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I Spent The Whole Of October Drawing A Fantasy City And Every Building Has A Story
This year I participated in the Inktober Challenge for the first time. My idea was to build a fantasy city.
For each prompt, I drew a house using only fine-liners and markers. Throughout October, I spent many hours each day on my pictures. The city grew and grew.
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I had to work on the floor because my desk was much too small for that huge paper. I should work on a bigger table in the future
I created a whole town from scratch for Inktober where each house tells its own story
The story of building no. 4 is about a witch going on holiday with her sister. They arrive exhausted at the hotel (no.7) and fall directly into bed. They miss the shooting stars at night and can not observe the universe at the observatory (no.8).
It was after the first week that I got an idea of the entire city
Every house was created out of my imagination. I had no concrete idea how each building would look like at the beginning. Sure, I did research and looked at different types of constructions, materials, objects, etc. However, each drawing came out of my head.
After two weeks, the first half was done. Inktown rose above the horizon
I tried to put as much detail into each house as possible. Although I have my own story to each building, I want viewers to invent their own stories.
Can you imagine what happened at the fair (no. 17)? Why is the house (no. 19) burned down? Who actually lives in the castle (no. 22) up there? Let your imagination run wild!
This is the shape my Inktown took after three weeks of work
All the houses are connected in their stories. The people living in the bus (no. 29) are musicians who regularly play live on the Radio Station (no.25).
In the yoga hall (no.26), people train to climb the rocky mountain. The tourists go up to the peak by cable car (no.30).
Afterward, they treat themselves with a slice of cake in the cafe (no.31). Gifts for the friends at home are bought in the souvenir shop (no.28).
I live in the last house. There are still rooms available. Who would like to move in?
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What do you think ?
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Many Thanks. I stay tuned and keep practicing.
Load More Replies...
Bob Collins 6 years ago
Not really sure which is better, your intricate, delicate drawing skills or your Tolkien-like storytelling imagination. You have been doubly blessed!
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you :) There are many stories in my mind. I usually keep them for myself.
Load More Replies...
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
I didn't know the game. I live in Germany. Here, many cities have half-timbered houses :)
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Blakkur Sverrir 6 years ago
Looks a bit like my Hometown (Idstein in Germany) especially number 31 and 13 look very familiar
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Idstein is a beautiful city. It is not too far away from me. I love the old houses in German Cities.
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Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you. I'll stay tuned :)
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Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you :) How long does the applaud than take?
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Mer 6 years ago
Wow - just...WOW!! I could spend all day just gazing at all the intricate bits and pieces!!! It's like a modern fairytale where stories are hidden here and there and you can find them if you look hard enough. Truly fantastic work and so, so much skill!!
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you for your nice comment. I am very happy to hear that you can find your stories in the picture. I wanted to tell tales without words with the picture :)
Load More Replies...
WaffleFryLife 6 years ago
This is a beautiful piece of work. I agree with every comment and you deserve all the praise you have received. I want to move in! Any houses still up for 'purchase?'
LemonyLickit 6 years ago
I used to live in Germany too. This brings back wonderful memories. Absolutely stunning!!
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
That's nice to hear that it brings back your memories :) Where did you live in Germany?
Load More Replies... Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
The original would be very expensive, that's why I only sell prints.
Load More Replies...
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you. That would be very nice inspiring others and see their great works :)
Load More Replies...
Flavia Slag 6 years ago
Love it. As I work on my sculpting or drawing I have a story running in my mind. When I sell my art work, I give the story to the buyer also.
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
That is a really nice idea. Your customers must love that. Can I see your artwork?
Load More Replies... julien 6 years ago
it reminds me of this small town in southwest France 18582207_1...ed43ad.jpg 
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
The city looks like a fairy tale. Which town is that?
Load More Replies...
Cerys Dunbar 6 years ago
these are gorgeous and this is definitely the type of drawings i want to be doing when im older and more skilled :) may i ask how long you have been drawing (doesn't have to be exact just a general amount of time is fine)
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
You do not have to be older to draw such pictures. If you feel like it, then just start. With practice it gets better and better and you get new ideas that lead you to yourself. I guess it was about 250 hours, but it could have been a lot more.
Load More Replies...
Kenny Kulbiski 6 years ago
Very impressive and very intricate. I'm slightly amazed that you can still see.
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
My eyes are fine. Thank you.
Load More Replies...
Bumble 6 years ago
Sophia, I often work with fine liners- but my work in ink is purposefully 'messy'. What do you do when you make a mistake? You have perfect lines here. Do you turn mistakes into bushes or shadows and take it from there? Genuine question because you mentioned you only use fine liners and markers- no pencil work to pave the way. I would be terrified!
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
I made a rough sketches with pencils for the perspective. The houses are built up by drawing with fineliners. I do not see my lines as perfect. I have turned some mistakes into something new. And with some mistakes, I had to learn to accept them and continue. Leaving mistakes was one of the biggest learning processes while drawing this picture.
