Do you often find yourself doubting your abilities, constantly feeling like you're not good enough? You're not alone. Many of us battle with these feelings of inadequacy, whether it's in our careers, relationships, or personal pursuits. However, there's a powerful tool that can help combat these negative thoughts: creativity.

Feeling not good enough can stem from various sources — societal pressures, comparison with others, or even our own high standards. These feelings can be paralysing, hindering our growth and happiness. So, how can we break free from this cycle of self-doubt?

Enter Creativity…

Creativity isn't just about painting or drawing; it's a mindset that allows us to explore, experiment, and express ourselves freely. Here’s how embracing creativity can help you overcome feelings of inadequacy:

Self-Expression through Art.
Art allows us to externalise our inner feelings and thoughts. Whether you're sketching, painting, or crafting, art is a non-verbal way to process emotions and gain clarity. Start by doodling or sketching whatever comes to mind when you feel overwhelmed by self-doubt.

Building Resilience.
Creativity encourages resilience by fostering a positive attitude towards failure. Not every artwork will be a masterpiece, and that's okay. Use setbacks as learning opportunities rather than reasons to reinforce feelings of inadequacy.

Connecting with Others.
Joining art communities or taking classes can connect you with like-minded individuals who share your passion. Sharing your creative journey with others can provide valuable support and encouragement, reminding you that everyone experiences moments of self-doubt.

Putting It into Practice.
To illustrate how creativity can combat feelings of inadequacy, try one of my 15 Minute Doodle Challenges over on YouTube. They are specifically designed to be very easy to draw with minimal materials and time required. This gives you a quick fix which can then hopefully snowball into a new mindset.

​Feeling not good enough is a common struggle, but it doesn't have to define you. Embracing creativity offers a therapeutic outlet to challenge these negative thoughts and nurture self-acceptance. Remember, your creative journey is unique and valuable. Celebrate every step forward, and let creativity guide you towards a more positive and fulfilling mindset.

​Incorporating creativity into your daily life can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing. So, pick up that pen and doodle on that notebook. Let your creativity be the beacon that guides you towards embracing your true worth.

Keep creating, keep growing, and remember…you are enough.

Last term our themes were Skulls, Sally Face, Pencils and Zombies. Wanna catch up with any? Join me on Ko-fi for instant access to the replay videos or sign up on the waiting list if you want to join the live sessions. Doors open in July!!

Very happy to announce that I am the ScrawlrBox artists of the month. Check out my unboxing video below.

​Hey there! I'm excited to share that I'm currently running a Kickstarter campaign aimed at bringing the very first Korp Academy colouring book to life! By supporting the campaign, you'll not only help make this project a reality but also receive a discounted colouring book as a token of appreciation. Take a look at the various pledges available and join us in this colourful journey!

Below are some sneak peeks of what the colouring book will offer:

Hello fellow art enthusiasts! Ready to dive into the world of markers like Posca, Sharpie, Uni Pin, and Spectrum Noir? This January, let's explore exclusive tutorials designed to elevate your artistry and transform the way you use these fantastic markers!

Premium Learning, No Winter Blues
Beat the winter blues with my drawing tutorials! Discover the unique qualities of Posca, Sharpie, Uni Pin, and Spectrum Noir while enjoying a premium learning experience. Elevate your art and have fun experimenting with these versatile markers.

Craft Your Story in Bold Strokes
Ever wanted to make your art pop with bold, vibrant strokes? My tutorials provide expert guidance on how to craft your story using Posca, Sharpie, Uni Pin, and Spectrum Noir. Unleash your creativity and discover the secrets to making your artwork speak volumes with these fantastic markers.

​Master Precision and Blending Techniques
Spectrum Noir Illustrator markers are all about blending, and my tutorials delve into mastering this essential skill. Learn pro tips on achieving stunning gradients and seamless blends that will take your artwork to the next level.

Give Your Brain a Marker Workout
Premium tutorials aren't just about drawing; they're a VIP pass to a brain-boosting workout! Engage in high-quality content designed to stimulate your creativity, enhance your cognitive function, and make your artistic journey as intellectually rewarding as it is visually captivating.​

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Connect with other Marker Enthusiasts
Join a community of marker enthusiasts, share your creations, and receive personalised feedback on your artwork. My tutorials come with acess to a WhatsApp and Discord community, fostering connections with like-minded artists as you collectively master the art of Posca, Sharpie, Uni Pin, and Spectrum Noir.

Turn Drawing into a Daily Habit
January is your canvas, and marker mastery can be your daily habit. Transform your learning process into a daily experience, where tutorials become the highlight of your creative day. I produce 5 drawing tutorials per week which will get you learning fast.

​Elevate Your Marker Artistry!
This January, make your artistic journey extraordinary with exclusive tutorials on Posca, Sharpie, Uni Pin, and Spectrum Noir. Craft your story, master techniques and blending, and turn your passion for markers into a premium experience and let your creativity soar to new heights.

​Tap the button below to join in!

​This is one question I get asked all the time so I thought I'd explain the importance of paper and share with you the details of the specific paper I use

When it comes to creating stunning works of art with marker pens, it's not just about having the best markers or artistic skill. Your choice of paper plays a crucial role in the final outcome of your masterpiece. The importance of selecting the right paper for your marker drawings cannot be overstated. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of paper selection and how it can elevate your artwork to a whole new level.

