Ideas take up space!

The creator’s dilemma: When your mind is saturated with stories to tell

Perhaps you’re coming here thinking that your brain can hold anything. It’s overflowing with ideas, big and small, for the next comics you’ll create, maybe for the rest of your life. Big and small ideas. Unforgettable characters, unmissable dialogues, unexpected twists that you assume will captivate the reader. Ideas for many stories, in different genres: western, superheroes, crime. Sometimes, you find yourself thinking about these stories until you solve a problem you had with the ending, or perhaps with the initial approach.

The truth is that your stories live in your head. And you’re sure that, later on, when it’s time to put pencil to paper, you’ll have everything you need to create your comic… Except that, once that moment arrives, you discover that you need some new ideas: a phrase that a character says, a situation you hadn’t considered enough when imagining the story; maybe some narration or comment to the reader… and nothing comes to mind. Or, if you allow me to be more precise, I would put it this way: nothing more comes to mind. What’s happening?

The subtle art of making space for the new: Freeing your creative mind

What’s happening, of course, is that your head is already full! It’s very difficult to exercise creativity, thinking of something new, if you’re using your head to store all the ideas that have occurred to you. After all, what do you think would be the best use you could give to your head? Using it to store information, or using it to think?

This mental saturation is a common phenomenon among visual artists and storytellers. Imagine your brain as a canvas: if it’s already completely covered with sketches and half-finished ideas, where will you draw something new? The creative mind needs blank space for sparks of originality to emerge.

Great illustrators and comic creators have faced this same challenge. Jack Kirby, the legendary artist known as “The King,” maintained a strict documentation discipline. His thousands of preliminary sketches and notes not only served as records but as an external system that freed his mind to keep creating without stopping. This practice allowed him to develop a revolutionary visual universe and discover here how you can develop your own infallible creative system inspired by the masters of the medium.

Never believe your memory is truly perfect: The pitfalls of relying only on your mind

And this is where we can get into the also relevant question of the disadvantages that the mind may have as a data storage system… So far, we’ve been talking about you as if you had a wonderful photographic memory. But the truth is that, if you let too much time pass, you might forget some details of an idea, then some important part, maybe in the middle you have to take the trouble to rethink (or rather, recreate) some portion of the idea that you had forgotten (and sometimes we don’t even realize this is happening).

And finally, you end up completely forgetting that you ever had an idea. No, you can’t let this happen. If you don’t make space for new ideas, you won’t have them, and you’ll waste your creativity on preserving and recreating old ideas. What you need is a place to store your ideas!

Think about the great masters of comics. Will Eisner, creator of “The Spirit” and pioneer of the graphic novel, kept detailed notebooks where he recorded everything from facial expressions to complete page compositions. His methodical process allowed him to develop his own visual language that revolutionized sequential storytelling. These external storage systems were not just practical tools, but extensions of his creative process.

Human memory is inherently fallible. Scientific studies show that we remember less than 40% of our creative ideas if we don’t document them within the first 24 hours. Even more alarming, we tend to unconsciously “rewrite” our memories, altering crucial details without even realizing it. For an illustrator or visual storyteller, these small changes can mean the difference between a masterpiece and a mediocre idea.

Out of your head, but at your fingertips: Effective idea capture systems

The tools can be many, but the methods are quite similar. Some prefer to use notebooks and notepads, and others turn to digital tools. Especially with the arrival of smartphones and the Cloud: note apps, document apps, even spreadsheets or databases.

The time will come for you to find your place in one of these groups (or even combine their techniques in a hybrid way). It will just be a matter of trying and forming your own impressions, like so many things in life (and since we’re talking about incorporating the practice of taking notes, you could write down which tools work better for you than others, even assign them scores). Whatever you choose, everything takes on a different color once we talk about implementing some kind of method.

The legendary manga artist Osamu Tezuka, known as “the god of manga,” maintained a meticulous filing system with more than 40 thematic notebooks where he cataloged visual references, character ideas, and scene sketches. This system allowed him to create more than 150,000 pages of manga throughout his life, developing masterpieces such as “Astro Boy” and “Black Jack”.