Load More Replies... Pearl Sapirstein 6 years ago
I’m gonna do this! An ink town sounds so fun... who cares that it’s not October?! I’m also going to do a series of dresses.
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Yes, do that which feels right for you. It was always said that I should not lose myself in details. I just did it this time :)
Load More Replies...
Diver Driver 6 years ago
Wow how wonderful. The detail and takes me away to wondering what it would be like to live there.
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Living there means everything you want, you can draw in it. But for sure, you need to be a bit athletic to go up and down the mountains.
Load More Replies... 
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Oh, yes it was. But I want to make more cities in future :)
Load More Replies...
Brindusa-Katalin Poenaru 6 years ago
Can I move in? I love it! I think each and every house deserves a tale of its own, along with the city.
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Sure :) I want to make more cities. The next one will be an Utopia and after that I would like to do a City with a lot of Stories and insides.
Load More Replies...
James Grey 6 years ago (edited)
Beautiful masterpieces! My mind is boggles at just how intricately done these are.. The precision. Love love love🌹🌹🌹
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Masterpiece is a bit too much. But I am very happy that you like it :)
Load More Replies...
Linda Shilling Burhans 6 years ago
I am in awe. love your imagination and know you will find amazing success.
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you! I hope I can earn some money with illustrations someday. That's a big dream of mine.
Load More Replies...
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Yes, I do. But I closed my Etsy Store. You can contact me on my website www.phildius.jimdo.com
Load More Replies... Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
For eating here or take-away? How do you mean that? :)
Load More Replies...
K. E. 6 years ago
Wie hast Du die jeweiligen Perspektivlinien angelegt? Mit einer Schnur oder per Lineal vorgezeichnet... Viele Grüße von einem Grafiker aus Aschaffenburg
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Ich habe mir zwei Fluchtpunkte mit Tape auf den Boden geklebt und habe mit dem Brett (unten auf dem Bild von meinem Arbeitsplatz) nachgemessen, ob meine grobe Skizze hinhaut. Dann habe ich die Häuser mit dem Fineliner angefangen auf zu bauen.
Load More Replies...
Sergio Bicerra Descalzi 6 years ago
Omg, this is sooo beautiful. This should be a book, with long stories about the people in Inktown. Would love to read them to my niece.
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
In the future, I want to create more cities and expand the story component. I have worked with children for 4 years and would like to bring in my experience.
Load More Replies...
boredkoala 6 years ago (edited)
Amazing! I grew up a big fan of David Macaulay's work and this is next level architectural pen drawing!! Love the intricacy and how well everything is connected together, visually and story--wise!
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Thanks for the tip with David Macaulay. I did not know him yet. His works are really good. It's a new source of inspiration for me. I would like to deepen the storytelling with my next pictures.
Load More Replies...
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you? Which house do you like to move in?
Load More Replies... Sage Jay 6 years ago
Before I knew that it was supposed to be spooky themed, I chose the theme Love. So I did various forms of love (baby cow with his mother, baby birds being fed, holding hands, a girl waiting on a swing for her lover, etc.) I couldn't draw any more after day 20 :( I wasn't getting enough sleep... This art is amazing! I'm so impressed, keep at it!
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
I can sympathize with you. In between, I was also doubting if I could do it. You came to day 20. This is also very good, as many have stopped much earlier. You can be proud of yourself.
Load More Replies...
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Many Thanks. I stay tuned and keep practicing.
Load More Replies... Bob Collins 6 years ago
Not really sure which is better, your intricate, delicate drawing skills or your Tolkien-like storytelling imagination. You have been doubly blessed!
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you :) There are many stories in my mind. I usually keep them for myself.
Load More Replies... Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
I didn't know the game. I live in Germany. Here, many cities have half-timbered houses :)
Load More Replies... Blakkur Sverrir 6 years ago
Looks a bit like my Hometown (Idstein in Germany) especially number 31 and 13 look very familiar
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Idstein is a beautiful city. It is not too far away from me. I love the old houses in German Cities.
Load More Replies... Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you. I'll stay tuned :)
Load More Replies... Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you :) How long does the applaud than take?
Load More Replies... Mer 6 years ago
Wow - just...WOW!! I could spend all day just gazing at all the intricate bits and pieces!!! It's like a modern fairytale where stories are hidden here and there and you can find them if you look hard enough. Truly fantastic work and so, so much skill!!
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you for your nice comment. I am very happy to hear that you can find your stories in the picture. I wanted to tell tales without words with the picture :)
Load More Replies... WaffleFryLife 6 years ago
This is a beautiful piece of work. I agree with every comment and you deserve all the praise you have received. I want to move in! Any houses still up for 'purchase?'
LemonyLickit 6 years ago
I used to live in Germany too. This brings back wonderful memories. Absolutely stunning!!
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
That's nice to hear that it brings back your memories :) Where did you live in Germany?
Load More Replies... Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
The original would be very expensive, that's why I only sell prints.
