Hi all 👋
I'm aiming to create shorter Substack posts as an alternative to spending too much time procrastinating over content 😅 Hopefully, this allows me to post more before the year ends. I want to delve into the creative ‘behind the scenes’ of all things Banana on Cat, sharing the evolution from a full-time graphic designer to, hopefully, a successful illustration business.
In past posts, I briefly described my career trajectory and found that one of my significant milestones is understanding my 'style.' Part journey of self-discovery, part observation task, realizing a certain way of working clicked something inside, sparking joy, was a great relief. Though this will naturally evolve, I'm very happy with my progress.
On the road to discovery and experimentation, beyond working on my craft for clients and personal projects.1 I found that a prompt list - a series of one-word prompts to which the creative responds visually - is a great way to stretch those style muscles and look for patterns in my weirdo tendencies. Though not foolproof in determining style or medium, it’s a great start.
In the past two years, I’ve attempted five challenges with varying degrees of success
The 100 Day Project, technically less a prompt list and more a creative challenge, was my first opportunity to practice accountability. When Katie Draws mentioned this a while back in an insta post, I’d actually not heard of it and upon discovery I was quite captured by its simple premise - 1 drawing a day for 100 days. How hard can this be? Errr. Turns out… quite. Completing the 100 days, I learned a lot about creating quick illustrations and noticed patterns in shapes, colour, and subject matter.
My first Inktober in 2021, an alternative prompt list by artist albabbgg, didn't go as well as planned. I loved the spoopy Cursed Relics theme but got too fussy with the illustration style, tried unsuitable ideas, and, being new to the technique, underestimated its time-consuming nature. Despite not completing it, this failure encapsulated my Keep Trying Keep Failing philosophy.2
Between this and my next Inktober attempt, I gave the 100 Day Project another shot, focusing on cut paper collages. Around this attempt, I felt more attuned to the technique and hit my stride. Although not completing the entire 100 - did I make it to 36? – I felt more in charge of my craft, creating illustrations that resonated with my style and prompting the inception of Banana on Cat ❤️
Inktober 2022, my first 'official' attempt, armed with knowledge of the process, took a creative U-turn using a Pentel art brush. Although completing the series, there was something inauthentic about the style. Back to the drawing board.
This year’s Inktober (which I have renamed Sniptober) was approached with confidence and calm, renaming it partly due to my style and to have a sense of ownership and having reprogrammed how I cope with the first month of the Fun Time End Times 3 it felt.. easier? Or at least less chaotic. More in tune with my technique, I committed to a cut paper illustration style and aimed to be quicker, have less fussy ideas, and restrict myself to limited palettes - or at least try.
The end result is a collection of 31 illustrations which I am proud of – though I will admit that one or two that I don’t love as much, naturally. Not only did I mange flex my creative thinking muscles, but I also have a collection that I can use as a springboard for other ideas / products in the future 🎉
Here a few that I loved and for those interested in seeing the entire collection - have a look over here 👉 www.instagram.com/bananaoncat
It's funny how I forget these experiments snowball into a wealth of experience shaping an illustrator.
These prompt lists and 'one-a-day' challenges taught me about accountability, time management, and showing the messy and 'ugly' progression of my illustrations.
As my business grows, and free time becomes more valuable, I hope there will still be opportunities to participate in a prompt list/challenge. Looking back at creative evolution in a time capsule is a testament to how far you've come.
Did anyone else participate this year? I'd love to see the results and thoughts on your prompt list process. Or let me know of other challenges you look forward to every year in your practice.
Until next time 🍌🐈❤️
P.S. So I kinda lied about this one being more short form. I boarded the ramble train and went on a bit of a journey. I'll make the next one super short 😸