Being an artist and doodler at heart, I thought I’d share with you my sure-fire way of getting creative ideas flowing for me. It’s quite simple really: sketching. I carry two sketchbooks with me everywhere I go: a large one for anything work-related, and a smaller sketchbook for on-the-go sketching whenever the mood strikes me.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Hey, not all of us are as artistically inclined to just pick up a pencil and start drawing!” No problem. The same thinking that I use for drawing while looking at people and places around me can be applied for you writers who might need a jumpstart for coming up with ideas for characters.
When I first moved to Portland, I would ride the bus back and forth to work daily. I loved noticing all the different assortment of people who’d ride along with me—some regulars, some not so regular. I began to bring along my 5 x 7 inch notebook to record some of these interesting characters and to at least capture the moments that might otherwise be lost if I didn’t somehow sketch them down.
At first, I was drawing my surroundings, mostly:
Then I’d muster up the courage to start drawing others around me while sitting, hoping that maybe no one would see (or care) that I was perhaps drawing them. I had to be stealthy.
As I found my groove, I’d capture the little things, the little moments that might’ve been overlooked: the pencil with a large eraser stuck in a young woman’s hair, the tilt of a hat on an older gentlemen’s head, the way a woman would read the morning paper.
Every once in a while, a really interesting person would show up on the bus and I’d start sketching feverishly, capturing the details the best I could, as well as jotting down notes:
The regulars were always an interesting bunch, as well. One day I decided to draw only them, since I’d see them every morning, along with some notes and details to help me remember the little things:
Out of these daily sketching sessions, I’d eventually gather a great deal of character ideas. Great for character development. For some, I’d make up backstories in my head while I was sketching them. This character building would even spill over into my work while coming up with characters for the picture books I’d illustrate, especially the City, Baby! books. It might’ve been a simple pose that someone on the bus did for a brief moment, and the ideas would snowball into a fully-fledged character with pathos and perhaps their own story arc.
If you don’t have a sketchbook, that’s fine. A notebook or anything with pages for you to write something down should work out perfectly. Or, if it’s more convenient, Post-It notes. Whenever creative lightning would strike, but a sketchbook is nowhere to be found, Post-It notes always did the trick for me! And you can always collect and stick them into your sketchbook when the time is right:
It’s all about observation. Being aware of your surroundings, of the people around you, and taking in all the details.
Here’s a spread from NEW YORK, BABY! with plenty of characters gathered on—yup, you guessed it, a city bus:
Like I said earlier, you don’t have to be an artist to do this sort of thing. You can simply write down what you see. And you don’t have to be on the bus, either. This exercise can be done while waiting for your flight, while eating in the food court at your favorite mall, or watching TV. Recording the little moments that happen all around you. By building up this assortment of details, of moments, you are adding on to your cache of characters. Whether it be actual sketches or scribbled down notes, being aware of the canvases around you can be constant jumping off points for any type of character, whether human or human-like. The ideas for character development are limitless.
Best of luck with creating your characters!
.
Ward Jenkins is an animator, illustrator, and lover of all things aesthetically pleasing. He is the designer behind PiBoIdMo 2012’s logo and badges, and his sketchbook shared here today is online at Flickr. Ward illustrated Michael Phelp’s HOW TO TRAIN LIKE A T-REX AND WIN 8 GOLD MEDALS, Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen’s CHICKS RUN WILD as well as Chronicle’s NEW YORK, BABY! and SAN FRANCISCO, BABY! Catch him blogging at Ward-o-Matic and if you like his art, you can get some for your walls at his Ward-o-Matic shop (Tara’s favorite, which hangs in her home, is “Speaking in Color”).
Ward is generously giving away a signed copy of NEW YORK, BABY! and SAN FRANCISCO, BABY! to two winners who comment below. Remember, one comment per person, please. Winners will be selected in one week. Good luck!
167 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 26, 2012 at 12:05 am
Elisa Robinson (@elisaitw)
PiBoldMo Baby!!!! I’m inspired to attempt some sketches. Conquer the fear, baby!
November 26, 2012 at 12:10 am
Ashley N. Bohmer
Sounds like a wonderful idea…I think I’ll give this a shot!
November 26, 2012 at 12:11 am
Robyn Campbell
“It’s all about observation. Being aware of your surroundings, of the people around you, and taking in all the details.” I COULD NOT have said it better myself. (Love those regulars!) 🙂
November 26, 2012 at 12:17 am
Jennifer Lorrekovich
Great advice! Since I have taken my small sketch pad out and about with me I have been inspired with great new ideas.
November 26, 2012 at 12:26 am
Jenny Boyd
Big cities, babies, and lots of supporting characters . . . I like your style.