Load More Replies... Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you. That would be very nice inspiring others and see their great works :)
Load More Replies... Flavia Slag 6 years ago
Love it. As I work on my sculpting or drawing I have a story running in my mind. When I sell my art work, I give the story to the buyer also.
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
That is a really nice idea. Your customers must love that. Can I see your artwork?
Load More Replies... julien 6 years ago
it reminds me of this small town in southwest France 18582207_1...ed43ad.jpg
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
The city looks like a fairy tale. Which town is that?
Load More Replies... Cerys Dunbar 6 years ago
these are gorgeous and this is definitely the type of drawings i want to be doing when im older and more skilled :) may i ask how long you have been drawing (doesn't have to be exact just a general amount of time is fine)
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
You do not have to be older to draw such pictures. If you feel like it, then just start. With practice it gets better and better and you get new ideas that lead you to yourself. I guess it was about 250 hours, but it could have been a lot more.
Load More Replies... Kenny Kulbiski 6 years ago
Very impressive and very intricate. I'm slightly amazed that you can still see.
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
My eyes are fine. Thank you.
Load More Replies... Bumble 6 years ago
Sophia, I often work with fine liners- but my work in ink is purposefully 'messy'. What do you do when you make a mistake? You have perfect lines here. Do you turn mistakes into bushes or shadows and take it from there? Genuine question because you mentioned you only use fine liners and markers- no pencil work to pave the way. I would be terrified!
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
I made a rough sketches with pencils for the perspective. The houses are built up by drawing with fineliners. I do not see my lines as perfect. I have turned some mistakes into something new. And with some mistakes, I had to learn to accept them and continue. Leaving mistakes was one of the biggest learning processes while drawing this picture.
Load More Replies... Pearl Sapirstein 6 years ago
I’m gonna do this! An ink town sounds so fun... who cares that it’s not October?! I’m also going to do a series of dresses.
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Yes, do that which feels right for you. It was always said that I should not lose myself in details. I just did it this time :)
Load More Replies... Diver Driver 6 years ago
Wow how wonderful. The detail and takes me away to wondering what it would be like to live there.
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Living there means everything you want, you can draw in it. But for sure, you need to be a bit athletic to go up and down the mountains.
Load More Replies... Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Oh, yes it was. But I want to make more cities in future :)
Load More Replies... Brindusa-Katalin Poenaru 6 years ago
Can I move in? I love it! I think each and every house deserves a tale of its own, along with the city.
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Sure :) I want to make more cities. The next one will be an Utopia and after that I would like to do a City with a lot of Stories and insides.
Load More Replies... James Grey 6 years ago (edited)
Beautiful masterpieces! My mind is boggles at just how intricately done these are.. The precision. Love love love🌹🌹🌹
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Masterpiece is a bit too much. But I am very happy that you like it :)
Load More Replies... Linda Shilling Burhans 6 years ago
I am in awe. love your imagination and know you will find amazing success.
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you! I hope I can earn some money with illustrations someday. That's a big dream of mine.
Load More Replies... Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Yes, I do. But I closed my Etsy Store. You can contact me on my website www.phildius.jimdo.com
Load More Replies... Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
For eating here or take-away? How do you mean that? :)
Load More Replies... K. E. 6 years ago
Wie hast Du die jeweiligen Perspektivlinien angelegt? Mit einer Schnur oder per Lineal vorgezeichnet... Viele Grüße von einem Grafiker aus Aschaffenburg
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Ich habe mir zwei Fluchtpunkte mit Tape auf den Boden geklebt und habe mit dem Brett (unten auf dem Bild von meinem Arbeitsplatz) nachgemessen, ob meine grobe Skizze hinhaut. Dann habe ich die Häuser mit dem Fineliner angefangen auf zu bauen.
Load More Replies... Sergio Bicerra Descalzi 6 years ago
Omg, this is sooo beautiful. This should be a book, with long stories about the people in Inktown. Would love to read them to my niece.
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
In the future, I want to create more cities and expand the story component. I have worked with children for 4 years and would like to bring in my experience.
Load More Replies... boredkoala 6 years ago (edited)
Amazing! I grew up a big fan of David Macaulay's work and this is next level architectural pen drawing!! Love the intricacy and how well everything is connected together, visually and story--wise!
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Thanks for the tip with David Macaulay. I did not know him yet. His works are really good. It's a new source of inspiration for me. I would like to deepen the storytelling with my next pictures.
Load More Replies... Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you? Which house do you like to move in?
Load More Replies... Sage Jay 6 years ago
Before I knew that it was supposed to be spooky themed, I chose the theme Love. So I did various forms of love (baby cow with his mother, baby birds being fed, holding hands, a girl waiting on a swing for her lover, etc.) I couldn't draw any more after day 20 :( I wasn't getting enough sleep... This art is amazing! I'm so impressed, keep at it!
Sophia M. Phildius (Post author) 6 years ago
I can sympathize with you. In between, I was also doubting if I could do it. You came to day 20. This is also very good, as many have stopped much earlier. You can be proud of yourself.
Load More Replies... 
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