Level Up Your Art With WORDS

Writing is thinking; learn to think clearly.

Author

nowayjermaine
July 07, 2024

Hey Past-me,

You’re gonna be confused for a while. (Don’t worry, you’ll figure it out 😬)

And you won’t know what art means to you and why it matters so much…and you’re gonna make mountains of stuff that doesn’t feel right or that people won’t understand…

…until you start writing about it. (Wait, that’s it?)

You didn’t write much back then. You got so used to just going with your gut. Just drawing whatever showed up on the page. But then there’d be sometimes you wanna say somethin real specific…but your thoughts are so jumbled up it just comes out as…blah…and it shows up in the art.

Learning to write means mastering clear thinking.

With clear thinking, you can learn to tell great stories with words + pictures + whatever else you can get your hands on.

Here’s where I’d start…

Up ahead:

  • Writing is learning to think clearly, here’s how:

  • Step 1: Make writing a habit

  • Step 2: Blend writing with your art-ing

  • Step 3: Write your art’s backstory

  • Step 4: Make your mission clear.

  • Writing can help you get things into focus

But bro…"I'm no good with words."

Remember this: writing isn’t just an art; it’s a tool.

Just like the lines, shapes, and colors you wield to create your art.

“Oh, but…”

  • "I’m an artist, not a writer."

  • "Got no time; must create."

  • "I don’t know where to start."

Don't worry, here’s how we handle those excuses:

Step 1: Make Writing a Habit

Keep a pocket notebook handy. Write in that default notes app. Write about everything.

Journal about your day, jot down interesting moments, and remember genius ideas, and things that pique your curiosity. When you stumble across writing that strikes a chord, WRITE IT DOWN. Say it in your own words. Write the way you talk. Don’t worry about being fancy. Just be clear.

This habit of keeping and reflecting on thoughts molds your mind to think clearly and critically—essential tools for any artist.

Write often and clearly enough that future-you can make use of it.

Step 2: Blend Writing with Your Art-ing

Integrate writing into your art-making process.

  • Explore your story

  • Journal from the character’s perspective

  • Describe an environment

  • Brainstorm story titles or names

  • Design a creative challenge

  • Write some dialogue

  • Begin with a quote

  • Add text to your illustration

Practicing this integration shows you when writing can guide your creativity and when you can let intuition lead. This balance is key. Experience will teach you the difference, helping you not only to enhance your art but also to understand your own creative process on a deeper level.

Writing allows you never to have to start from scratch.

It can be your compass or a launching pad.

Step 3: Write Your Art’s Backstory

Before starting your next project, don’t jump right in just yet.

Think deeply about it.

Take out a sheet of paper and ask some questions:

  • What am I making? I’m designing a character…

  • Why now? I want to make a comic, and this is the main character…

  • What do I want to say? This character represents someone like me…

  • In what ways can I say it? I could use these shapes, those clothes, these colors…

Penning down your thoughts allows for depth, making your motivations and intentions clear—not just to others, but to yourself. Understanding your emotions and thoughts about your art is challenging, but recognizing and being conscious of them gives you power.

With this knowledge, you’re better equipped to make bold choices in your art and truly express something meaningful through your work.

Blue just because, or blue cause it’s cool. That is a valid difference.

Step 4: Make Your Mission Clear

Figure out why you create.

Why are you an artist? (Whoa, why so deep) But really, think about it.

This clarity breathes life into your work, making it purposeful, even if the purpose is "just because." When you know your "why," every stroke, shade, or shape you create carries a piece of that purpose.

This gives you perspective.

A lens to see through and to recognize whether what you’re creating is what you’ve been imagining all along. Keep it simple. Write how you talk. Don’t write for an audience just yet. Write for you.

Writing gives you a way to find direction. Something I wish I had sooner rather than later.

By weaving writing and art, you unlock clarity and expression to be a mindful part of your artistic spellbook.

What once was fuzzy in your mind becomes clear.

Writing isn’t just a tool for explaining your art to others—it’s a means of exploring, understanding, and refining your vision.

So, what do you feel like writing about today?

Talk to you soon,

Future-you

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