Inktober 2026: A Is for Akita is the original hand-created artwork that begins my Lexicon Lands A–Z Dog Breed Challenge for Inktober 2026.
This piece features a seated Akita Inu, illustrated in a limited black, white, and gray palette. I focused on the Akita’s broad face, upright ears, powerful body, thick coat, and tightly curled tail while using a combination of bold ink lines and softer gray tones to give the dog depth and character.
The artwork began with a mechanical pencil and kneaded eraser for the initial drawing. I then used India ink with a dip pen to create the black linework and details. A watercolor brush was used to apply the gray tones throughout the coat, while acrylic paint was used to create the hand-painted border and signature on the original.
Unlike prints made from this piece, this listing is for the one-of-a-kind physical artwork, including its original hand-painted border, signature, and date.
This is #1 of 27 original drawings planned for my Inktober 2026 Lexicon Lands series. The series travels from A to Z through different dog breeds before concluding with a special 27th artwork featuring Valor the Swiss Shepherd.
Artwork Details
Title: Inktober 2026: A Is for Akita
Artist: Justyn Simon
Series: Lexicon Lands — Inktober 2026
Series Number: #1 of 27
Subject: Akita Inu
Type: One-of-a-Kind Original Artwork
Media: Mechanical Pencil, India Ink, Watercolor Brush & Acrylic Paint
Tools: Mechanical Pencil, Kneaded Eraser & Dip Pen
Color Palette: Black, White & Gray
Signed: Yes
Dated: October 4, 2026
🎥 Watch the artwork on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/shorts/hf_U4YWH8ZE
A is for Akita—and this is where the journey through Lexicon Lands begins.
🐾 No tail left untold.
