Goodbye 2020

 

I think we can all agree that 2020 can go down as one of the worst years in recent history—mostly because of COVID-19. Lots of people have died and will die during this pandemic. Our world economy has been crippled, lots of companies went under, and many people have lost jobs. I won't even bring up the horrible events that brought us to the protests for the Black Lives Matter movement. We just have to never forget that they do. 

I also wanted to point out that some good has come out of this year. We've shown our resilience to adversity and kept moving forward. We've rediscovered the heroism of the healthcare workers on the frontline as well as those who stand up to fight for equal rights. For a while, roads had fewer cars and our air was a bit cleaner. We've stopped consuming so much and enjoying what we already have. In spite of social distancing and stay-at-home orders, we've discovered new ways to connected with people. And towards the end, a record number of people spoke with their vote to get arrogance, narcissism, ignorance and hatred out of office. 

The lists can go on about the positives and negatives of the year. However, the one thing that I want to take away from 2020 is I hope that we can learn to appreciate the life that we take for granted and be more mindful of the people around us. 

The End of 2020 and Inktober Burnout

With 2020 winding down, I couldn't wish for a year to end as much as this one. I did manage to get some good sketch time in. I really enjoyed my progress with this year's Inktober and playing around with some different media, including digital.

I got a little burned out during Inktober. In fact, I didn't make much art during November. Here are the few things that I got to work on to get myself back into it.

I saw this lady on the train—earlier this year, before COVID19 hit. Passengers on my commute have always been an inspiration for my art, so I try to keep them deposited in my creative bank account.

In desperation to break out of my post Inktober 2020 slump, I decided to throw down some robots onto the page. No narrative. No concept. Just getting my lines back. 

The not-so classic scifi movie Flash Gordon remake, from the 1980s, was on the other day. Frankly the Queen song is the only good thing that came from it. I am a fan of Diesel Punk or Retro Futurism rocket design and they did honor some of that aesthetic.

I started to think that another reboot is in order. This time with modern film techniques, a better narrative and more timeless production—while still holding on to the design language of the 1930s retro futuristic style. Also, still keep the Queen song.

As I was imagining a reboot, I thought that maybe they should rethink the character of Flash. Instead of the “idealistic" male of the 1930s, why not pick somebody else? In this sketch, I’m envisioning Flash as a strong, maybe black, woman who is more rugged than beautiful—a true savior of the universe. Apologies for the caricature nature of my drawing style. 

I am now the owner of a new Sketch Wallet. I plan to have this with me at all times, so that when inspiration strikes, I can get it on paper, before I lose it.

When breaking in a new Sketch Wallet you have to do a robot.

Finally, as I’m winding down the year, I wanted finish out my 2020 sketchbook. I’ve also been wanting to do some fan art of Jake Parker‘s Skull Chaser - in my style. So here he is, playing his own video game and getting the high score.

Of course, what do you do when the red marker from your previous drawing bleeds through to the next page? Perhaps a sketch of ol’ Saint Nick. Merry Christmas everyone!