Have you Ever Heard of the 6 Word Story?

Concept & Inspiration

This series is based off of the 6 word story concept. Basically, it is the completion of an entire story composed of only 6 words. Authors are urged to create an impactful story using only 6 very decisive words. These 6 words will provide the entire foundation of the story, so much so that the reader can make inferences about the entire thing — conceptualizing the who's, what's, when's, where's, why's and how's — themselves. (AKA, they can use their imagination!) It is legend that Hemmingway made a bet with fellow colleagues one day over lunch that he could write an entire novel in only 6 words; it read: "For Sale, Baby Shoes, Never Worn". While it was thought that Hemmingway was the first to do this, many debate this claiming that other similar 6 word stories had circulated before his had been published ... either way as an illustrator its a fun concept to use as a foundation to create some wild illustrations. If you are interested in learning more I found this article recently that discusses this theory/backstory it in detail.

The 6 stories I selected came from sixwordstories.net. You can take a wander through the listings yourself if you like! It is a really fun exercise to get your creative juices flowing. Don't know what to draw? Head over there and pick one out that inspires you - and go for it This particular story was written by Margaret Atwood, her story can be found on sixwordstories.net.

I created this series first using pen and ink with a Quill pen and various pen nibs on smooth bristol board.. Once the foundation drawing was complete, I went back and added watercolor washes to the line art.

"Starlet Sex Scandal - Giant Squid Involved" - Margaret Atwood

Pen & Ink with Watercolor on Bristol Board

I hope you enjoyed this one! I made this series a lot of fun and a little bit silly - trying to push myself to stretch my imagination and really play with the words and their insinuations. Stay tuned for the remaining 5 stories as I publish them in this 6 part series!