132: Our Manifesto...

The Draw or Die Manifesto

2 years and 8 months ago I started this newsletter for artists to help keep you inspired. A lot has happened in this time. I’ve had thousands of conversations now with artists from all walks of life. You can always read the full archive of over 130 newsletters for free at: https://www.drawordie.club/archive

I don’t have as much time or energy to donate to this personal brand as I did before, but I’m still committed to its mission. Still here, just a little quieter.

Sometimes it feels like I’m repeating myself…but I know these mantras are worth repeating. Bookmark ‘em, print ‘em out.. Re-read it often.

Mantras matter because we need reminders, especially on tough days. Each repetition is fuel, a spark for your fire.

This is …

The Draw or Die Manifesto. 

#1 Do It Because You Must.

You were born a creator. Therefore if you do not create, you will be unhappy. You will resent anyone you perceive as stopping you, be it your family, friends, authority figures. This can spiral out of control in many different ways, none of them are good for you, or the world around you.

Create, because it’s who you are. Honor the creative fire inside you that needs expression.

#2 Draw Every Day.

You must make time to do this. Put the time for yourself FIRST. That may seem selfish to you or others.The simple truth is if you’re living a life where there is no time left for you, you’re not living at all. Even as little as 10-15 minutes per day will make a difference. 

Even a few minutes today is a gift to your future self. Make the time; it’s your lifeline to creativity.

#3 Draw Small. 

Stop overthinking your art. Instead of feeling you need to draw on a giant canvas, or that every drawing has to be a masterpiece, just draw small. Draw in a pocket sized notebook. Make it a little challenge to yourself. And remember, the biggest ideas often spring from the tiniest sketches.

Big ideas start small. Every tiny sketch carries seeds of greatness within it.

#4 If You’re Stuck, Scribble It Out.

You are about to experience an ancient and magical exercise.
I call it “scribble challenge”.  Anyone can do it, anytime, anywhere.
It works like this:

When you feel  uninspired and don’t know what to draw, begin lightly scribbling. To “draw” is to “pull” something out. You will “draw out” what you see within the scribble.

It doesn’t have to make sense. It might be abstract or strange. Go with the flow here. Forget perfection. 

The simple act of getting your hand and mind acting in this way, will attract the muse.
You will find yourself wanting to do it again. Perhaps every day?

Art is waiting in every line, every stroke. Scribble your way into inspiration; let the muse find you there.

#5 Draw Your Stories.

Drawing a story in a series of drawings is the most powerful form of communication in all of human history. It’s taken many forms over history, from cave paintings, to hieroglyphics, and here in modern times you may know it best as comics, graphic novels, or sequential art. 

It’s the most powerful form of communication because visual storytelling transcends human words and language barriers. It is a universal language, a story that may be understood from beings not even of this earth. 

We all have stories, be it in our imagination or something we know or experienced.

 I challenge you to draw a story. Even if only 3 panels. After all, every story has a beginning, middle and end. 

Your story has a place in the world, in history. Share it, one drawing at a time.

#6 Don’t Delay, Draw Today.

What are you waiting for? You don’t need anyone’s permission. You’re good enough to go, trust me. Something to draw with and on, it’s all you need. 
You’re not too old, or too young.
No more excuses. 
Draw today.

The best time is always now. Start where you are and watch how far you go.

#7 Share Your Art & Story.

It might not feel this way to you right now, but your art can make a difference in someone else’s life, and could even change the world. Even the act of you openly creating and sharing will inspire someone who needs it.

Your art is the gift that will keep giving, even when you’re  long gone. 

Let your art live beyond you, inspiring others as it inspires you.

#8 Stay Encouraged.

On good days, and bad days, draw every damn day.
Put all these tools together to keep yourself inspired. It’s going to be hard to remember on the bad days But trust me, I’ve spoken to thousands of artists now who have told me this all works. It’s changed their lives for the better. 

This mindset, these mantras, will help you too.

On the hard days, and the good ones—draw anyway.
Keep these truths close; like your artist’s compass.

You’re not alone… join our community…

I don’t plug it enough, but we do have a free community on Discord you can join here: https://discord.gg/ay4EXNNu

A place a little bit away from social media where you can chat with other artists on similar journeys. Heck, we even have some artists in there who have no social media accounts at all, who are very helpful! (shoutout to Matt!)

Note: I still kind of personally suck at Discord, but I try to take part when I can. :D

Even though I’m a little quieter these days, my mission here remains unchanged: to inspire you, to remind you, and to keep the community drawing. Draw or Die lives on because of each of you.

You’re

Join our DAILY Drawing Club

Daily drawing challenges and exercises drop at 5am ET every damn day. You’ll never not have something to draw. Plus get a quarterly member sticker and other perks… JOIN HERE

Thanks for reading… now, go get drawing!

☠️ GET SOME: Draw or Die MERCH!
✏️ GET DIGITAL TOOLS FOR ARTISTS: Custom Brushes, Templates & Prompts
▶️ SUBSCRIBE TO DRAW or DIE on YOUTUBE - LiveStreams and more.