In today’s world, digital options have revolutionized the way we capture ideas. Apps like Notion, Evernote, or even customized systems in applications like Trello allow you to visually organize concepts, references, and sketches. The key is not in the specific tool, but in developing a system that is a natural extension of your creative process.

An interesting trend among contemporary illustrators is the use of digital boards that emulate the physical experience. Software like Miro or Milanote allows you to create visual maps where ideas can be connected in a non-linear way, replicating the natural process of the creative brain. Want to enhance your drawing creativity? Find inspiration here to develop your own idea capture system adapted to your workflow.

Three essential functions for an infallible creative system

There are two main functions that your system must be able to perform. The first is to be able to “capture,” in a simple way and without having to think much about it, any idea that comes to you, at the moment it occurs to you. That is, you must have a system that works on public transportation, in the supermarket line, even in the shower (I know a screenwriter who always keeps his cell phone handy, wrapped in a plastic bag, while showering, because he says that’s when his best ideas come to him).

The second function, complementary to the first, is that you have a place to put the ideas that occurred to you throughout the day and week, and that you set aside the time and disposition to perform this task. (You’re probably realizing that the second function is more laborious than the first. I then have good news for you: the first function is the one that is truly essential. After all, it’s the one that allows us to unlock the relevant abilities for the topic that concerns us today: keeping your head light, ready to create new ideas).

The third function… Well, I said there were two, right? With those you’ll be more than fine. But truly, if what you want is to put your system through a trial by fire (and I advise you to do so), observe what happens if you try to add this third function: the ability to bring your ideas from your notes back to your mind, whenever you need them.

This is very difficult to achieve: even among the most organized screenwriters, it can take a day to reconnect with an old idea, if for example you want to think about it when you’re taking the train to your workplace in the morning, and you have to wait until night when you’re back home and check your desktop computer. But, whether it takes a long time or a short time, this third function is what will really give your mind the peace of knowing that some things are stored elsewhere and can come back to you. Try it and you’ll find that I was right: there is a very particular happiness in needing an idea, going to look for it, and finding that it was there, waiting for you.

The power of immediate capture: systems to not lose a single creative spark

Let’s delve deeper into the first function: immediate capture. This process should be as natural as breathing, requiring minimal effort. When you’re in the creative flow, friction is your enemy. Every second you take to document an idea increases the probability of losing it forever.

Illustrator and graphic storyteller Craig Thompson, author of acclaimed works such as “Blankets,” always carries small pocket notebooks where he captures fleeting impressions, randomly overheard dialogues, and quick sketches that later inform his more elaborate works. This habit has allowed him to maintain authenticity in his visual narratives, preserving details that would otherwise have been lost to oblivion.

Some effective strategies for immediate capture include:

• Voice notes: When you’re on the move or doing another activity, quick recordings can save brilliant ideas. Applications like Voice Memos or even assistants like Siri can automatically transcribe your thoughts.
• Conceptual photographs: Sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Capturing an interesting texture, a play of light, or even a human gesture can be the seed of a complete visual idea.
• Pocket sketchbooks: Small notebooks that fit anywhere are an indispensable tool. Choose one that can withstand rough use and whose pages allow both drawing and writing.
• Minimalist apps: For digital capture, applications with fewer steps to data entry are best. Look for those that open quickly and require few taps to start recording.

The crucial thing is to eliminate any barrier between your idea and its recording. Click here to explore practical creative capture methods that you can implement immediately in your artistic process.

Organizing creative chaos: effective processing systems

The second function—organizing what’s captured—is where many creative systems fail. It’s not enough to accumulate ideas; you need a method to process them in a way that makes them accessible and useful when you need them.

Illustrator and character designer Bobby Chiu, known for his work on Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland,” uses a categorization system by projects and also by specific visual elements (facial expressions, anatomy, scenario concepts). This modular approach allows him to reuse partial ideas in multiple projects, maximizing his creative library.