November 26, 2012 at 12:43 am
Tasha Tripplett
I record my thoughts on my iphone’s notes page. You really do get ideas everywhere you go…
November 26, 2012 at 12:44 am
Larissa
I love your sketches, Ward! I live in Los Angeles, where there are endless characters to observe and draw 🙂
November 26, 2012 at 12:58 am
Gary Masskin
And as an added bonus, closely observing people with writing and/or illustrating in mind, can make these otherwise mundane situations all the more interesting… and then we can avoid Dr Seuss’ dreaded “Waiting Place”
November 26, 2012 at 1:21 am
Jim
Great words of wisdom from Ward. Dude is an inspiration to me.
I love the idea that you can train yourself to notice things/details. I also love how Ward pointed out that this isn’t just something “artistic” people can do. It’s for anyone. It’s a great way to notice beauty that may have always been there, but just gone unseen.
November 26, 2012 at 1:23 am
Anjali Amit
Observe, think, observe. Great ideas.
Anjali
November 26, 2012 at 2:08 am
Jennifer Reynolds
Ward, your comments really struck home. I can’t sketch very well, but as long as I know what I drew, is all that’s important. Whether it’s writing or sketching, as long as you get things that you see, that spark an idea, down on paper, you’ll have it to look at later.It so makes sense. Thanks.
November 26, 2012 at 3:01 am
tinamariecho@yahoo.com
Great ideas! Next time I ride the subway, I’ll observe more closely! Actually, I don’t have to wait for the subway, just people-watching. Thanks, Ward!
November 26, 2012 at 3:35 am
Laurie Young
I love the idea of making “word” sketches—character and setting and moment details—that can be used in some way later. Like gathering one’s tools.
November 26, 2012 at 6:14 am
Lori Mozdzierz
“The ideas for character development are limitless.”
Combining actions of multiple people can make for some interesting characters. Whoa! Gotta go. Ideas are flowing already.
November 26, 2012 at 6:20 am
lindamartinandersen
Ward,
Thanks for sharing your process of character building that leads to books. I love your sketches. Books about being a baby in different towns is a wonderful way to show the city and its culture.
November 26, 2012 at 6:26 am
Rosanne
Thanks for sharing your process and reminding me about noticing the details.
November 26, 2012 at 6:32 am
Sheri Dillard
Ooh, I love this! Today I will build up an assortment of moments. 🙂 Thanks, Ward!
PS I love Calico Elly! (Yay!) 🙂
November 26, 2012 at 6:34 am
Elaine Kearns
Love, love, love to sketch (but not very good at it). I am going to try sketching along with my writing ideas, and see what I get from there.
Thanks for a very inspirational post!
November 26, 2012 at 6:56 am
Sharon Putnam
It’s all about observation. Being aware of your surroundings, of the people around you, and taking in all the details.” So very true!! In our hurly burly lives we tend to ignore what is right in front of us. Thank you for sharing your process of observation
November 26, 2012 at 7:01 am
laurasalas
I love the idea of sketching and wish I could draw, even a little bit. Sketching in words doesn’t work well for me becuase I end up with loads of pages that I never look through again–my eyes glaze over. I wish I could flip through journal entries as quickly as an artist can flip through sketchbooks…so jealous of you artistic people:>)
November 26, 2012 at 7:15 am
Andrea
Post-It notes are so useful!! I have a few of them stuck into my writing notebook (which is also a sketchbook so I can scribble and doodle if I like). I love what you said about how capturing little details helps for building characters.
November 26, 2012 at 7:31 am
janelle
Love it!
November 26, 2012 at 7:35 am
Jennifer Hawes
Wonderful ideas! Thank you!!
November 26, 2012 at 7:45 am
Susan Halko
Loved seeing these sketches. Thanks!
November 26, 2012 at 7:49 am
Alexa
This is fantastic! I can’t wait to show this to my son-he’s writing his own comic books and we are blown away at how he captures expressions. Would love to show him how the pros do it. Thank you!
November 26, 2012 at 7:58 am
cat jones
Liking the idea of using words as a sketcher might pictures. I always carry around a notebook to note down snippets of conversation but now I’m gonna start looking more at the characters who are doing the talking. Thanks! 🙂
November 26, 2012 at 8:02 am
Jennifer Faragitakis
Thanks for the new ideas!
November 26, 2012 at 8:21 am
Lynne Marie
All I can say is: New York, Baby!! WTG!
November 26, 2012 at 8:22 am
Kelli Thrasher-Brooks (@sageandgrace)
Great Article and advice. Thanks for sharing, I bookmarked it for future reference. (Just got the new SCBWI newsletter also, love the cover. Nice work!)
