A Childhood Mystery That Never Left Me
I grew up in New Jersey, and every summer there was a moment when the air would suddenly fill with the strangest sound. As a kid, I was convinced we were being invaded by aliens. That eerie, buzzing chorus felt otherworldly—until I learned it was cicadas.
Some cicadas emerge every year, quietly going about their lives. Others—the famous 17-year cicadas—rise from the ground all at once, by the millions. When that happens, it truly feels like a full-blown space invasion. Trees vibrate with sound, shells cling to bark, and the landscape transforms almost overnight.
Why Cicadas Fascinate Me
As a scientific illustrator, insects have always held a special place in my heart. I am endlessly fascinated by them and driven to learn as much as I can. Combining drawing with research—through books, specimens, and online resources—opens up an entire hidden world.
When I began studying cicadas more closely, I had no idea how many different species existed or how beautiful they could be. Some are subtle and earthy, while others are vibrant, with incredible colors, patterns, and textures that practically demand to be drawn.
Discovering Drafting Film
I started illustrating cicadas using colored pencil and ink on a plastic film called Cronaflex. Originally developed for the drafting industry, it had a microscopic coating that accepted pencil and ink beautifully. When computers took over and Cronaflex was discontinued, I was devastated. That surface had become part of my creative voice.
A Creative Revival with Grafix Films
Luckily, I discovered Grafix Drafting Film and Dura-Lar, and my passion was reignited. These frosted plastic films resemble heavyweight tracing paper but are incredibly durable—they don’t tear, don’t yellow, and are acid-free.
One of my favorite aspects of working on this surface is its transparency. There’s no need to transfer drawings—simply place the film over your sketch and start working. The transparent quality also allows for layering effects behind the drawing, adding depth and atmosphere in exciting ways.
The Challenges—and the Magic—of This Surface
Like any material, drafting film has its challenges. It doesn’t work well with wet media, and evenly blocking in solid areas of color can be tricky. Colored pencil can streak and appear uneven. But those challenges are also where the magic happens. With the right techniques, these limitations become creative opportunities—and that’s where experimentation really begins.
What We’ll Explore in the Workshop
In this online Zoom workshop, I’ll share my favorite tips, tricks, and techniques for working successfully on drafting film while we explore the fascinating world of cicadas together. We’ll study their anatomy, textures, and variations, and I’ll show you how to push this surface beyond the expected to create luminous, layered results.
Click here to Join Me for an Afternoon of Discovery
Join me for a fun-filled afternoon of drawing, discovery, and experimentation as we dive into the cicada family and explore what drafting film can do when we dare to experiment.