I’ve been thinking about a few tweets I read a couple days ago that politely detracted Inktober, and why I think Inktober is a good idea.

Inktober 2014: I spent 31 days reacquainting myself with my pen nibs and getting back into the habit of drawing regularly again.

Inktober 2015: I decided to do 31 finished, simple illustrations and use the best ones in my portfolio.

This year, Inktober 2016: I decided to improve my familiarity with architecture and landscape textures by doing photo studies (and along with that, improve my sense of lighting, values, and composition by picking interesting shots).

Most illustrators I’ve seen online enjoy Inktober. It is what you make it, but it’s also “community” fun. I, personally, use Inktober to set specific goals that require a month-long commitment. Sure, I can do this at any time throughout the year, and I should. But, it’s fun knowing others are participating in the same “event” in their own way.