Some effective strategies for organizing your material include:

• Thematic categorization: Group ideas according to genres, artistic styles, or narrative elements (characters, settings, concepts).
• Multiple tagging: The same idea can belong to several categories. Digital systems allow you to assign multiple tags without duplicating content.
• Periodic review: Set times dedicated exclusively to reviewing, refining, and reconnecting captured ideas. Many artists dedicate Fridays or Sundays to this task.
• Active combination: During review, deliberately look for non-obvious connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. This exercise fosters originality.

Neil Gaiman, master storyteller and writer of iconic comics like “Sandman,” maintains a hybrid system of physical notebooks and digital files. However, what’s distinctive about his method is the sacred time he dedicates to reviewing and “composing” with his previous ideas, similar to a musician arranging notes to create a symphony.

The power of accessibility: your ideas available when you need them

The third function—immediate retrieval—transforms a simple idea storage into an authentic creative ally. This capability is what distinguishes a truly effective system.

Frank Miller, revolutionary comic artist with works like “Sin City” and “300,” developed a visual system of quick reference using color codes and distinctive visual markers that allowed him to locate specific concepts in his numerous sketchbooks. This technique enabled him to maintain visual and narrative coherence throughout extensive projects.

To enhance idea retrieval:

• Cross-platform synchronization: Make sure your ideas are accessible from any device you regularly use, eliminating the frustration of “I have the idea but not here.”
• Robust search systems: If you use digital tools, familiarize yourself with advanced search functions. In analog systems, develop an index or cross-reference system.
• Visual summaries: Creating concept maps or visual boards that show relationships between ideas greatly facilitates finding relevant connections without having to review your entire archive.
• Exposure rotation: Some artists maintain a rotation system where old ideas are revisited periodically, placing them in a visible space in their studio or work area.

Illustrator and storyteller Jillian Tamaki, recognized for works such as “This One Summer,” maintains a digital system categorized by projects but with a peculiarity: she periodically prints collections of her digital ideas to create physical thematic booklets that she consults during her creative sessions. This hybrid approach combines digital accessibility with the tactile inspiration of the physical.

Enter here to discover tools that will revolutionize your creative process and help you develop a personalized system that responds to your specific needs as a visual artist.

Case studies: creative systems of comic masters

To illustrate the diversity of effective approaches, let’s examine some notable systems used by legendary figures in the world of comics and illustration:

Hayao Miyazaki: The power of the physical archive

The Japanese animation master and manga creator maintains extensive clipping files, organized thematically, which he has accumulated over decades. His studio, filled with shelves of labeled boxes, contains thousands of visual references categorized: “clouds,” “old machinery,” “peculiar trees,” “children’s expressions.”

The fascinating thing about Miyazaki’s system is that it doesn’t separate organization from inspiration. His archiving process is also a creative process where he makes sketches inspired by his references, generating a continuous cycle of creative input and output.

Brian Michael Bendis: The digital narrative matrix

The prolific Marvel and DC writer uses a system of matrices in spreadsheets where he maps narrative elements on various axes: character characteristics, emotional turning points, prominent visual elements. This approach allows him to identify patterns, avoid repetitions, and generate unexpected combinations.

Bendis shares that his system allows him to “decompose” existing stories into their constituent elements and then “recompose” these elements into new configurations, maintaining originality while leveraging previously captured ideas.

Juanjo Guarnido: The movement library

The Spanish illustrator, known for the “Blacksad” series, maintains a meticulously organized archive of photographs and reference videos of animal movement. His system includes folders for each species, subdivided by types of movement, expressions, and postures.

This specialized approach allows him to anthropomorphize animals with anatomical precision without losing human expressiveness, creating characters with extraordinary physical credibility. His method demonstrates the value of a highly specialized system that responds to the specific needs of his artistic style.

Customize your system: find what works for you

Although these examples are inspiring, the most important thing is to develop a system that adapts to your own creative process and workflow. The key is to experiment consciously, observing which aspects of different methods resonate with your natural way of working.

