Dean Balila met with me virtually to explain a bit of his creative process, inspiration, and his wisdom on how to avoid regret. Dean is a senior at Walnutwood High School and this past fall was his first experience with 916 Ink. As we constructed the group story (always a part of a 916 Ink workshop), Dean began creating concept art based on the characters we wrote about digitally, using Procreate on his iPad, and the illustrations are visually stunning. But that’s not all. He reveals more on his secret muse —love.
Tell me a little bit more about your creative process.
Usually, I want it to be a romantic story, so I start thinking of ways where I can have romance. It doesn’t have to be between like two people, just something where there is love.
When did you begin experimenting with artwork online, like the artwork you created for our recently published Walnutwood High School Zine, “Lost Stories of the Walnutwood Tree”?
I started drawing when I was really young and started digital drawing when I was in 7th grade. I’ve used a lot of art programs. I take a lot of inspiration from manga and other online web comics whenever I draw... I just like the aesthetic of it.
In thinking about your experience with 916 Ink, do the writing prompts help you express yourself? I recall you not opening up initially, but eventually sharing more and more.
I do good with other kids, but when I have to be creative and show it off to people, I get really embarrassed and anxious.
But you didn’t let that stop you from creating, correct? What do you think that driving force that pushes you through the feeling of anxiety to continue creating is...
I don’t want to regret not doing it later.
What an empowering message Dean instills in both youth and adult writers alike, that despite anxiety and vulnerability, we can press on, without regret. Excerpts from a short story written by him entitled “Brewing Feelings” and artwork from our group story “The Tragic Pasts” is included below. While working with Dean this past fall, I am reminded of the courage needed for all of us to tell our stories, without pause, without repression, and without regret.
From “Brewing Feelings”
Kit sat at the edge of the porcelain tub; his bruised face cushioned between strong, trembling hands. Every dab of cotton and antiseptic stung but he did not move, not since he had been ushered down. It terrified him; the festering feeling deep in his chest, that crawled up his throat. It was foreign and uncomfortable, but he couldn’t tell Thomas that; couldn’t tell him that his gentle hands were too much, or that his care confused him more than it comforted him.
He had been scared then, at how absolute it all seemed. Never had he imagined the intricacy of love and the complicated feelings that came with it. Being together was the one thing he could treasure to himself, without the eyes of his father watching him. Without the judgement of his brothers. Kit could understand what love truly meant in those arms.
If you’re invested in Dean’s artwork and storytelling, click the link here and prepare to be inspired!
