Meet Troy’s Backpack

What’s in my book bag? A lot of stuff, that’s for sure. 

The main pocket of my book bag carries my computer, my folders, and my two blue, mix media drawing pads. One is a fifty-page, nine by 12 inch book with drawings of Murphy, myself at a Ren Fair, and my little cousin, Zion.

My second drawing pad is seven by ten inches. It’s a little beaten up, but contains sixty pages of rough sketches. These sketches are of my O.C’s, drawings assignments, and a drawing of the WWE Hall of Famer, Rey Mysterio. Whenever I have free time between classes, I draw in my second drawing pad. I draw whatever comes to mind first and see where that takes me. 

I also have a notebook in my bag that I use for my Hybrid and Digital Genres class. This notebook helps me keep my ideas and character dialogues fresh in my mind for assignments.

Then, I have a box of pencils in the front pocket of my book bag. I use my pencils for class and free-drawing. If someone needs a one, I always have one.

Whenever I draw a character, my mind instantly goes to: Who is this character, what's  their purpose, and what's their goal. My characters also help me develop other stories. 

Whenever I have a writing idea, I always draw out a specific character, supporting characters, and an antagonist before I write the plot of the story. This helps me to get a read on what my characters look like, how they act, and what they would do. Without drawing the character first, it’s a little difficult for me to capture the essence of the character for the story. Drawing has always been a big part of my life. 

Lastly, I have my journal in my bag. I use it when I come up with ideas for something that I want to create. I use my journal when I come up with funny lines for dialogue, and it inspires me to be as descriptive as possible. 

All of the things in my bag are unique to me. My computer is for schoolwork. My folders are there to help me keep my mind organized (so I always know what I need for class). My drawings tell a story. So, what’s in my book bag? My hopes and dreams.