Some factors to consider when customizing your system:

• Sensory preference: Do you primarily think in images, words, or sensations? Your system should prioritize the format that best captures your natural way of processing ideas.
• Creative rhythm: Do you work in intense bursts or prefer prolonged sessions? Adjust the complexity of your capture method according to your typical energy.
• Work context: Where do most of your ideas come to you? Your system should be especially accessible in those specific environments.
• Digital-analog spectrum: There’s no need to be a purist. Many of the most effective systems combine digital and physical elements according to the specific task.

Remember that a perfect system is one you almost don’t notice you’re using. When capturing, organizing, and retrieving ideas becomes as natural as breathing, you’ll know you’ve found the right balance. Explore more resources here to perfect your illustration and visual storytelling skills while developing your own creative system.

Integrating practice into your daily creative routine

Implementing a new system doesn’t happen overnight. Like any creative skill, it requires deliberate practice and continuous adjustments. Here are some strategies to integrate these practices into your routine:

• Start small: Choose a single tool or method and use it consistently for at least two weeks before adding complexity.
• Establish rituals: Associate specific times of the day with capturing or reviewing ideas. Many artists use the first 15 minutes of their work session to review previous ideas.
• Create activation points: Place visual reminders of your system in strategic locations (next to your drawing table, on your phone, etc.) to establish the habit.
• Evaluate tangible results: Objectively observe if you’re producing more, better, or more efficiently thanks to your system.

Cartoonist and illustrator Sarah Andersen, creator of “Sarah’s Scribbles,” began capturing ideas on sticky notes that she placed on a visible wall. As her system evolved, she developed a rotation method where ideas physically move through different sections of her workspace according to their stage of development.

This visual and spatial approach allows her to literally see the progress of her concepts from initial capture to final implementation, providing both organization and motivation by visualizing her productivity.

The compound effect: the magic of connecting previous ideas

I leave you with one last reflection: you might not expect it, but one of the actions you’ll perform most often once you start implementing this is adding new ideas to old ones. Suddenly something new will occur to you to add to the plot of your next story, you’ll go look for the document where you have recorded what you’ve done so far with it, and you’ll add it there. Only this way can you have ideas bigger than what would fit entirely in your mind.

And as an extra benefit, if you ever happen to feel “blocked” and no new idea comes to mind, just go back to your archives and review your old ideas! You’re sure to come up with something by reviewing what you’ve already done, maybe combining two or three in a new way. Try it and see!

This capacity for retroactive connection is perhaps the most profound benefit of an external idea system. Over time, your creative library becomes a silent collaborator, a second brain that works with you offering combinations you hadn’t initially considered.

Illustrator Rebecca Sugar, creator of “Steven Universe,” uses what she calls “cross-pollination sessions,” where she deliberately combines elements from unrelated projects to generate new creative directions. This practice, facilitated by her meticulous documentation system, has allowed her to develop a deeply interconnected narrative universe with coherent themes and visual motifs.

Ready to take your creativity to the next level? Make the leap here and discover how to implement these strategies to transform your creative process while developing your skills as an illustrator and visual storyteller.

Towards a broader horizon: the mind freed to create

When you free your mind from the burden of storing every detail, something magical happens: your creative capacity expands. It’s as if you had been drawing on a postcard-sized canvas and suddenly had access to a complete mural.

The great masters of comics and illustration are not necessarily those who have more ideas, but those who have developed effective systems to capture, refine, and connect them. Their greatness lies in their ability to build on solid foundations, allowing each new idea to benefit from all previous ones.

As you advance on your own creative journey, remember that the ultimate goal of any system is to serve your art, not become a distraction. The perfect system is one that disappears into the background, allowing you to focus entirely on the magic of creating worlds, characters, and stories that resonate with your audience.

Start today. Capture that idea that has been floating in your mind. Find a place to store it outside your head. And then, with that newly freed space, watch how new ideas begin to flourish in fertile ground. Your next great creation could be waiting precisely for that space to manifest itself.