the way I draw them: dark pupils, dark top eyelashes... Kinda similar face shape too! - Also I tend to paint with colors that I like to wear, which makes sense. I like muted but rich colors (wine red, dark blue, etc.). Unlike my art, however, my life is tragically devoid of square faced broodsters. - Also I'm really digging how bright my work is! It feels like my colors are finally catching up to my more bold, clean lineart style. So yippee for that! . . . #artmeme #illustratorsoninstagram #originalart #originalcharacter #watercolorart #watercolorillustration #characterdesign #webcomic #comicartist #comiccharacter #traditionalartist #watercolorsketch #dazerandeleanor
Here's the full version of this finally! I shared a couple previews in my stories last week. For the longest time, I've felt that my "stand alone" illustrations (the not-comic ones) lacked narrative. Typically I just do a character portrait, without much interaction or storytelling. - That's something I'd like to work on! But outside of cuddles and smooches, my "creative bank" doesn't have a whole lot of ideas... So I decided to write down a couple key moments in Dazer and Eleanor's relationships, and try to sum those moments up in an image (I hope that makes sense!) - For example: Dazer may act like Eleanor's cheerfulness and optimism is annoying, but deep down he admires her for it and respects her strength. So I wanted to illustrate the moment where he's "pretending" to disapprove, but secretly he wants to know how she can stay hopeful. - Alternatively, this may also be Eleanor trying to get him to laugh or smile, and I kinda like to imagine that she succeeds right after this. - (PS: I painted this on Canson Mixed Media paper. That stuff buckles/curls too much to use for commissions, but it is sooooo bright white, I love it! I used Paul Rubens watercolors. You can find "DAZER AND ELEANOR" over on Webtoons!) . . . #dazerandeleanor #fantasycomic #webcomic #webtoons #onlinecomic #comicart #comicillustration #watercolorillustration #watercolorsketch #watercolorart #paulrubenspaint #characterillustration #characterdesign #narrativeart #comiccharacter #comicartist #romancecomic #generaldazer #princesseleanor #landscapepainting #originalart #originalcharacter
This is one of those sketches that is very "unfinished" but hits everything that I just love in a sketch. I got to this point and was like "Yep, I'm good, we done." - Eventually in the comic, I want to explore Dazer's love for horses. If it weren't for his position as general, he'd be quite happy to live far away from people, in a small cabin, with a good horse and a loyal dog. Deep down, he's a simple man. It sucks that I created such a complicated world/life for him. . . . #sketchbookpainting #watercolorillustration #watercolorpainting #comiccharacters #webcomic #onlinecomic #characterdesign #charactersketch #watercolorsketchbook #generaldazer #princesseleanor #dazerandeleanor #originalart #originalcharacter #romancecomic #romanticstory #fantasycomic #paulrubenswatercolors #watercolorpalette #watercolor_art #horses #horsestables #horsebarn #cowboyart #westerncomics
Gaaahhhh it's finalllyyyyy heeerrrreeee!!!! The IG countdown is set for midnight but I'm not staying up for that 😂 What can I say? Super-de-duper grateful for all of you fantastic people sticking around during my crazy first month of 2019. I'm behind where I wanted to be, but thanks to your support, I'm catching up and things are going back to normal. It's my genuine pleasure to share this new chapter with you, and I hope you enjoy it! - If you're looking at this cover and thinking "This doesn't seem too happy".......... well... you're not wrong. . . . #webcomic #webtoons #illustration #comicart #lineart #ink #newepisode #comicupdate #comicartist #dazerandeleanor #coverart #originalart #comiccharacter #perioddrama #fantasycomic #romancecomic #comicwriter #princesseleanor #generaldazer #traditionalink #traditionalart
As you guys have probably noticed, one of my goals is to eventually produce a colored comic. But something I realized lately is that I don't really *practice* coloring comic panels. I do the occasional test page, but I don't really do any studies in my sketchbook or anything. - So I've started inking a few doodles and then trying coloring techniques on them. Since it's in my sketchbook, I don't mind experimenting, and I can try more techniques (rather than try 1 technique for a whole page.) - Basically I keep forgetting what a sketchbook is for 😂 Also, this was painted with the Prima Classics watercolors. AREN'T THEY BRILLIANT? . . . #sketchbookpainting #watercolorillustration #watercolorpainting #comiccharacters #webcomic #onlinecomic #characterdesign #charactersketch #watercolorsketchbook #generaldazer #princesseleanor #dazerandeleanor #timelapsevideo #originalart #originalcharacter #romancecomic #romanticstory #fantasycomic #primawatercolor #theclassics #cyan #magenta #watercolorpalette #watercolor_art
