Hello and Happy New Year!
I hope you had a good start to the new year! I worked on my projects between the holidays, and I am now excited to tell you about my new comic and my plans.
CONTROL cover
CONTROL is the title of the 6 pages short comic I’m currently working on. I’d like to show you the comic over the next few months. It will be part of a physical comic book that will be published soon. I will let you know as soon as it is available!
First of all, I’d like to give you a trigger warning. This comic tells a short story about someone dealing with bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder. If this topic is difficult for you, you might want to skip reading the comic. However, I’ve tried to approach the topic with respect and sensitivity. The comic is meant to be destigmatizing and hopeful, rather than overly dramatic or sensational.
You can read the first page of CONTROL in next month’s newsletter. Published pages remain available here.
My plans for 2026 💬
The year 2025 was full of ups and downs and valuable lessons in sustainability, resource management and humility for me. I developped a better understanding of where I stand in terms of my drawing and illustration ability and what I can expect from myself in short term.
My personal highlights of 2025:
I was able to sell my art at conventions for the first time.
I invested in a nice printer and started printing my own products at home.
I discovered a new-found joy and appreciation for the craft of drawing (well, mostly because I was forced to take breaks 😅).
Here‘s what I plan to do in 2026:
Deliberate practice instead of starting a new comic project right away: I want to devote time and energy to thoroughly studying and practicing the fundamentals of art, especially form, values, perspective and rendering (with ink).
Have a booth/table at some conventions. I’m currently waiting for feedback from Fantasy Basel. Overview with updated status here.
Learn how to drive. Not related to art but a huge deal for me and hopefully helpful for logistics at conventions.
What are your plans for the new year?
Let me know in the comments or via email! 😊
My sketchbook in November/December ✏️✏️✏️
Finally, I’d like to show you a selection of recently filled sketchbook pages. It’s mostly practice, random sketches and figure drawings from life. Not meant to look perfect or finished. ✌️
Take care,
Ilona
Looking forward to see you again in Basel!