Mindful Monday#59: Drawing Your Fibromyalgia Character

10/4/2021

Happy Monday y’all!

When you are a visual artist, it’s pertinent to constantly observe the world around you. As a character developer, combining imagination with real life is one of my favorite things to do. If you were to create a character with Fibromyalgia, what would it look like? While you are pondering that, were you aware there’s a yearly awareness day celebrating a festival called The Big Draw? You can check out all exciting details here: About The Big Draw Festival.

The symptoms of Fibro are listed in this article from the CDC: Fibromyalgia - What is Fibromyalgia? While these characteristics are notable, your characters’ personality is extremely important when you’re sketching out ideas. Many Fibro articles don’t mention the compassionate, friendly, and understanding traits purple butterflies can possess. Believing your creation is a real person, while keeping them relatable to the audience is your main objective. For instance, the main character in the book I am writing suffers from Fibromyalgia. Choosing the right colors for your character is vital. A group of people could look at the same color and each person will react differently to it. Reds are typically used to express pain, whereas I turn to the ‘cool colors’ like blues and purples. Originality is the key!

One negative about writing and illustrating at the same time is that it’s taking longer than I anticipated. I remind myself that good books weren’t overnight! Do you think you’ll enter the contest? Thank you for taking the time to read my blog today! If you’re enjoying my blogs, why not subscribe to my website? My blogs will go straight to your email. It’s free to sign up! Tell your friends! Tell your friends to tell their friends!

Till next time!
Rachel

Here is my art page on Facebook:
Rachel Lynn Creations

Would you like to read more blogs like this one?
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4 Comments

Lee link

10/7/2021 02:59:26 pm

I use to teach both parents and children art and really value the ability of art to help us heal emotionally. Also it's just great to have a hobby or even try something new. I like your tips on color.

Rachel

10/8/2021 10:26:36 am

Hi Lee,
That’s awesome that you taught that. I had a friend who went into art therapy for children after we graduated college together. I was so focused on working for an animation company, I never thought about exploring that option. With all my experience, I believe I would be good at it.

Carrie Kellenberger link

10/7/2021 09:57:47 pm

I can't draw worth a lick, but give me any other art medium and I can do it: Chinese painting, floral arranging, bullet journaling, jewelry, clay, you name it. Art is such an important part of my life, especially now since I'm sick and I can't take my frustration/anger out at the gym. I use art instead to help cope with my pain. I look forward to what you are doing in October and November for artwork.

If I could, I'd do The Little Mermaid since I relate most to Ariel with legs - how painful it is for her to walk. That feels like me!

10/8/2021 10:35:33 am

Hi Carrie,
I completely understand where you’re coming from. That’s so clever! I never thought about using Ariel, as a way to explain what it’s like not to be able to walk. I’ve actually draw Ariel, and several other Disney characters, for personal reasons. They’re all on my art page on Facebook: Rachel Lynn Creations. I wouldn’t be able to use Ariel in my blogs, but I created my own mermaid. You’ve given me a great idea! I don’t know where I’d be without the visual arts. Like you, and many others, it’s helped me in so many ways. I believe it empowers, heals, and can spread hope.

Mindful Monday#59: Drawing Your Fibromyalgia Character

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