I’m a huge fan of your art, animation and OC’s, I’m not sure if you already answered this but how do you come up with stories? Like for Harvard.
I keep struggling with coming up with ideas/ putting them together into words but I reaaalllyyy enjoy your work so uhmm, do you, by any chance, have tips for me?
Hi! Honestly, i understand you a lot! :'D I am not that type of artists who has lots of crazy ideas for stories and characters, i prefer going in-depth and/or working with already existing material ^^" i need strong connection with character/idea to start working on them, or at least an emotional trigger. So, since developing creativity takes time (Going out of my comfort zone with Wanychwilsons rn, i'll tell later), i learned to work with my current possibilities! :)
Like, Harward's Fullhouse initially was an Edward Scissorhands AU! Harward is like... Vincent Price... Originally... Lmao. I used to be obsessed with this film in my teenagehood, and i roleplayed with my friends, until we got bored and needed to come up with more characters! That's how i cloned movie's main protagonist into seven hilariously exaggerated characters, literally just a bunch of my favourite tropes. That's how it worked for me, i guess? I am just adding things that i like and what could fit the narrative/make it better, combining favourite stuff until i find something new. I listen to a lot of music and trying to watch as much good cartoons/films as i can to get inspired for my own story :)
This also applies for my other stories! Wanychwilsons (which i am making animatic series of, btw!) are a Don't Starve yumeship and i am basically using everything the game offers, and Deadly Plague (i don't post much of it, it's the one about vampires) originates from a dream i once had. So... Don't afraid to use something as a base and a reference in art AND storytelling/writing! Embrace your favourite tropes, types and aesthetics. Start with something you feel easy to play around with. Especially if you're having problems with low self-esteem or perfectionism: if you want 'perfect and fresh ideas', you will never het em'. Start with comfortable, silly stuff. Your creativity will develop naturally when you'll stop demanding it right here and right now. Good ideas need time, a lot of time, and a good source of inspiration.
For "putting your ideas into words", i usually stick to one thought: write as if i you're trying to make someone watch your favourite movie. Tell people about those bits you're really passionate about first, and ask yourself why do you love your characters and story. "Well i just idk i love my ocs theyre like kids to me but there is nothing much to say" >> then maybe its your very personal story about experiences and feelings you have, or maybe those guya are a bunch favourite tropes just fooling around, and that's ALREADY something to say. Do not worry if it's all clumsy and uncertain and wague, you'll get things cleaner eventually.
Just don't be hard on yourself. Watch, read and listen to a lot of stuff, relax your brains and just do your favourite things, occasionally try to combine stuff into something new. Hope that helps! :)
