Why you should keep a sketchbook

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My sketchbook collection


 I am obsessive about my sketchbooks, since 2006 I have consistently kept one. Every year they get filled up with all sorts of images, photos, notes & quotes. I have a whole catalog of them dated & stacked. 
When I look through them I can remember that part of my life. I remember the way I felt and the things that happened. Its sort of a visual diary, recording moments in my life. Its great practice to draw so much and in a way its my therapy.
You don't have to be an artist to keep a sketchbook. If you are a creative person, its a great little way to collect ideas and practice. You can gather your ideas and try new things without showing anyone or being scared you will be judged. The whole point is to express yourself in your own way. Create your own      rules, or no rules at all.

Here are a few things that help me fill up my sketchbooks.


 The Dreaded First Page
If you are intimidated by that first blank page, skip it! You can always come back to it, leave it blank or decorate it. I always make that page a cover, an intro, to my book. I usually sign it or put a found object on it. 
Some people fill their sketchbook out of order. By skipping around it makes the first page irrelevant. 

 I Don't know what to Draw
The best way to curb it, personally is to just draw. I know its annoying advice but let me explain. 

Sometimes there's not enough time to draw but I have an idea. So I will loosely and quickly sketch the idea down and move on. On the days that I'm stuck I'll find one of these incomplete sketches and detail it out. By the end of it my creative juices are flowing and I can come up with more ideas.
You can also try a 30 day challenge, prompts, or just do some journaling about what inspires you. Remember its all about practice. 
You can take inspiring photos, magazine clippings or really anything and glue it on pages. I love this idea because I'm so crafty and its like making a scrapbook of inspiration. I do this a lot with found feathers, pressed flowers and images of animals.

 Make it Your Own
We all have seen those beautifully perfected sketchbooks on Pinterest. Each page is a work of art, and its impressive. You can choose to make your book this way, but its going to take a lot of time. 
My suggestion is don't look at others sketchbooks in comparison. Its YOUR sketchbook! Make it represent you. If you want to make it an art journal or scrapbook, do it! It makes the journey a lot more fun if you follow your own way.

 Keep your Sketchbook with You

I would suggest choosing a size of sketchbook that makes it possible for you to carry it with you everywhere. My book is 5"x8" and fits into my purse and other bags. For me, its the perfect size.
If you find a window of time where you are waiting at the DMV or doctors office you can use that time to sketch. Sometimes I'll find an interesting flower or leaf and press it in my sketchbook until I get home. Even if I might not use it that day, I always bring my book with me.
Testing out graphite and acrylic combos

 I hope all this helps you and inspires you to buy and fill up your own sketchbook. Its a great way to express yourself. No matter what kind of artist or creative you are, keeping a sketchbook is a great practice. I always have mine in my purse, and a fresh
one in my studio as back up.

 Now get out there and start creating!

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