Drawing ugly
I am thumbnailing my 8th graphic novel, Super Boba Cafe 2. Thumbnails are the most important part of my graphic novel process. It’s where I transform a short written outline to the page-by-page book. I write and re-write dialogue, plan the panels, page turns and loosely draw the whole book.
With my first book, Pashmina, my thumbnails were pretty. Someone once said I could publish the thumbnails!
My thumbnail focus is the writing and paneling. It took many books but I’m finally okay with drawing ugly. Earlier, I worried that my editor or early readers would comment or ask for more detailed drawings.
Turns out, ugly drawing communicates just as well.
Now, I would argue that pretty thumbnail drawings are not only unnecessary but can distract from the story focus.
Working on books is consuming. I’ve observed a process of forgetting that happens immediately after completion. I suppose it’s to make mental space for the next book but I believe it contributes to my fortitude. If I remembered the work I put into a single graphic novel, I may never make one again. And if I made my thumbnails pretty, I wouldn’t be able to make as many books. It’s delightful to release myself from superficial demands.
As I begin 2024 racing to finish the thumbnails for Super Boba Cafe 2, I wish for us all a year of clarity on what’s important and what we can let go.
I wish for a year of drawing ugly.
As I move back into thumbnails, this is a great reminder! Love hearing your process!
I love this refreshing message and can truly relate! In the beginning stage, trying to make something pretty will truly drain all my creative energy. Letting the ugly out will always yield some glorious work! 💞 Thank you for sharing your process! I always wonder how artists make graphic novels because making a 32-page picture book is a ton of work, so making a whole graphic novel makes me shake in my little boots!