These concepts were illustrated during the hype of my interest in Shaman King. I regret not dating these notes and drawings, but I’m glad I kept them.

Revisiting old art is good therapy.

The first few drawings were just an interpretation of my character in the Shaman King universe.

These are the only notes I wrote to plan out an original story. Character naming and draft writing point on make coherent an awkward documentary-style dream. I not written enough to go from; the story is fresh enough in my mind that the visuals reminded me of where I wanted the story to be about.

The most recent illustration I worked on got lost. What’s pictured above is the last illustrations I’ve done based on the three main characters. I got skin tone Copic markers and experimented with them. They may not be strong colors, but they mix extremely well.

I have other good drawings to share from the years I drew a lot. It feels odd relying on decade-old illustrations as material to share. But they’re the best options at this point. Too much time slipped away from these ideas and today. I know how stories work thanks to what I’ve learned over the years, but the experience of telling stories never developed. That was lost in the years I didn’t draw.

I see my old artwork as therapy because it reminds me of a slower point in my life. I was curious and I had time to enjoy my curiosity. But it gives me hope that my art is even greater now than in the past. I have a greater understanding of storytelling. I’m far more inclined to research and plan. I know how to think about art beyond the pure enjoyment or just itching my curiosity. The therapy also comes with knowing greater works lie ahead.

Where once time was the only barrier, effort takes its place.