Blue Rhino
Ballpoint pen on paper

This rhino was one of my first real attempts at doing a full ballpoint piece in a color that wasn’t black. Going all-in on blue changed everything—no safety net, no “classic” shading tricks—just texture, pressure, and patience.

What I love most about this one is the skin. Rhinos are basically built out of wrinkles and armor, and ballpoint is perfect for that. Every line can act like a crease, a scar, a plate. The blue lets the texture feel even more tactile, almost like it’s carved instead of drawn.

Rhinos are unique. They’re all tough exterior, heavy presence, and quiet determination. I’ve always felt a kindred spirit in them—like they’re built to take a hit and keep moving, even when the world won’t stop pushing. This one was me trying to honor that.

-PERSONAL COLLECTION-