What Story Are You Drawing?

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Written By mike brennan
drawing

I recently saw a minimal line drawing that I really liked from illustrator Greg Betza's on Instagram. When I asked him what the secret was to creating engaging and intriguing minimal line drawings his response was incredible. He shared, someone once told him that editing is not what you exclude but what you include. Draw what is essential to the story you're telling and it will be just right.

“Editing is not what you exclude but what you include. Draw what is essential to the story you’re telling and it will be just right.”

I think this is why I struggle with drawing large crowds in Urban Sketching scenarios, or filtering out trees from the forrest in the few times I attempted Plein Air painting. I find it difficult to editing out information. It's easy to get overwhelmed with all the visual stimuli that is before my eyes. And I'm not thinking about a story. I'm thinking about visual information.

Perhaps that's why a lot of my work has one central figure. I don't enjoy an overload of detail. I work fast and loose, not slow and steady. But I do like the idea behind WHY I choose to capture the visual information. The story I want to tell. Because we all are telling a story, whether we know what it is or not. We might as well tell the best one we can.

What is some of the best storytelling art you've seen? 

mike brennan

Mike Brennan, author of Make Fun a Habit: The Creative PLAYbook for Making Life and Work Fun Again, is not just a Creative Consultant and Communicator; he's a passionate advocate for reigniting the lost art of fun and creativity in our lives. In his book, Make Fun a Habit, Mike takes readers on a captivating journey, drawing from personal experiences of resilience and moments of light in the darkest times. Through this journey, he uncovers the secrets to rediscovering fun, infusing every day with play, and unlocking our innate creative potential.

Mike's expertise extends beyond the pages of his book, as he has been instrumental in helping renowned clients such as Heineken and Chase Bank infuse creativity, innovation, and yes, fun, into their work. His artwork has graced prestigious spaces like the Ronald McDonald House and the I.D.E.A. Museum in Mesa, Arizona. His educational journey includes studying in New York City and graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology and The School of Visual Arts.

What sets Mike apart is his commitment to helping individuals and organizations harness the transformative power of creativity in their daily lives and businesses. He offers a unique Daily Creative Habit process, honed over a decade of personal practice, to empower individuals and businesses to integrate innovation into their routines. His methods encompass time management, goal-driven creativity, and a sustainable approach to making innovation a seamless part of daily life and work.

In a world where the daily grind often overshadows the pursuit of happiness, Mike stands as a beacon of hope. His message is clear: embrace the adventure that life offers, and discover how incorporating creativity and fun into your routine can lead to a more vibrant, fulfilling existence. Through his words, art, actions, and unwavering dedication to the cause, Mike inspires us all to make fun not just a habit but a way of life.

www.mikebrennan.me
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Sometimes there's sadness. While we keep busy working, living life, darting from activity to activity, there are those walking among us who are hurting. The silent sadness. They struggle in secret. Broken. Weeping alone. They are private. But perhaps, if we slow down to see them, really see them, they might succumb to a moment of true vulnerability. This is for you. My hope. That my art can bring some healing. I see you. I acknowledge your pain a