However, this particular entry is to briefly remark upon how research into my own design process and work ethic aided me when I was beginning to flag and hitting something of an art block. I'd noted in essays how 'designing through play' was particularly useful, keeping sketches loose and interesting and free, but I had a day where my art began to slow, and neat lines suddenly seemed the only important thing. In the past, I would have stopped drawing until this freedom and enjoyment of art came back of its own accord, but because I recognised it as a failure to keep the idea of 'play', I took a break from my creature design and sketched freely on a new document, which greatly re-energised the creature design I returned to afterwards.
I need to retain freedom for initial sketches and only become neater for the following lineart once a design has been set, not restrict myself to neat lines from the start. Acknowledgement of this issue and providing a solution has, I feel, greatly enhanced my ability to create art.
Initial sketch for a phoenix. Very stilted and typical. Based on sketches but tried too hard to utilise all of them.
Free sketch. Consists of my and my friend's pets chasing a tennis ball, with movement and humour being the intent.
Current phoenix. Freer and looser than the last, with potential for refining.
