#The100DayProject
With the prior to the launching of #the100DaysProject, I started thinking which project I’ll be choosing to work on. First thing that came to my mind was definitely animals, but which animals would be interesting to draw?
I was looking through some old files, and I found a pile of endangered species I had printed out since 2017 (I actually wrote an individual story to feature them - but it turns out I never checked them out again). The file was coming from the WWF list, it was such a perfect opportunity for me to go through them again. The list wasn’t enough, so again I browsed some more from the IUCN Red List.
My goal for this project is to try my best to draw each of them everyday for 100 days and provide you guys at least to share which species are being threatened. As for me I have always wanted to do something with the endangered species. I don’t know, probably I used to work in the conservation field before, knowing their voices haven't been heard from a wide range of ages. That's why it printed out for a reason. Instead of writing such a long story for each of them like I used to plan, let’s just go with a funky/coloring drawing style.
Below is the process of how I created their characters from scratch to final:
Sketches: I like using 14B pencil to sketch and adhesive spray to seal the drawing and protect the drawing from fading.
Define the line in digital: to refine each line from sketching, make it easier for tracing step later and remove any unnecessary parts.
Painting: I used combination of Holbein’s and MIYA gouache to get all colors I want.
To complete the artwork: digital retouch and color grade.
What Did I Learn From Drawing This?
Let me break it down into two different types of how I have learned from doing this challenge.
Working In Progress
A lot of patience is needed.
Being under pressure to stay focused and complete all 100 illustrations.
There was a period of taking into consideration before starting this challenge.
A mindset to “a must complete this challenge” while having a day job: the hashtag say #the100DayProject which means I have to draw this everyday, but due to my working schedule, I completed each section ahead of time before publishing on my Instagram.
Being adaptable: I love using both gouache and colored pencils. Adding colored pencils stroke to light up the illustrations. Instead of using only gouache to add details, let’s just go with the fastest way by adding colored pencils for details.
Turtles are the most difficult species to paint.
Species
Similar physical features (for example I refer to rhino: there are many types of their species featured in this challenge, I find their physical features are very similar to each other - just a bit of difference in their skin colors and parts of their horns).
Compared to the 2017 list that I had, to today's (2023) list, some species have been moving around. (for example moving from Near Threatened to Critically Endangered within 6 years).
There are more threatened species on our planet when I looked up in the IUCN’s Red List.
Surprised to see some species are being threatened while I always thought their population shouldn’t be an issue (for example: monarchy butterfly).
More Tuna on the list than any other fish species.
4 out of 5 Rhino species featured in the endangered list.
All of the Elephant species featured in the endangered list.
This illustration started from March 1 to June 8, 2023, but it was a lot of prep for me before starting. I have learned so much from working on my mental to complete this and learn their species along the way. It was a hell of a rollercoaster during this period but it was such an accomplishment after completing this 100 day challenge.
I hope this will bring you some inspiration and as well hoping you would understand and learn something from each of the species.
One last message, if you’re planning or considering to join #the100dayproject challenge this year or next year, I would 100% encourage you to participate! It is a lot of work, but it’s worth it! 🙂
*All of the information coming from WWF and IUCN, I do link the source to each species, you can have a look for details as well.