November 26, 2012 at 8:37 am
DaNeil Olson
Love your illustrations and the idea for a sketchpad. Thanks for the Monday morning inspiration!
November 26, 2012 at 8:38 am
laurieajacobs
Great idea–I plan to take a day off and go to an art museum–think I’ll bring my pad along and take notes.
November 26, 2012 at 8:40 am
Anne Bielby
You are so brave! I was itching to sketch a character I saw on the Chicago L last week, but my fear of being caught won out.
November 26, 2012 at 8:41 am
Juliet Clare Bell
Thank you! I love your post-it note sketches…
Clare.
November 26, 2012 at 8:56 am
Gail Kamer
I never thought of doing this. Even if I can’t draw well a stick figure with comments would work. Thanks.
November 26, 2012 at 9:00 am
Dawnyelle moore
I love peering into somebody elses’s brain, I mean sketchbook. What an invitation to take myself to lunch! Thanks for the sketch sparkly invitation!
November 26, 2012 at 9:03 am
salarsen
Wow! Those are amazing sketches. Imagery does it for me, too, totally inspires me.
November 26, 2012 at 9:03 am
Sue Heavenrich
great idea – and great sketches. I sometimes do “word sketches” when I’m out and about… but think I’ll try the sketchy thing too.
November 26, 2012 at 9:06 am
Pat
I tried it! I “sketched” a large tree with very specific words and feel like the tree moved from the ground into my notebook. Though it won’t be a character, this exercise definitely made me feel writerly. Thanks!
November 26, 2012 at 9:09 am
Laura Thieman
I appreciate your generous examples!!
November 26, 2012 at 9:10 am
Sue Poduska
Wonderful thoughts! I’ve done this — with words. Even if I think I’ve never used the sketches in stories, I know they never leave me. Observation is a great talent.
November 26, 2012 at 9:10 am
thiskidreviewsbooks
AWESOME!!! I love the sketches!
November 26, 2012 at 9:20 am
Carolyn
Thank you for sharing your wonderful sketches. I will have to settle for writing about my surroundings.
November 26, 2012 at 9:21 am
C. C. Gevry
People watching is so important. Even though I can’t draw well, I think I might be able to combine some drawing and writing of details to use this idea. Thanks!
November 26, 2012 at 9:22 am
Kirsten Larson
I use my camera a lot, since I’m not an artist. If I see an interesting place or person (though you have to be sneaky about that), I snap a picture. I’m also known for taking photos of informational placards at museums so I can recall the info.
November 26, 2012 at 9:31 am
MaryZ
thanks for the inspiration, Ward. I’m using drawings to find my middle grade voice, but I need to get out in public. My painting instructor used to do portraits of people on the subway using a brush pen on matchbooks–wonderful.
November 26, 2012 at 9:31 am
Carol Munro
I’ve often done this. Always envied men who usually have clothes with pockets to carry a small notebook/sketchbook. I’ve also used a small digital camera (or phone camera) to take pics of things I don’t want to forget. Thanks for the reminder.
November 26, 2012 at 9:41 am
Jarm Del Boccio
This has caused me to capture my surroundings in a new way, Ward…thanks so much for your post. I admire your drawings!
November 26, 2012 at 9:42 am
Catherine Johnson
Fantastic! I hope you’ve shown the regulars the finished product. They’d be stoked.
November 26, 2012 at 9:45 am
loriannlevyholm
It amazes how often I am struck by how important it is to be present. Drawing is visual thinking. It also amazes me how often I need to be reminded the importance of living in the moment…now if I can just do that while I scribble away, I will be enlightened. 🙂
November 26, 2012 at 9:59 am
Kelly Parker
This is a great idea. I think a good think moms could do would be to visit their local mall play area… Let the kids play and draw/write away 🙂 two birds with one stone! Thanks for sharing!!!
November 26, 2012 at 10:05 am
Natasha
Thanks Ward. I grew up in SF so I don’t need to state which piece I’d be tickled to win. Sketch, doodle, scribble, tap!
November 26, 2012 at 10:05 am
Roxanne
I often listen (writer) for those little quips I hear from people that say to be “There’s a picture book there somewhere.” Will have to remember to see the images for inpsiration too. Thanks Ward!
November 26, 2012 at 10:06 am
Laura Renauld
I’ve had trouble with character jots while observing in a public place because I didn’t know what would come of noticing the untied shoelaces or the hair pulled tight in a bun. But that’s the point! You never know where a character will emerge. Thanks for the reminder that observation is the starting place for strong, believable characters.
