How Failing Inktober Led Me to One of My Best Drawings

I remember creating this drawing for Inktober 2024 — and quite a few things happened along the way.

First, for those unfamiliar: Inktober is an art challenge. It was created by Jake Parker in 2009. Artists are encouraged to draw and share one ink drawing per day throughout October. They use the hashtag #Inktober. It’s a great way to improve technique, build an artistic habit, and connect with fellow creators.

In 2024, I made the decision to (almost) fully commit to ink drawing. It’s a discipline like any other, but with its own quirks and constraints. The challenge was literally called INK-tober. So, I figured it was the perfect excuse to leave other media aside. This allowed me to dive deep into mastering ink.

I began working exclusively with ink. First traditional ink on paper, then digital ink. Photoshop’s immense flexibility lets me emulate any kind of ink or tool I can imagine.

Inktober requires a new drawing every day, so speed is essential. So is inspiration — you can’t draw what doesn’t come to mind. I planned to have two or three drawings ready before October started, just in case.

About five days before the challenge began, I found a reference image that inspired this drawing. I decided to try a different technique for rendering the skin. I knew the effect I wanted — but not how to achieve it.

I started with the basic structure: large shapes and a few key lines, softly suggested. But I couldn’t figure out how to bring the image to life. I got stuck for days. Every solution I tried felt too familiar. I spent hours just staring at the half-built image. Some remnants of those failed attempts are still visible near the top of the head.

I’d start and stop, again and again. Eventually, I gave up on the idea of posting daily. My Inktober plan fell apart.

But once the pressure was gone, the drawing finished itself. I regretted not completing the challenge, but I’m proud of the result. It’s one of the most accomplished pieces I’ve made.

And honestly? One drawing per day… it’s an impossible challenge.