[March & April 2026] Challenges for Improving Illustration Skills and a Review of March's Creative Activities

In March 2026, I felt like my creative process had stalled somewhat.

"I want to try even more new things...!"

Those feelings grew,I plan to take a big step forward starting in April.

It's a challenge that will take time and effort, but I'm looking forward to seeing how much I can grow in this year.

It deviates slightly from our annual goals, but we would appreciate your kind support.

This article summarizes my reflections on my creative activities in March and my new goals for April.

Check out our goals for February here!

[March & April 2026] Challenges for Improving Illustration Skills and a Review of March's Creative Activities

Our annual goals for 2026 are also now available!

[March & April 2026] Challenges for Improving Illustration Skills and a Review of March's Creative Activities

March Review: What I Accomplished and How I Grew

March was a month in which I realized I was able to dedicate a lot of time to creative work.

I was actually thinking of switching to "updating twice a week," but I've found something new I want to try, so I've decided not to push myself too hard for now.

Instead, I was able to dedicate ample time to creating illustrations.

A collection of illustrations I drew in March

"Shigure Ui Sensei"

Compared to a year ago, I've become more conscious of my "movements."
This was a photo that made me feel like I had grown as a person.

Before → After is here

[March & April 2026] Challenges for Improving Illustration Skills and a Review of March's Creative Activities

Illustration for "Mimosa Day"

A square illustration with a soft atmosphere, bathed in the light of spring.
I really love the colors and the overall feel.

See behind the scenes of the production here

[March & April 2026] Challenges for Improving Illustration Skills and a Review of March's Creative Activities

Yowamushi Pedal (Junta Teshima, Hajime Aoyagi)

I drew my favorite character, Teshima-senpai, after watching the anime all in one go for the first time.
Following that, I also drew Aoyagi-senpai, and I was very satisfied that I was able to match the atmosphere of the two pictures so that they would form a "pair".

See behind the scenes of the production here

[March & April 2026] Challenges for Improving Illustration Skills and a Review of March's Creative Activities

See behind the scenes of the production here

[March & April 2026] Challenges for Improving Illustration Skills and a Review of March's Creative Activities

"Gal Bulbasaur"

I drew "Gal Bulbasaur," which is currently causing a stir online.

Isn't it adorable when someone invites you to jump rope?

Isn't the atmosphere of "Pocoa Pokemon" just too cute??

It really sparks creativity, doesn't it!

I don't have the opportunity to play games, but I was so jealous that I just had to draw it!

Strategies that supported my creative habit (physical condition, time, and mood)

For some reason, I felt great in March, and despite it being allergy season, I was able to draw a lot.

The goal is One single illustration + three two-drawn illustrations However,

The results One single illustration + four two-drawing sketches And I was able to surpass that by a little.

These days, my drawings are less like "two-draw" and more like regular square illustrations.

Regarding time management, I used to write it down by hand in a Rollbahn notebook, but as I've gotten closer to my ideal lifestyle, I've switched to digital management.

I stopped using notebooks.

Click here for the timetable.

[March & April 2026] Challenges for Improving Illustration Skills and a Review of March's Creative Activities

My Rollbahn notebooks are now being used as storyboards for my animations.

I hope I can introduce it to you someday.

Progress of animation production

Actually, we're currently working on an animation!

My first post will probably be around May, but I plan to upload it to YouTube once it's finished.

It's still early in the game, "My first anime production"I'm excited about this big challenge.

April goal: To broaden my range of drawing

Technologies and themes I want to challenge

My goal for April is to upload my self-produced animation to YouTube, so I plan to dedicate the entire month to "production."

This is my first time drawing animation, and to be honest, I don't know if it will turn out well. Nevertheless, it's something I've always wanted to try, so I decided to take the plunge and give it a shot.

I would be very happy if you could watch it once it's finished.

Blog update goals

I tried updating twice a week in March, but I decided to put that off for the time being because I wanted to focus on anime production.

However, as much as possibleUpdated once a weekI want to continueI have feelings about it. There might be some weeks where I only post progress reports on the anime, but I would be happy if you could enjoy that as part of the creative process in April.

I'm also thinking about new projects, so I'll let you know once they're ready.

Summary: Enjoy new challenges in April

In April, I've decided to waive the illustration quota so that I can focus on new projects and animation production.

By the wayThis article was updated on the morning of April 1st, but it's not an April Fool's joke (lol).

Speaking of which, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and look so beautiful.

I went out on a sunny day, and although it was still early in the season, the cherry blossoms were in bloom.

I'm worried that the continuous rain might cause the blossoms to fall, but I still want to enjoy cherry blossom viewing as much as possible.

Please share your April challenges in the comments!

If you enjoyed this article or illustration even a little, your support would be greatly appreciated and very encouraging.

Thank you for reading to the end.

Okay then!

Pochi

Illustrator

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Illustrator.
This blog is my growth diary as an illustrator.
Opened since June 2023.
Starting YouTube in January 2025.