November 26, 2012 at 10:25 am
julie rowan zoch
Great post, Ward! You don’t have to be on a bus – and it helps to behold moments to observe. For those of us who run harried through the day, we need to be annoyed by boredom first, sigh deeply, then empty our minds of lists before we can marinate in our surroundings. The flavor can last, long enough to note what the ‘characters’ at the check-out are purchasing, and jot down the details in the car!
November 26, 2012 at 10:26 am
Ashley Bankhead
Thanks for the post. I like the idea of being aware and finding things in any situation.
November 26, 2012 at 10:31 am
mona
I’m already laughing at the sketches I haven’t attempted. They are going to make for some wiggly, jiggly, scratchy lines-a funny tale indeed! Thanks for this post. I may have to extend my doodle lines to see what happens.
November 26, 2012 at 10:40 am
Melanie Ellsworth
I like your point to observe and note down small movements that people make; those can really shape a character.
November 26, 2012 at 10:50 am
Sandie Sing
I love your article. Ideas are all around us. I often sit in my BART seat and analyze the people riding it too. I am afraid to draw them for fear they will get angry. I do pick up ideas from people watching.
There are so many places people can pick up ideas, doodle, sketch, and draw. No excuses for not drawing or picking up ideas. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
November 26, 2012 at 11:04 am
Jill Proctor
I loved your post. I Can’t draw a stick figure for the life of me, but your great illustrations make me want to try. And of course, sitting in public and taking notes is a wonderful idea. Thank you for my daily spark!
November 26, 2012 at 11:07 am
Linda Whalen
Thanks for ideas. I’m one of ‘those’ people who think if I just commit my idea to memory (very hard) it will stick. I’m also one of thsoe who finds myself wondering what it was that I knew I wouldn’t forget (ha).
November 26, 2012 at 11:14 am
Ward
Thank you all for your wonderful and thoughtful comments! If you’d like to see more sketches by me (and to take a deeper look into my thought processes), you can check out this Flickrset of mine, titled “Sketches”: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wardomatic/sets/72157622684134289/
November 26, 2012 at 11:18 am
Angela Padron
I love your illustrations. Thanks for the post!
November 26, 2012 at 11:20 am
Carrie Ann Brown
What an awesome way to catch details! Thanks!
November 26, 2012 at 11:21 am
Therese Nagi
Thanks for sharing about getting your artistic inspiration riding a bus. Back in the day, I rode the bus and had plenty of inspiration/ideas from the fellow passengers riding the bus. I can mine some of those ideas for PiBoIdMo.
November 26, 2012 at 11:22 am
Laura Zarrin
Great post! I really need to get back to sketching when I’m out and about.
November 26, 2012 at 11:41 am
Dee Almond
Love the sketches. I’ve actually done similar things with both sketches and words. I used to sketch classmates when in college. Recently, I’ve taken to writing paragraph sketches of people I notice in waiting rooms, while shopping, at work, the library, or anywhere I’m out and about. Thanks Ward.
November 26, 2012 at 11:41 am
B.J. Lee
Loved seeing your process, Ward. Reminded me of my days riding the #1 bus from Cambridge to Boston and seeing *characters*. Thanks for the great post!
November 26, 2012 at 11:44 am
Christie Wright Wild
I think I’m going to have to start carrying sticky notes in my purse!
November 26, 2012 at 11:47 am
Nancy Armo
Post-it-notes! Love it. Simple and easy. My new sketchbook. Thanks for the great idea.
November 26, 2012 at 11:52 am
Pat Lewis
This is really good advice! I’ve been struggling with how to make my characters more specific, and more “real,” for a while now. Might have to invest in a bus pass and see how it goes!
November 26, 2012 at 11:54 am
Sallie Wolf
Thanks for sharing your sketching process–it’s always inspiring to see the raw sketches, with notes, jumbled together and then to see more finished work. Peeking into sketchbooks is my favorite way of viewing art.
November 26, 2012 at 11:59 am
White Wolf Studio
So fun to see the process. Great post and advice.
November 26, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Renée Kurilla
This was a great post, Ward. Sometimes I tend to get lost in my head too much…this was a good reminder to look around. 🙂
November 26, 2012 at 12:11 pm
Brianna Soloski
I love seeing the process behind the finished product. People’s sketchbooks are some of my favorite forms of art. It’s uninhibited and raw, just the way it should be.
November 26, 2012 at 12:15 pm
evelynchristensen
Fun sketches! And as you say, observing and recording (whether with drawings or words) will make all of us better picture book creators. Thanks.
November 26, 2012 at 12:15 pm
susan crites
i love seeing sketches and then the final product. thanks for sharing and thanks for the advice!
November 26, 2012 at 12:25 pm
laurimeyers
Sometimes I like to pretend I have a long goatee like a sensei and stroke the imaginary hairs or even twist it in curls. Oh how creative I would be with Ward’s beard.
