Inspiration at a Glance; May 17 2020

Some weeks, it’s almost impossible to come out with positive blog content. After hitting a low point, I swore to myself to make my blog an optimistic space, a refuge that will force me into finding the bright side.

I’m at an even lower point now, to be honest. Every day is a battle, and every night I lie awake wondering if the numbness in my left arm and chest pain is a heart attack, or just another panic attack.

I’m not well.

Still, if you want to give me a helping hand so I can hopefully move on fast from a toxic situation, please check out my Ko-fi. In the meantime, I’m going to talk about visual art.

If you’ve followed this blog/site at all, you’ll have noticed some rapid revamping of the visuals, including a beautiful personalized banner (created by icedmako!) and the inclusion of an art page. I’ve posted commissions and gift drawings from several talented artists, and I’d urge you to check them out! Also, when it comes to my own visual art, I’ve created aesthetic boards using free images from sites such as Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay.

Apart from art just being nice to have, why do I – and so many other authors – seek out visual representations of our work?

I think it comes down to two things: helping readers connect with our work at a glance, and helping ourselves connect with our work at a glance. So really, it’s kind of just one thing that applies to both creator and consumer.

From the standpoint of a reader, I can tell so much about the feel of a book by looking at visual representation. This is why cover art is so important! I know if I’m in for a rustic horror or enchanting fantasy based on what I’m looking at, I can visualize the events more clearly because I’ve seen a picture of the main character, and I can get excited about the contents based on whether or not the art excites me too. I take that energy and, in some cases, direct it right at the author, who in turn benefits with inspiration! Everyone does better with a cheering section.

That’s part of what benefits me as a writer, is making those connections via art. But it’s not just easier to envision characters for the readers – there’s something immeasurably satisfying about seeing the things in your head come to life in colour!

In terms of things like author branding, I’m already finding my banner incredibly valuable. I look at it and aspire to write more to fit the feel and themes behind it. I know what I’m about, when I see it.

All that said, I’ll urge y’all to look at my art page again, and encourage you to comment with links to your favourite art! If you’re a writer, make it something inspired by/commissioned for your work!