Michelle Mee Nutter, a talented illustrator and comic artist based in Massachusetts, recently shared a delightful glimpse into her creative process, perfectly capturing the essence of “Ordinary Days” — the theme for Connected Ink 2024.
In this charming video, Michelle invites us into her world of graphic novels and picture books, where the extraordinary emerges from the seemingly mundane. She reveals how the rhythm of drawing the same things day after day for a year and a half can sometimes leave her feeling creatively drained. But it’s in these ordinary moments that she finds inspiration and renewal.
Michelle’s secret weapon? A physical sketchbook and the joy of experimenting with new materials. “I really love bribing myself with new materials,” she confesses with a smile. “I think it helps my brain bypass the anxiety of starting, because now I’m focused on just playing.”
Her recent sketching session, inspired by a whimsical mug and vintage Halloween costumes, perfectly illustrates how the ordinary can spark extraordinary creativity. As Halloween approached, Michelle found herself diving into a world of DIY vegetable costumes and paper moth wings, bringing to life a charming star character born from these everyday inspirations.
But it’s not just about the end result for Michelle. She emphasizes the importance of embracing the process and giving oneself “permission to make bad art.” This philosophy aligns beautifully with the “Ordinary Days” theme, reminding us that creativity flourishes in the mundane moments of daily life.
Michelle’s experience with the Wacom Movink tablet adds another layer to her story of finding inspiration in the everyday. She praises its portability and minimal latency, highlighting how technology can enhance our ability to capture creativity on the go.
As we look back on Connected Ink 2024, Michelle Mee Nutter’s approach serves as a perfect example of how artists can find extraordinary inspiration in ordinary days. Her story reminds us that with the right tools and mindset, every day holds the potential for creative discovery.
About Michelle
Michelle Mee Nutter is an illustrator and comic artist known for her bestselling graphic novels Allergic and Squished (with Megan Wagner Lloyd). She also has worked on the picture books Peyton Picks the Perfect Pie (with Jack Bishop) and The Girl Who Built an Ocean (with Jess Keating). Michelle’s next book is an upcoming graphic novel titled Luna (with Megan Wagner Lloyd) slated to be released in 2025. Follow her on Instagram.