I’m amazed by how real your sketches are.
November 26, 2012 at 12:38 pm
Lori Alexander
Love taking a peek into your creative process. Thanks for sharing, Ward!
November 26, 2012 at 12:59 pm
Carol Nelson
Thanks for sharing your process for capturing ideas. I tend to watch people too. Now I need to be sure I have something to record my observations close at hand.!
November 26, 2012 at 1:02 pm
Cindy
Thanks Ward, I love the characters. I need to try more stealth sketchbooking. Definitely captures the moment and keeps those unique elements in your minds eye.
November 26, 2012 at 1:08 pm
Erika Barriga
Great post and so insightful, I will be using this a great deal in my work!
November 26, 2012 at 1:22 pm
redheadedstepchild64
Great post, Ward! I do this, too. When you have a sketchbook with you, waiting for anything is fun, instead of boring!
November 26, 2012 at 1:23 pm
Erin Fennell
Ward, thanks for the ideas and inspiration. I realize I had been observing some interesting people on a subway in Queens a couple weeks ago. Now I will use that as one of my PiBoIdMo ideas! Thanks!
November 26, 2012 at 1:51 pm
Penny Klostermann
I need work on character development. You post will help! Thanks! It was fun seeing your work and process.
November 26, 2012 at 1:54 pm
Laura Anne Miller
I appreciate your comment that “being aware of the canvases around you can be constant jumping off points” for our story ideas. Truly the world is a canvas!! Thank you, Ward for your input and delightful sketches!!
November 26, 2012 at 2:05 pm
Cindyb
I enjoy people watching. To be able to sketch them would be icing on the cake- but I have no talent in that area. When I see people sketching out in public, I always wonder what they’re drawing. Maybe they’re drawing me! I’d love to be a “character!”
November 26, 2012 at 2:13 pm
KidLitReviews
Great illustrations. I love these and wish I could draw. I would love to draw even more than write–so that is saying something. Wonderful talent. I like this year’s logo as well.
November 26, 2012 at 2:22 pm
Marcie Colleen
Thank you! I love your work. And I, too, have gotten lots of inspiration while riding public transport. Especially the subway 🙂
November 26, 2012 at 2:26 pm
LeslieG
Delightful stuff! Thanks for sharing it.
November 26, 2012 at 2:27 pm
The Backdoor Artist - Mary Livingston
Thanks for an inspiring post.
November 26, 2012 at 2:42 pm
thehungryartist
Love Ward’s work!
November 26, 2012 at 2:45 pm
Stephanie Shaw
I love Ward’s work! We need a Portlandia, Baby! Thanks for the great post, Ward!
November 26, 2012 at 2:46 pm
Sheila Wipperman
Great suggestion re. observing character idiosyncrasies. I’ve taken note of incidents and conversations before, but this adds another dimension. Love your illustrations–amazing! Thanks, Ward, for a delightful post. 🙂
November 26, 2012 at 2:47 pm
jamiepeeps
What an excellent post on the powers of observation that lead to imagined worlds. Will be sharing this with my students, since I preach this all the time. They need to hear it from Ward!
November 26, 2012 at 3:06 pm
Lane Byrum
All I’ve ever been able to draw in the past is chickens. Don’t know why. I’ve got a good cat and a decent dog. But my thing is chickens. I need to branch out and doodle like Ward does. He’s made it an art. His work is amazing. Seriously, thanks for this great read.
November 26, 2012 at 3:10 pm
Annette Pimentel
“the pencil with a large eraser stuck in a young woman’s hair”–amazing how a single vivid detail captures the imagination!
November 26, 2012 at 3:10 pm
Sheri Rad
Some good ideas to get out there and watch and listen and write down things that appeal to your writing sense. Thanks Ward.
November 26, 2012 at 3:11 pm
viviankirkfield
“Ride the Bus!”…I grew up in NYC and remember those bus/subway rides very clearly.
Thank you, Ward, for tweaking my memory banks.)
Over 45 years ago, my husband and I rode a bus through the countryside of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. We were on our honeymoon…and our hotel was an hour’s ride from the town of Charlotte Amalie. We sat in front of a woman who had a crate of chickens…and in back of a man holding a pig…what fun!
I love your advice that ‘it’s all about observation’…I’ll be adding this golden nugget to my PiBoIdMo treasure chest…if I could sketch, I would add one of the man and the woman and their livestock.:) And even though my sketching abilities are pretty nil, I just might give it a try. 🙂
November 26, 2012 at 3:15 pm
wendy greenley
Hope Chronicle has Philadelphia on it’s “It’s here, Baby” list–and you illustrating! The details are so important, and so easily missed. Thanks, Ward, sharing your work with us.
