INKTOBER TANGLES CHALLENGE

Inktober Tangles challenge is one of the variants of the popular Inktober challenge, that was started in 2009 by the illustrator Jake Parker. Since 2015 a fellow Certified Zentangle Teacher Stephanie Jennifer provides a list with 31 tangles/prompts that the whole community uses to create Zentangle inspired drawings during the month of October.

I am one of those people who really love starting new challenges. Sure, I get determined and enthusiastic. However, I almost never finish them. 

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly to the reason behind such inconsistency. My mind is hyperactive and I easily get bored. It always buzzes with new ideas and I feel a calling to play and explore. So doing the same thing over and over again is not what I consider fun. 

Feeling Determined This Time

In time I started to think about myself as someone who is inconsistent. I decided to prove myself wrong this year. In recent years I have made so many changes, which made me question some beliefs about myself so I thought – I can do it! I went public with my intention, which was a kind of commitment made to myself and everyone else. And not only have I started to use each daily prompt, but I have started making videos and publishing them on my YouTube channel.

Now that the month of October is finished, I can proudly say that I managed to complete the challenge and show you the finished artwork.

Zentangle Drawing Zen Linea

My Inktober Tangles Challenge – YouTube Videos

I am well aware of the fact that this is quite a big task so I decided to keep it simple. There is no planning, trying out tangles and designs in advance, preparations etc. I want to keep it spontaneous, too. I plan on using only the basic supplies (pen, pencil, charcoal white and blending stumps) on Renaissance tiles.

Another first for me is that I decided to record an audio, too. I have never used my voice on videos that I post on YouTube and other social media. I want to comment on the process without turning this project into 31 free Zentangle lessons. When I make video classes, I thoroughly plan them. Classes revolve around a particular creative project and I tend to explain each step that I take and each choice I make. Inktober is different – I view it more as a chance for you to get to know me better.

Below is the video of the day 1 of Inktober Tangles Challenge but you can find all the videos on my YouTube channel.

Inktober Tangles Challenge – Things I Learn Along The Way

People often ask me how I make decisions about the composition. As I use one daily prompt after the other and draw them in a sequence, this is an awesome experiment. I have to admit that I like the outcome so this project is also a proof that we don’t always have to overthink and plan. Zentangle is simple. Additionally, I don’t practice tangles before I start drawing and I wanted to do the same for Inktober. Some tangles are just right up my alley – usually the ones composed of organic shapes. But others are not and sometimes I struggle. But I do not give up. That is just another Zentangle lessons – there are no mistakes!

I hope that you joined me as I worked through the Inktober Tangles 2021. Also, I want to say thank you to everyone who watched, tangled along and sent supportive comments. I loved the sense of community and sharing. I would have not done it if you were not on this journey with me!

October, 2021

Written by Anica Gabrovec CZT

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