This one is from December (obv), but I recently came across it and realized I'd never shared it! - This isn't "canon" but I kinda like the idea of a Christmas-like holiday being an Athieran tradition that Eleanor introduces to Dazer. She's have to explain the little holiday rituals and the traditional food, and so on. Maybe it'll be a 2019 holiday special! - Also I purposely ignored the light source. I wanted them to be in front of a fireplace, but also have a warm, low glow. So. Um. The tree is on fire, I guess XD But despite that, I really love how it came out! . . . #sketchbookpainting #watercolorillustration #watercolorpainting #comiccharacters #webcomic #onlinecomic #characterdesign #charactersketch #watercolorsketchbook #generaldazer #princesseleanor #dazerandeleanor #timelapsevideo #originalart #originalcharacter #romancecomic #romanticstory #fantasycomic #paulrubenswatercolors #cyan #magenta #watercolorpalette #watercolor_art
I was listening to the 3 Point Perspective podcast put out by @jakeparker, @willterryart, and @leewhiteillo and episode 19 ("The Stories We Tell") really struck a chord with me. Lee (or his agent, technically) posed the question: What stories do you want to tell? - My sort of embarrassed/amused response to this has always been "CHEESY ROMANCES!" In addition, my guilty pleasure is "redemption" stories (rogues/villains who turn good.) But the more I thought about what I love to read and write and draw, another theme emerged... vulnerability. - You know, the idea of a strong character, someone who can make it on their own, someone who needs no one... suddenly allowing themselves to become open to someone else. It's not always an "evil" character being redeemed, but sometimes it's just a distant person who learns to trust. - SO DAZER. I've worked really hard on his backstory, trying to create legitimate reasons for his trust issues. There's no good way to learn not to trust those around you. But it's also not a sustainable way to live. Eventually you have to let someone else in, someone who will help you heal. It means risking heartbreak and betrayal if that person lies *cough*princess*cough* but it's a worthwhile risk. - After I stumbled across this idea, I decided to purposely create an illustration that portrays my idea of vulnerability. Not only did I want to show an embrace, but specifically an embrace where Eleanor is "holding" Dazer (he's a tall fella, so it's hard to make him look weak.) I was incredibly pleased with the result. When I think of stories that affected me profoundly, this image accurately represents that theme. - . . . #sketchbookpainting #watercolorillustration #watercolorpainting #comiccharacters #webcomic #onlinecomic #characterdesign #charactersketch #watercolorsketchbook #generaldazer #princesseleanor #dazerandeleanor #originalart #originalcharacter #romancecomic #romanticstory #fantasycomic #paulrubenswatercolors #storywriting
Here's a fun watercolor of Prince Tenon!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Some fun facts about the young prince:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - He's close friends with General Dazer⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - He love music (plays violin)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Fears his father's wrath⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Trusts Dyn too much⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Wants peace between Melonia and Athier⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This painting was done with my Paul Rubens paints... the paint on his jacket kinda acted kinda weird, but I really like how this turned out overall! I really love the format in particular!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #sketchbookpainting #watercolorillustration #watercolorpainting #comiccharacters #webcomic #onlinecomic #characterdesign #charactersketch #watercolorsketchbook #generaldazer #princesseleanor #dazerandeleanor #watercolorvideo #timelapsevideo #originalart #originalcharacter #romancecomic #romanticstory #fantasycomic #paulrubenswatercolors #cyan #magenta #watercolorpalette #watercolor_art
An old concept for Eleanor! Originally, the story was going to be much more fantasy-medieval. Eleanor was supposed to be fairy/elf-like but the problem was that I couldn't come up with a good design for Dazer's uniform. I liked the uniforms from the American Civil War, sooo I changed the period to suit my tastes :) - Also I totally forgot how much I loved digital painting. I remember always struggling with it, but these little doodles really look decent! Now I kinda want to get my cheap tablet up and running again! . . . #autodesksketchbook #digitalpainting #digitalillustration #characterconcept #characterdesign #comiccharacter #webcomic #onlinecomic #comicartist #princesseleanor #dazerandeleanor #originalcharacter
