Are you a sucker for a story?

Are you a sucker for a story?

When I started doing research about creating and promoting my artwork, everything I came across said that art should tell a story. Most of the art I’ve made in the past was something I wanted to create for the heck of it, because I thought it might be a fun challenge, or because it was something that I thought would be pretty. I found myself trying to add a story to my artwork after the fact, which didn’t always work out very well.

Then I thought about the artwork of one of my favorite artists, Chiara Bautista. Chiara has an amazing line of work, with characters like Bunny Girl and Star Wolf, among others. Her art is comic book style and is drawn in only one panel as opposed to many panels. Each panel is bursting with story and emotion. Chiara’s art is a great example of how to tell a quick little story through art. And I just LOVE her work. (Unfortunately, she hasn’t posted anything new since 2024.)

Thinking about Chiara’s art led me to an idea for my own little characters:  an octopus and a seal. Immediately, ideas began flowing out of me, starting with this first drawing that says, “Now we know where we’re going.” I’m sure you can see how this mini story fits into my fun discovery!

Now we know where we’re going. Watercolor and acrylic pen, 9 x 12.

Everything about this new idea for the octopus and seal feels so right. I can do the fun, beautiful watercolor backgrounds, and then draw the illustrative little characters on top of them. I can also do more detailed work with these characters if I want to. I think everything I’ve done so far still fits into this world with them.

I haven’t given the characters names yet, and I’m in no rush to do so. I’m sure names will come to me eventually. And just like Chiara, there will be other characters that pop up here and there. I’m going with the flow and am not gonna sweat how it all fits together! Because basically, I can do whatever I want to do in my own little art world! (I always find myself putting unnecessary constraints and rules on things. Do you ever do that to yourself?)

I decided to call the series, The Little Things. Here are the other three pieces that also came to me pretty easily. I’d love to know what you think of them and whether you can relate to any of them. Hit “reply” and let me know!

I’m feeling overwhelmed. Watercolor and acrylic pen, 9 x 12.

Have a closer look at them here: 

https://nicolehanusekart.com/collections/the-little-things