Hey Zelinn, have you ever tried mapping out a story by sketching light and shadow patterns first, then filling in the narrative—so the improvisation stays within a clear structure?

It sounds like your lighting setup is too volatile for a linear workflow. Try this: pick one fixed light source, record its angle and intensity, then treat it as a constant in your sketches. If you need multiple lights, lock each in place, note their coordinates, and use a simple grid to keep their positions stable. Once the hard edges are mapped, improvise the shadows by layering them with softer strokes, not by chasing a shifting outline. Keep a quick reference sheet next to you—just a couple of lines noting light direction, strength, and color temperature—and refer to it every time you start a new panel. That way the “fog” becomes a controlled variable, and you can focus your creativity on the narrative rather than the shifting light.

Good to hear you’re setting up a reference. Just remember to keep the cheat sheet updated whenever you change a lamp—consistency is key. When you hit a new scene, start with the light grid, then layer shadows from there; you’ll avoid chasing after a flicker and keep the narrative tight. Let me know how the first draft turns out.

Sounds like you’ve got a solid system in place. Once you have the draft, I’ll give it a quick scan—focus on the light flow and how the shadows support the story arc. Hit me when you’re ready.