I realized that I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed with all the "catch up" I needed to do, so I decided to skip the grand "I'm back" post and just share this Cotman's watercolor doodle!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ -⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I have a lot of "to do's" on my list, and I'm feeling the pressure to try and cram a lot of work in so that people still know I'm here. I want to make up for lost time and get back on track NOW. But I know a) that's not practical and b) it's probably not possible. So I'm 'forcing' myself to work slowly and patiently, and build a solid foundation for the new year.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ -⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I'm basically treating January like a very long retreat thingy. I'll still be active and posting and stuff, but I think I'll scoot my webcomic plans back to February. I have my unpublished bonus comics for the rest of THIS month, and then I'm not panic-drawing.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ -⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Later this afternoon, I'll be officially opened for commissions, but you can also check out the sketch commissions I'm offering over on ko-fi :D⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #sketchbookpainting #watercolorillustration #watercolorpainting #comiccharacters #webcomic #onlinecomic #characterdesign #charactersketch #watercolorsketchbook #generaldazer #princesseleanor #dazerandeleanor #originalart #originalcharacter #romancecomic #romanticstory #fantasycomic #winsorandnewton #cotmanwatercolor #indigo #watercolorpalette #watercolor_art
I kinda thought this post wasn't "fancy" enough to conclude the year, but... You know what? It's my guy. My grumpy hero. We've been through a lot this year and he represents so much to me. - So here's to you, general. Thanks for all the memories, and I'm looking forward to what the new year brings. 🥂
Okaaayyy here's these two cuties again 😂 I feel like my own fondness and nostalgia over the last year has resulted in more and more warm/fuzzy sketches and paintings. Basically I just wanna give my characters a big hug 🤗 - But also I want to share sweetness with you guys. I've gotten some very lovely messages from folks recently, and I just want to give back something pleasant to all you amazing. . . . #watercolorillustration #watercolorpainting #watercolorart #watercolorsketch #watercolorcomic #coimccharacter #webcomic #onlinecomic #comicartist #princesseleanor #dazerandeleanor #originalart #originalillustration #paulrubens @stillmanandbirn #portraitstudy #watercolorportrait #colorstudy #fantasycomic #romancecomic
Somehow this one came out more sassy than grumpy 😂 I was just experimenting with yellow washes, so it also has quite a serious glow. And I kinda dig the denim blue as the background. Just kinda all around fun to paint! . . . #sketchbookpainting #watercolorillustration #watercolorpainting #comiccharacters #webcomic #onlinecomic #characterdesign #charactersketch #watercolorsketchbook #generaldazer #princesseleanor #dazerandeleanor #watercolorvideo #timelapsevideo #originalart #originalcharacter #romancecomic #romanticstory #fantasycomic #paulrubenswatercolors #yellowwash #paynesgray #watercolorpalette #watercolor_art
This one was actually done a while ago, but I never uploaded it! I *think* this was done with the Cotman set, and I was just trying to get "clean", saturated colors (since I tend to get muddy, dull colors.)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ -⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This'll be my last post before Christmas! I hope you all are having a lovely, peaceful holiday season 💕 I'm with family, eating and sleeping so much, and feeling very relaxed and refreshed!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #sketchbookpainting #watercolorillustration #watercolorpainting #comiccharacters #webcomic #onlinecomic #characterdesign #charactersketch #watercolorsketchbook #generaldazer #princesseleanor #dazerandeleanor #originalart #originalcharacter #romancecomic #romanticstory #fantasycomic #winsorandnewton #cotmanwatercolor #cyan #magenta #watercolorpalette #watercolor_art

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  • Time to Close Some Doors
  • Watercolor Sketches
  • Delight: Repeat As Necessary
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