A good drawing is an important starting point, but it doesn't always end up producing a good illustration. Things like emotion, atmosphere, colour, composition and purpose all come into play and can throw your artwork off. Sometimes I'm haunted by messing up a drawing or concept that I thought could have been way better.

Take this idea of a girl wearing her heart on her sleeve, and a boy being a potential heartbreaker. I initially did it over six years ago. Pretty ancient. And not the most original idea, but I liked certain aspects of it and felt I didn't do it justice. Both the original and the reworking were way to dull. Over inked, boring colour and no emotion which was vital to the idea. I finally gave it another go, giving it a warm atmosphere with a watercolour effect while taking out detail and the background, and then dropped in a hand drawn song quote as well. I think overall it sets the mood much better, and for now I can finally sleep.