The Japanese folk art of etegami Can Help Beat the Dread of "Perfectionism"!
Let’s practice the Japanese art of etegami on the Procreate app. It’s a great deal of fun, highly accessible and perfect for every skill level. Beginners will be able to achieve a striking result and more experienced creatives may shake the specter of over-thinking, commonly known as "perfectionism".
But first...
What is etegami?
Etegami or “picture letter” is basically, a spontaneous, colorful picture of any common daily object evocative of the season , drawn on a paper postcard along with a message or greeting . You could then mail it off to someone you’re thinking of or post to social media, the point is to share it in some way. It's a great way to keep in touch with friends and loved ones with a personal touch and give yourself some space to add an art practice to your day to day life while sharing it with others! Heck! Etegami was my pathway to becoming an illustrator! 😀
Traditionally the practice of etegami is done using sumi (ink) or brush pen (fude pen), gansai, a type of Japanese watercolor that is a bit more pigmented and sports a slightly glossier finish than western watercolor formulas, Japanese calligraphy brushes (fude) and finally, washi (paper) postcards.
The name of the etegami game is Spontaneity! Etegami is about expression and not about creating a perfect image. Its a very "in the moment" type of practice that captures the emotion behind the message that accompanies your drawing.
Nothing screams spontaneity like an iPad with Procreate! So, as a lead up to the launch of my new, Spontaneous Etegami Brush Box for Procreate I thought it would be fun to do a few lovely projects so you may get to know this wonderful way to bring a bit of art into your daily life!
We will be drawing the soft drink bottle you can see in the picture above.
I have provided a Sumi brush and canvas from my up coming brush set to use for this project.
Download your mini set for free . I designed this brush using real sumi ink textures and the canvas texture is based on the commonly used Japanese paper postcards used in etegami!
NOTE: You don’t need Procreate to create this project. You could use ink and watercolors or traditional gansai paint on a blank post card. Really, you could use almost any medium you like, crayons, pencils etc.!
Let's go!
Step #1 - Choose, then Examine Your Subject for Your Etegami
Here’s the awesome thing about etegami, you can choose any everyday item. Usually, however, most choose subjects that are reflective of the season. So, let’s celebrate Summer with a soft drink!
Examine your subject closely, consider why it drew your interest and how your subject makes you feel. Check out the major shapes the object is composed of . What would you like to express?
Normally in etegami you would use a live reference but I snapped a couple of angles of my bottle you can download below if you like. (I ended up drinking the soda 😅)
Step #2 - Drawing the Sumi Outline
After you have selected what you would like to draw and have gotten to know it a bit, begin drawing your outline on the classic etegami canvas provided or any 4x6 canvas in Procreate with the Sumi Brush provided or your favorite sloppy ink brush. Go slow, capturing the basic shapes, then add any details giving your drawing added texture and personality.
Again, we're not shooting for perfection, but for expression. Enjoy, the process!
"It’s fine to be clumsy. It’s good to be clumsy." – Kuniko Koike, founder of etegami
Step #3 - Begin Adding Some Color to Your Etegami!
Apply the color on a new layer underneath your sumi drawing (Or, if your feeling frisky, the same layer). I used my Spontaneous Gansai brush which is still in development to apply color to my sumi drawing. Meanwhile, use your favorite "blotchy" watercolor brush or the Procreate native watercolor brush. With a slight tapping motion begin coloring your drawing.
Don't worry if you go out side the lines, its perfectly fine! Be expressive and don't over-think it too much. I know it can be difficult to turn off your nagging brain that may want a realistic or "perfect" rendering but just let all of that go and know that your picture will come out great no matter what. Either way, you got this! 😊
Step #4 - Add Some Details and Personal Flavor
Remember, spontaneity and expressiveness is the vibe we're going for. Allow your brush to add dimension and texture. Usually with watercolor type brushes in Procreate we don't lift our Apple pencils in order to create a smooth finish. Well, forget all that and lift away! go over areas on the same layer to intensify your colors or add variations of the same color, even mix new colors in to further add dimension and variety to your picture.
Don't forget to add any extra details, like bubbles in the soda or any other little personal touches that you would like to express. If you make an errant brush stroke leave it! See what your hand feels like doing.🤭
Step #5 - Add a Message and Signature Stamp
Your message can be a few words that describe the emotion or thoughts you are feeling in the moment. If you have a specific recipient in mind or a fond memory you would like to express. Just jot your message and affix your signature stamp somewhere (tutorial on how to make one coming soon check back or signup to my newsletter) print it out on a blank postcard or any card stock or post to social media and...
Share it!
Etegami on Procreate is wonderful way to begin or enhance your art practice! Give it a try!
If you try this project be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see all of your amazing pictures!🤗
And if haven't already sign up to my newsletter for blog updates as well as other goodies and get notified when my Spontaneous Etegami Brush Box is available.
Try adding etegami to your practice and... Let your imagination feast!
Further Resources for Traditional Etegami:
Dosanko Debbie has a very comprehensive English language page and is a long time practitioner of etegami. Her highly informative site is loaded with beautiful etegami works as more insight on the traditional tools of etegami.
Check out her site here!
Kaiteki Art 2 is a wonderful Japanese language YouTube channel, though easy to follow for non Japanese speakers. On her channel you will find simple projects that will spark your creativity. Check out her channel here!
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