November 26, 2012 at 3:19 pm
daniela weil
that is awesome, you are a brilliant artist and observer! your sketches make me think i have had hundreds of wasted hours waiting for my daughter at her swimming, gymnastics, playground, etc. sketchbook is in my purse now! thank you.
November 26, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Marcy P.
Love it! I especially love that you included your own sketches… taken from life as it was. Thanks for sharing those and your work!
November 26, 2012 at 3:32 pm
The Ink Pond
I started sketching with my PiBoIdMo ideas just this year. Sometimes, the ideas even start with a sketch. It’s so much fun!
I continued to be inspired by the wonderful daily blog posts! This one included! Thank you for sharing your process~ pure inspiration!
Tia Svardahl, The Ink Pond
November 26, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Jen Carroll
Makes me wish I were an sketch artist too because it seems that so much more can be captured quickly in a sketch.
November 26, 2012 at 3:42 pm
Sally Matheny
I’m a visual learner so this is a great tool for me. I don’t have to be an artist, just sketch what I see. We don’t have a subway in my little country town but a park bench will do! I like your post, Ward and this visual learner greatly appreciates the “teaching” artwork.
November 26, 2012 at 4:07 pm
cekster
I sure wish I could sketch like you! Wonderful art, Ward! Wishing you many more successes.
November 26, 2012 at 4:25 pm
Jacqueline Adams
I’m reading this post in a waiting room, and I’ve just spotted a character… Time to get to work. Thanks, Ward!
November 26, 2012 at 5:02 pm
diane kress hower
i always enjoy reading and hearing how other illustrators create their characters. thanks for sharing
November 26, 2012 at 5:31 pm
Michelle Levin
Just went to your fabulous etsy shop. I like Calico Ellie! She just makes me smile. Thanks.
November 27, 2012 at 8:36 am
wardomatic
Thanks, Michelle! I love Calico Elly myself – I’m hoping to work out a book idea for her soon. 😉
November 26, 2012 at 6:03 pm
Westley Young
Hi Ward,
I’d like to know what technique you use for your finished colour illustrations; they’re wonderful, warm and full of so much life it’s like watching a cartoon.
Your caricature style reminds me of 50’s GPA animation films like Gerald McBoing Boing.
Great stuff, keep up the amazing work.
Kind regards,
Westley
November 27, 2012 at 8:34 am
wardomatic
Hi Westley, I use a combination of pencil lines drawn and scanned on paper, and painting digitally in Photoshop. I love the look of real, traditional media, so I use some brushes in that program that capture that look – more chalky, brushy stuff. Occasionally I’ll actually draw into the computer (I have a Cintiq that allows me to do that), but mostly, my characters’ lines are all done with real pencils on paper. Yes, I am a big fan of mid-century art and design, most notably UPA and that modern, stylized look that was so prevalent at the time. I love old cookbooks, children’s books, ephemera from the 40s-60s.
November 26, 2012 at 6:09 pm
SevenAcreSky
I’ve been wanting to do this since an earlier suggestion…but when I gravitated to my Blackberry’s memo app to record my ideas, the notion faded. I will have to try this for the remaining days of the challenge. I do love doodling and sketching, though I’m not an artist. Thanks Ward for your encouraging post. – Damon Dean
November 26, 2012 at 6:25 pm
Valerie Cuan
Due to illness and trying to figure out how to make a living at something creative, haven’t been able to paint and draw. I have a friend who wants me to illustrate some books she has written; not sure if i’m up to the task. Seems a long way to get from here to there. Seeing your work has inspired me and maybe a stepping stone.
Valerie
November 26, 2012 at 6:39 pm
Robin Bulleri
I added doodle apps to my iphone and nook, so I can sketch anything when I am pencil-less, but nothing beats a trusty sketchbook.
November 26, 2012 at 7:22 pm
Claudia Broglio
I love the art of visual note-taking and doodling. Your ideas and suggestions take these concepts to a whole new level and dimension. Hope you plan to write more (a book perhaps) on the topic of sketching for the not-so-artistically inclined.
Thanks!
November 26, 2012 at 7:42 pm
Kristiane Pedersen
I love people watching…in a good way! I love to observe all the people interacting around me. What a wonderful reminder to bring theses observations to the writing table. Thanks. I’ll even try sketching a few.
November 26, 2012 at 8:02 pm
Mary Flynn
Great advice thank you so much. My problem is I always forget my sketch book. I finally bought one that fits in my purse, now maybe I’ll remember it.
