Ink is the scariest part!

You know that feeling, right? Staring at a blank page, pen or pencil in hand, and suddenly that overwhelming 'fear drawing' sensation kicks in. It’s like the paper is judging you, and the thought of making a mistake, especially with ink, can be paralyzing. I completely get it – for me, 'Ink is the scariest part!' It's a phrase that really resonates, and honestly, it’s why I often hesitated to dive into ink art. But what if I told you that overcoming this fear, whether you're starting with a pencil sketch or going straight for the ink, can be surprisingly easy? My journey began with my husband gifting me a beautiful new pen, and suddenly, the excuse to not try vanished. That first blue ink drawing wasn't perfect, but the satisfaction of just starting was immense. It made me realize that the biggest barrier is often just ourselves and our expectation of perfection. So, how can you make drawing easy and conquer that fear? Here are a few things I’ve learned that might help you, whether you prefer pencil or are ready to try ink: 1. Start Small & Simple: Don't aim for a masterpiece on your first go. Try drawing simple shapes, everyday objects, or even just abstract lines and patterns. This takes the pressure off and lets you focus on the joy of making marks. When I first started with this new pen, I didn't plan an elaborate scene; I just let the pen flow, focusing on the beautiful blue ink. 2. Embrace the 'Mistake' as a Learning Curve: This is especially true for ink, which can feel so permanent. Instead of seeing a 'mistake' as a failure, view it as an opportunity to adapt or learn a new technique. Sometimes, the most interesting parts of my drawings have come from trying to 'fix' something I initially thought was wrong. 3. Practice Strokes (Especially with Ink): Before drawing your main subject, dedicate a small corner of your paper (or a separate scrap piece) to practice various strokes. Test different pressures, line weights, and hatching techniques. This builds muscle memory and confidence, making the actual drawing feel much less daunting. It helps to understand how your specific pen and ink behave. 4. Use References Freely: You don't have to be a genius to draw from imagination constantly. Look at photos, objects around you, or even other artists' work for inspiration. Using references is a fantastic way to learn observation and composition without the added stress of inventing everything from scratch. It makes the process much more approachable and 'easy with pencil' or pen. 5. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome: Art is a journey, not just a destination. Enjoy the act of creating, the feel of the pen on paper, and the way colors blend (or, in my case, the vividness of blue ink). The end result is a bonus, but the true value is in the creative flow. The satisfaction I felt from completing that first blue ink drawing wasn't about it being gallery-worthy, but about overcoming my initial hesitation. Getting past that initial 'scariest part' of drawing, whether it's the blank page or the permanence of ink, is incredibly empowering. It truly makes the entire art journey more enjoyable and less intimidating. So grab your pen or pencil, and let's make some art!