14 Day Mindset Challenge where I plan to try to let go of my inner critic. Scrap that, no trying, I will re-program my brain.

For this 14 day challenge I will allow myself 10 minutes to draw each day, sourcing objects from home and work.

END OF PROJECT NOTES - Well this was a fantastic exercise. I learnt that ink brush pens do not need to be feared, I learnt that I do not like sketching with a fine liner and I learnt that mistakes and break throughs are all part of the journey.

Once I completed my 14 sketches I then watched the bonus videos. When I saw Ohn Mar pick up a Dior perfume bottle (my Day 11 project) I initially thought "oh no....." but told myself - I have no formal training, no years of practice behind me, I am a beginner and have progressed so far. I then watched Ohn Mar tackle the perfume bottle without any fear and was really interested in how she embraces her thoughts as they pop into her head.

My plan is to push my doodles to draw 'found objects' around me. My note pad at work has loads of geometrics and florals, it will now have cups and pens and beakers and flasks (I work in a laboratory so no excuse for inspiration!)

Thanks for reading this far. Some of my fellow students have created incredible pieces but I know we all have our own self talk and inner beliefs to battle.

Off to wash the beautiful ink marks off my hands.

DAY 1

14 Day Mindset Challenge - image 1 - student project

14 Day Mindset Challenge - image 2 - student project

I was quite pleased with actually getting two sketches within 10 minutes for this one. Those lines were hard but I loved using the HB pencil.

DAY 2

14 Day Mindset Challenge - image 3 - student project

14 Day Mindset Challenge - image 4 - student project

Gah! I was distracted and felt like I was rushing and I don't know why I did that to myself. It is awful. I let the fear of that permanent brush pen get the better of me and the intention was to just let go of perfection and draw. This one is behind me and I know I will do better next time.

Day 3

14 Day Mindset Challenge - image 5 - student project

I wanted to persist with that brush pen, I love the lines it creates. So I chose another simple shape.
Wrong.
I struggled again but still enjoyed the process. The results look like flat lay.

Day 4

14 Day Mindset Challenge - image 7 - student project

This started out fun. I went with a 0.6 fine liner to push myself away from erasable pencil lines. Well that little peg had tricky sneaky lines and I found myself wondering what the heck I was doing.
Note to self - relax!! You’re having fun but your drawings look stiff and rigid.
Think I’ll revert to a pencil for the next few days......

Oh and 10 minutes sometimes can seem like loads of time. Today it flew by. What’s with that?!

Day 5

14 Day Mindset Challenge - image 9 - student project

Day 6

14 Day Mindset Challenge - image 11 - student project

14 Day Mindset Challenge - image 12 - student project

Day 7

14 Day Mindset Challenge - image 13 - student project

Note to self - do not look at other student's work. (insert eye roll)

Slow progress, is still progress.......mmmmm.......

Day 8

14 Day Mindset Challenge - image 15 - student project

Much preferred using a soft pencil. This small ramekin was a struggle but I really enjoyed this quick sketch. I especially like the side view (the second from top sketch)

Day 9

14 Day Mindset Challenge - image 16 - student project

I have never attempted drawing a fruit or vegetable from a real life sample, so I fossicked in the pantry and decided on a shallot. I am pleased with this first go at a food item and am still enjoying my Blackwing pencil, it is like drawing with butter.

Day 10

14 Day Mindset Challenge - image 17 - student project

A little amber bottle that was sitting on my desk at work. I was quite happy with the last version and was surprised I managed three drawings in the 10 minutes. This process is becoming easier and I have less pressure on myself.

Day 11

14 Day Mindset Challenge - image 18 - student project

That scary ink brush pen is now being used......an empty perfume bottle my chosen subject. Positives - loving the feeling of using the ink brush pen, and I am quite happy with a few lines here. Three sketches with a new medium was surprising.

Day 12

14 Day Mindset Challenge - image 19 - student project

I was feeling pushed for time and thought a highlighter would be a good choice for today. There as some parts of each of these versions I was happy with but I cannot say I was happy with the overall look of any of them. I am getting better at some lines but my head still wants to control what I think I am seeing. The fact that I wasn't really relaxed shows but there are aspects to be pleased with.

Day 13

14 Day Mindset Challenge - image 20 - student project

I nearly chickened out of drawing this ceramic coaster - too much to draw within 10 minutes! But I did it and I was quite chuffed in the end. Not perfect, I had hoped to get the texture of the ceramic on the sides but I was impressed with what I did get down during the time. The inky brush pen is fast becoming a favourite.

Day 14

14 Day Mindset Challenge - image 21 - student project

Well I can see and feel a difference. This was a six minute sketch. A small luggage lock. Appropriate given I live in Melbourne and we are currently in a lockdown and holidays feel like a distant memory....... A big revelation in sketching this was that I did not opt for the flat lay look first, I automatically placed the lock at an angle and went for it, did not over think, did not look for an easier angle. Lots of positives.

Christine Giarrusso

Surface Pattern Designer

5

44