November 26, 2012 at 8:16 pm
Hannah Holt
Hello, fellow PDX-er. I haven’t ridden the bus in a while, but I take the MAX. I like to think we have the best characters here in Portland.
November 26, 2012 at 8:33 pm
Denise Richter
Wish I could draw…so impressed by your sketches. Love the idea of just taking notes on observations, though. Thanks!
November 26, 2012 at 9:20 pm
Stacy Couch
Can’t draw a lick…but I love to start with characters too. Nice to know it’s the same on the illustrator’s side.
November 26, 2012 at 9:24 pm
Sharon Calle
Ward- thanks for inspiring me to pick up my sketchbook. Besides leading to book ideas, observing people is one of life’s great pleasures!
November 26, 2012 at 9:25 pm
Donna Black
I really like the characters of your sketches. Thank you.
November 26, 2012 at 9:26 pm
Somasundaram Appoothy
An inspiring article! Thank You!
Appoothy
November 26, 2012 at 9:31 pm
h1jackson
Post-It stock just went through the roof! We will all be running out and purchasing them for the moments we don’t have a sketchbook or notebook handy! Always fun to see illustrations from sketch to finish (like your city bus page). Thanks for sharing.
November 26, 2012 at 9:46 pm
Becky
I love these little glimpses into an artist’s sketchbook! Great idea-generating ideas too!
November 26, 2012 at 9:59 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
I miss riding the city bus every day to work! Thanks for the reminder that I can channel those moments when building characters or searching for my next story idea.
November 26, 2012 at 10:06 pm
Jennifer Phillips
Love your art and it’s a reminder to those of us who aren’t illustrators that we also can be sketching and capturing details while riding the proverbial bus. Thanks!
November 26, 2012 at 10:43 pm
Helen
Beautiful artwork! A good reminder not to be bashful whilst working. I never know what to say to people who ask me what I’m doing . . . : )
November 26, 2012 at 10:43 pm
Bev Baird
Such great advice! Not only carrying a sketchbook but taking the bus/train/subway and realliy observing the people you see.Thanks for sharing!
November 26, 2012 at 11:27 pm
Joanne Roberts
Thanks for inspiring me to try harder. Your Flickr sketches are bookmarked so I can loosen up and finally begin to capture those around me.
November 27, 2012 at 12:40 am
Rachel Smoka-Richardson
Thank you for your reminder on the power of observation!
November 27, 2012 at 1:20 am
Talynn Lynn
At first, the thought occurred to me that I don’t Lu e in a big city around thousands of people to inspire each day. But then a bigger thought came to mind: it’s the everyday, normal and small things we can draw inspiration from. Thanks! I just thought of a great idea that *might* could possibly turn into my 25th idea for the month. Every day normal stuff…
November 27, 2012 at 2:03 am
Lynn Anne Carol
Great thoughts, Ward. I loved riding the bus in Portland and Eugene when I lived in Oregon. The clue to sparking my imagination is keep my eyes open, got it!
November 27, 2012 at 2:40 am
Susan Cabael
Noticing the details in the regulars. Great message!
November 27, 2012 at 3:20 am
Catherine
I love your picture of the big bouncing baby. Great suggestion to make up stories for people you see every day and don’t know, I like that idea.
November 27, 2012 at 3:24 am
Dorina Gilmore
I am not an artist so I “sketch” the characters around me in words like you suggest. Sometimes I just jot down phrases or funny things I see people wearing. Other times it’s a snippet of dialogue or a look. We travel a lot so I find interesting people in airports or on the streets of different cities.Thanks for the reminder that this is a way to develop characters. I need to do this “sketching” more often!
November 27, 2012 at 6:41 am
Donna Martin
I like how you think, Ward! I have a small notebook that I carry around with me for just such moments…too fleeting at time for me to ever hope I could remember them without my trusty tablet…;~)
Donna L Martin
November 27, 2012 at 7:31 am
Daryl Gottier
Thanks for letting us in on the process.
November 27, 2012 at 7:34 am
erin o'brien
I am not an illustrator but found your process so inspiring. Thanks for that! I can’t wait to check out your books.
November 27, 2012 at 9:27 am
Kathy Cornell Berman
What a splendid idea! Using post-its will be fun and convenient. I love your sketches. I can see the personalities in each and every face. It must be fun making up the back stories. Thanks for sharing.
November 27, 2012 at 9:29 am
Lisa Anchin
Your process is great! As a regular subway-rider, I often spend my time doodling through my commute. As you said, it’s a great way to gather characters.
November 27, 2012 at 11:01 am
ReneDAube (@9261Aube)
A great reminder to pay attention to your surroundings…for illustrators AND writers! You never know when you will bump into your next character!
