Ink Wars Experience
Ever had your manager secretly sign you up for an illustration competition performed in front of hundreds of people? Well, I have and as terrifying as the experience was, I’m so glad he signed me up. I thought it might be helpful for others to share my experience and encourage folks to get themselves out there and take risks.
If you aren’t familiar with Ink Wars, it’s an illustration competition performed at the Creative South conference in Columbus, GA every spring. Artists are given a theme, multiple sharpies, an 8x4 foot board, a stage in front of hundreds of attendees, and 60 minutes to draw an appropriate illustration.
When I first heard that I had been signed up and chosen, I was terrified and wanted to back out. I started thing about the worst things that could happen…
I fall off the stage
I trip on stage
I fall off the bridge
I forget to wear shoes
I draw something bad
People laugh at me
People think I’m a bad designer
I won’t belong here
Those last four hit hard and were by far my biggest hurdles. Imposter syndrome is something many designers struggle with, but were those things really that bad? I realized that I was being way too hard on myself and that those things probably will happen, but should it stop me from trying? Should it stop me from doing what I love? Nope…so, let’s do this.
My manager and friend encouraged me to practice and gave me the confidence I needed to get up on that stage. My whole team practiced illustrating with me in quick sessions on white boards which was a great exercise for team building and getting comfortable with making mistakes. It also helped to know that I would have my team and friends supporting me throughout the competition and they didn’t disappoint.
I wanted to create something that wasn’t a pop culture reference and had some originality. As Creative South is in Georgia, I really wanted to incorporate a peach and just do something silly and weird. This year’s theme was “power,” so I decided to try creating a scene of the bridge that the competition and accompanying party are held on with the peach being a participant that may have had a little too much fun.
The 60 minutes went by far faster than I thought and I really struggled with not being able to reach the top of the board (next time I’ll bring a stool). The crowd was hype, the music was loud, and it was awesome. I don’t think I created my best work that night, but I’m so glad that I experienced it. I was forced out of my comfort zone and I didn’t completely flop. My fears were complex and irrational, it felt so good to overcome them. After the competition, I felt far less nervous about sharing on Dribbble, sharing quick sketches, and just drawing in general. I would highly recommend trying something new with design, whether that’s trying a new style and sharing it, or drawing in front of hundreds of people on stage. The reward is far greater than the risk.
I’m incredibly grateful for my team, my friends, and my manager for supporting me and pushing me to get out of my comfort zone. Check out the finished product and my support team!
Would I do it again? Heck yes, but next year, I’m signing my old manager up :).
