Inktober is an art challenge that originated on Instagram, blending the words ink and October into a global creative phenomenon. Created in 2009 by American illustrator Jake Parker, the challenge is simple yet powerful: over the 31 days of October, participants are encouraged to create one ink-based drawing each day, inspired by a set of daily prompts provided by Parker's account.
I was introduced to Inktober in 2018 by a fellow artist and close friend, and it quickly became an annual tradition for me. By 2020, I discovered my own unique approach to the challenge: instead of producing 31 individual drawings, I craft a single, large-scale illustration that incorporates all 31 prompts.
This approach results in expansive, intricate pieces (measuring 50 x 70 cm / 19.7 x 27.6 inches) that brim with detail and storytelling. Each drawing is not just a collection of prompts but a vibrant world in itself, bursting with layered narratives and hidden surprises, offering viewers a journey through the month-long creative challenge in one cohesive vision.
Inktober
as far as the eye can see
as far as the eye can see invites you to soar above and delve beneath a surreal, medieval world teeming with life, humor, and adventure. Be an eagle and see everything (even through the walls!), in this valley where fantasy and reality intertwine.
Towering figure of both the illustration and the fairytales I love so is a medieval castle. Its cross-section layout unveils a patchwork of everyday (and not-so-everyday) stories: a bored ghost, burglars making off with loot, a hapless king suffering through an interior designer’s outrageous choices, and even a private moment that reminds us all of our humanity.
The surrounding landscape is alive with delightful oddities. Gargoyles silently quit their posts, while a rabbit and a fowl engage in a heated poker game. Below ground, lush caves hold their own surprises—an imprudent explorer inches toward unlocking a door filled with ravenous monsters, while a tranquil picnic is tragically upended.
This piece bridges traditional and contemporary illustration styles, weaving humor, suspense, and wonder into a narrative tapestry. With every glance, as far as the eye can see invites you to uncover new stories, explore unexpected connections, and marvel at the limitless possibilities of ink and imagination.
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not all those who wander are lost
Inspired by Tolkien’s iconic verse, not all those who wander are lost is an invitation to venture beyond the known, to chase horizons and uncover the mysteries of uncharted worlds. This piece draws heavily from the aesthetic of portulans—ancient nautical maps that predate modern coordinates—and the allure of magical pirate treasure maps.
This maps is not like any other. It is framed by a chimera and a leviathan, embodying the duality of land and sea, of mystery and myth. In its starry skies, seraphims and demons ensure safe passage, through fire and ice. Overhead, a serene jizō's peaceful presence anchoring a cosmic expanse filled with constellations and the Milky Way.
True to the spirit of medieval art, the title non omnes errantes perreunt is inscribed in Latin on a speech scroll, accompanied by a tiny vegvisir, the Viking compass that promises safe journeys. This piece is not just a map—it’s a journey through a world where forests are guarded by ancient gods, humans are protected by giant birds, and good and evil coexist in perpetual dance.
With its blend of adventure, wonder, and myth, not all those who wander are lost invites you to lose yourself in its intricacies, while reminding you that every path is a story worth exploring.
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beyond the horizon
beyond the horizon is a celebration of exploration, art, and imagination—a journey into the unknown that draws on the timeless elegance of Art Nouveau and the visionary style of Alfons Mucha. With its flowing lines, intricate details, and nods to Japonisme, this piece merges classical influences with a sense of boundless adventure.
The artwork is reminiscent of vintage airline posters, evoking a sense of wonder and anticipation for lands yet to be discovered.
The scene itself unfolds like a dream. Rolling hills stretch into bucolic landscapes, interwoven with exotic plants and animals—some from reality, others from the realm of fantasy. Beneath the surface, deep-sea exploration reveals a world of mystery and marvel, completing the tapestry of discovery.
The centerpiece of beyond the horizon is, to me, the solar eclipse. Its depiction blends scientific depiction of the dynamic energy of solar winds with the swirling motifs of Art Nouveau. The result is a celestial display that feels both otherworldly and deeply connected to the natural world.
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over the edge
over the edge was my first experience creating a large-format illustration, and it marked a pivotal moment in my artistic journey. That year—2020—was an ideal context for experimentation and creativity. It was also the beginning of the Reveries Asunder adventure, making it an especially transformative time for me.
over the edge is an India ink illustration, driven by a strong, yet convoluted, narrative. It is a deep dive into a surreal world inspired by fairy tales, classical illustration, and everything that has shaped my practice. Graceful fish transform into lilies, monsters lurk in shadowy corners, storms brew on distant horizons, and adventures bring both joy and danger. It’s a place where friendship gives wings, where humor meets tension, and where every detail tells a story.
The piece reflects my love of crafting immersive environments inspired by influences as diverse as Claude Ponti and Gustave Doré. Through cross-hatching, bold contrasts, and imaginative textures, over the edge captures the creative spirit of Inktober while challenging the boundaries of traditional ink illustration.
This piece not only celebrates the spirit of Inktober but also embodies the beginning of a new chapter in my creative journey—a testament to how art can thrive, even in the most challenging of times.
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