​Not all papers are created equal when it comes to markers. Marker paper is designed to be compatible with alcohol-based and water-based markers, as well as other art supplies like coloured pencils and ink. This compatibility ensures that your creative options are not limited and that you can experiment with different techniques without compromising your work's quality. Have you ever been drawing with Posca pens and had the paper pil up (where the fibres of the paper come loose)? This is because your paper is not compatible with Posca pens and for years my solution was to varnish cardboard and draw on that. Now although that is still a viable option I much prefer the convenience of a sketchbook and a few years ago Artgecko released the FREESTYLE sketchbook with paper that was made for Posca. This was a gamechanger for me and I've been using these sketchbooks ever since. In fact I have become so close with the team at Artgecko they have made a Doodle With Korp embossed edition of the FREESTYLE sketchbook.

One of the defining features of alcohol marker art is its capacity for smooth blending. The right paper is your partner in achieving this. The smooth surface of marker paper allows for easy blending and layering of colours, enabling you to create gradients, transitions, and intricate shading. This is particularly crucial when working on complex illustrations or portraits, where achieving smooth transitions is essential. In the past I used to use cheap copier paper because it would bleed. This would enable me to blend colours easily but did create some issues when outlining. I have recently started using the Spectrum Noir Premium Marker Pad and I'm finding it a joy to work with. It somehow keeps the inks wet so you can blend them but doesn't bleed out, meaning your outlines will stay accurate.

When it comes to marker art, choosing the right paper is a crucial decision. The choice of paper is just as important as the pens you use and the right surface will enhance your work in numerous ways, from colour vibrancy to precision and longevity.

To recap, here are the 3 paper options I use:
Posca paint markers: An A4 Artgecko Freestyle Sketchbook.
Fineliners: An A5 Artgecko Classy Sketchbook.
Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers: A Spectrum Noir Premium Marker Pad.

These are not affiliate links, just my choices based on years of doodling.

As its close to Halloween I thought I'd draw some scarier stuff. I figured I might get a little push back from some people that prefer to draw cute stuff in my lesson but I was not prepared for a simple tongue to cause such an issue.

We started with Doodle Club and I revisited a character I drew a few years ago for an adult drawing workshop. I show you how a few simple guidelines make it easy to split open a head. The extra drips going from side to side are a treat.

Next up was Posca Club and the start of #tonguegate. I enjoyed showing people how easy it was to create the effect of a head being torn off and to reinforce that I put the tongue coming out of the bottom of the neck. The problem is not everybody saw it that way. Check out my YouTube video that explains more.

In the second Posca Club of the week I decided to upgrade the split head from our first lesson and add some colour to it. The smiley character makes the horrific scene look a lot more pleasant than it really is.

The third lesson of the week was Doodle Club and this time I decided to take the top off the head and have lots of worms coming out. I think this is a piece that lots of people can resonate with.

We finished up SCARY week with another split head character this time using Spectrum Noir Illustrator markers. I love these pens because they enable you to create some fantastic shapes by blending in shadows.

Hope you enjoyed this weeks lessons, head over to Kofi if you want to see the replay videos or join my waitlist for the live sessions.

In the fast-paced world we live in, where stress and anxiety often seem to be an inevitable part of our daily lives, finding effective ways to manage our mental health has become a priority. While there are numerous strategies and therapies available, one often overlooked yet immensely powerful tool is drawing. The act of creating art can have a profound impact on our mental well-being, offering an outlet for self-expression, stress relief, and a path towards improved mental health. In this blog post, I wanted to explore the importance of drawing for mental health and tell you a little more about how I think that simple acts of creativity can bring about transformative changes in our lives.
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Drawing provides a unique channel for self-expression. When words fail to convey our feelings and emotions, art can step in and bridge the gap. Through colors, shapes, and lines, we can communicate our innermost thoughts, fears, and joys without the constraints of language. This process of self-expression can be incredibly therapeutic, allowing us to better understand and process our emotions. By externalizing our feelings on paper, we gain clarity and perspective on our inner world, which can be the first step toward healing.

​One of the most immediate benefits of drawing for mental health is stress reduction. Engaging in art can serve as a form of meditation, helping to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. The rhythmic motions of sketching or coloring can induce a state of mindfulness, in which we focus solely on the present moment, letting go of worries about the past or future. This mindfulness not only lowers stress levels but can also improve our overall well-being.

The act of creating art allows us to set goals and achieve them, no matter how small or simple they may be. Each completed drawing represents an accomplishment, and these successes can boost self-esteem and self-confidence. As we see our skills improve over time, we gain a sense of achievement and pride, which can translate into increased self-assurance in other areas of our lives. My drawing tutorials are specifically designed to help you start and finish your artwork within an hour because I think its important to have that sense of achievement immediately.

Completing an artwork, no matter its size or complexity, provides a tangible sense of achievement. In a world filled with deadlines and pressures, it's easy to overlook personal accomplishments. Drawing reminds us that we have the power to create something beautiful and meaningful, reinforcing our self-worth and sense of purpose.

​Drawing is not just a hobby or a form of creative expression; it is a powerful tool for improving and maintaining mental health. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, the act of putting pen to paper can have a profound impact on your emotional well-being. It offers a means of self-expression, stress reduction, and personal growth. So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or in need of a mental boost, consider picking up your pens and a sketchbook and settling in front of one of my tutorials to let the healing power of drawing work its magic on your mental health. Your mind will thank you for it.

Zombie week is always lots of fun in the Korp Academy. I love drawing zombies because it doesn't matter if you make little mistakes. Here are the 5 new drawing tutorials available now on my Ko-fi page.

Sci-fi week in the Korp Academy was lots of fun, check out these brand new drawing tutorials available to members of my ON DEMAND Kofi plan.