WIP “Man in the Mirror” thumbnails

 There’s two ways to go about this one… well three, actually, and this times I’m going to be very thorough about describing what it is I’m doing here. This is the most personal piece I’ve made in this whole project, and judging by how cool the chalk one was, that seems to be a good strategy.

My first idea is less personal, but plays with the themes in a more clear way. I’ve been trying to convey how the spiritual world feels significantly greater in purpose, value, and conflict through the juxtaposition between physical reality and comics. Sometimes that means the comic world is supposed to look flat, being physical reality, or sometimes it’s supposed to highlight the larger than life nature of spiritual happenings, being spiritual. In this concept, I’m trying to clearly represent how the impact of the spiritual world feels to someone who can’t put it to words. Sometimes it feels insane to think an unseen force is attacking you, but it is an undeniable truth when you, and only you, come face to face with your demons.

I’m taking a satirical approach here, by making the spirit world appear how many refer to it, as crazy or fantastical, but then you realize how relatable/sympathetic this piece is, and it makes you take a closer look… at least that’s the intention…

This version is WAY more personal, and highlights the artistic value of the comic book medium, and that makes me like it more. Showing the way I see myself in my darker moments through comics allows me to convey just how absurd my self-depiction is while still providing a grave sense of real danger and evil. I like to title this version, “The Devil Dwells in Me, Also” to reveal the true king of my gallery of monsters, and to show my view on how the devil attacks based on my own experiences. I’ve even considered the character gripping the borders of the mirror to emphasize how real the danger is.

This is by far my most “in your face” piece, and it might be way too loud idk. I’m really trying to drive my point home. Also, I really need to start thinking of positive way to expand on this idea, ‘cause right now it’s a little dark. I’m trying to find some significant meaning and message since I’ve been relying on mystery for my pieces. I’m just trying to effectively convey this without looking corny or flat. It’s hard. This stuff looks pretty dumb if you stair at it too long.