November 27, 2012 at 3:02 pm
Kevin J. Doyle
Yes, this is fantastic info and a magnificent view into your sketch book! Ideas, ideas, ideas, everywhere ideas. But idea to skeleton to flesh to book, that’s the secret! Thank you for the great post!
November 27, 2012 at 4:45 pm
kirabigwood
So simple and yet, I never do this. Starting tomorrow! Thanks for the inspiration!
November 27, 2012 at 7:49 pm
Peyton Leung
Thanks for sharing and encouraging everyone to notice the world around them – there are definitely stories everywhere. I wonder if it might be interesting to take it a step further, and actually interact with someone. I know it can be intimidating to approach someone (almost as much as it can be to be approached), but I find the personal experiences we share with one another are some of the most powerful.
November 27, 2012 at 9:40 pm
lisajaynemurray
really interesting to see the journey you take to get such an amazing end result….if only you were paid by the hour!!!!!!
November 28, 2012 at 1:07 am
diandramae
After participating in a daylong SketchCrawl not too long ago, I’ve vowed to work sketching into my daily life more often. I JUST bought a cheapie little blank notebook and I LOVE it. I keep it in my purse, and it is the perfect place to scribble down ideas, or sketch while I wait for my oldest to be released from kindergarten. Every person has the potential to become a character, and I think capturing peoples’ quirks is a great way to building a character bank!
November 28, 2012 at 5:30 pm
Jennifer Reynolds
Building a character bank hit home. That is so true and a good way to make your characters much more believable.
November 28, 2012 at 8:17 am
Diana Murray
Love your sketches! Thanks for the inspiring post.
November 28, 2012 at 8:58 am
Toni Carlucci
I too love to ride the bus and observe my fellow riders. I used to sketch them as well, but haven’t in a long time. Reading about your sketching and how it led to character ideas inspires me to do more observing and sketching. Thank you so much.
November 28, 2012 at 10:10 am
helen
Lovely work, my twins and I love these illustrations. Must be braver with my sketchbook!
November 28, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards)
Great post, Ward! I love your sketches from your bus rides. I always found the most interesting characters on the metro. New York, Baby! looks adorable!
November 28, 2012 at 5:24 pm
Desiree Batson
I am artistically challenged, but maybe some stick figures in the margins egging me on! 🙂
November 28, 2012 at 8:40 pm
Cathy C. Hall
Gosh, Ward’s all over the place–just read about him in the SCBWI Bulletin!
November 29, 2012 at 12:53 am
Deb Lund
Happy bus-riding and birthday, Ward! ; )
November 29, 2012 at 10:01 am
Deb A. Marshall
What a cool way of people watching with sketch book in hand! Thanks for the giveaway and happy bus-riding from me too!
November 29, 2012 at 1:43 pm
Jennifer Ali
Love the sketches–lots of energy!
November 29, 2012 at 11:16 pm
S.H. Sherlock
wow- this takes me back to my bus and subway-riding years in Washington D.C. I loved observing the riders. “Speaking in Color” is a gorgeous print- now on my favorites list.
November 30, 2012 at 1:53 am
Kathryn Ault Noble
Thanks, Ward! I filled sketchbooks on my commute, too, and enjoyed the bumps that kept me from trying to work too tightly.
November 30, 2012 at 9:10 am
Lois Sepahban
I love your art! Thanks for a great post!
November 30, 2012 at 1:10 pm
angelapenadahle
Thanks for sharing your sketching process and experiences. What a view! It really is all about variety. The more we see and notice, the better. The more we see, the more opportunity there is for ideas-fresh ones. 🙂 Thanks!
November 30, 2012 at 3:19 pm
Abigail
Loved your post. Thank you!
November 30, 2012 at 3:57 pm
Debbie Mickelson
Thanks for your thoughts here. I’m not much of an artist, but I do now carry a notebook to write notes as they come to me. Since I always have my phone with me, I’ve started using it for notes as well. That way I don’t forget important thoughts.
November 30, 2012 at 11:52 pm
Heather Soodak
I relate to you with finding ideas from drawing, sometimes I HAVE to draw when I’m observing people/things, and it really helps with finding ideas. It was really cool to see your process and encouraging also that illustrators can write books too!
December 1, 2012 at 2:46 am
Lisa Olson
I loved seeing your thought process from the beginning to see how you came up with the books. Cute!
December 1, 2012 at 8:36 am
Ellen L. Ramsey
Thanks, Ward, for inspiring me to add more “characters” to my lists entitled “Seen at the Store” and “Seen in a Restaurant.” I need to find a bus to ride too!
November 27, 2014 at 9:57 pm
Anita Banks
Love your art work, thanks for the post.