The last 21 paintings I've made were either based on Eli Minaya's illustrations or remakes of my older pieces. So the idea of starting a new series with all original creations is intimidating. As a result, I've spent the past 2 days making sketch after sketch to try to break through my mental block. Despite spending a good chunk of the past 2 years teaching people exactly how to do this process via my mentorship program, I was having a really hard time taking my own advice.
This sketch is not going to blow anyone's mind, but it's a huge relief to me. Here's the things that helped me get back to making things the way I used to:
1. Mash up a few different symbols and themes rather than focusing on a singular idea.
2. Start by thinking about the whole silhouette of the character and work out the big shapes and energies first.
After re-learning those two lessons, I finally got back on track.