Being good at something only comes from the art of practice, and in this case, it is literally the art of continually making art all the time. This is where a sketchbook comes into play. Sketching is essential to refining your skills and just keeping those creative juices flowing. You can journal your ideas, even write about how you are being inspired by people or places, or just draw and doodle. It does not have to be anything special or anything huge and super well thought out. Your sketchbook is your safe space to try new things to express yourself in new ways. No one else has to see it, it is solely yours for the purpose of making mistakes and then growing because of them. Feel the freedom from being restricted by needing a specific desired outcome, but instead just create. In this book, you can make a mess. Paint with colors you have never used before, collage, add pictures, or stuff some flowers in there. Do what you feel your heart is pulling you toward because it is where you will combine your passions with your creative mind and that is pure gold.
So here are some tips in case you don’t really know where to start:
1. Pick out a sketchbook that you like. This book is about to be your best friend, so make sure it’s one you want to keep around. Does the outside say to you “pick me up and take me with you, fill me with your ideas.” Maybe not literally but you get what I’m saying. Figure out what you like: blank pages, lines, dots, or graph paper. Then make that purchase, mind you this will be the best purchase ever.
2. Set Goals. At first, you will fill those first few pages so fast, but then it might feel like you don’t have anything left to give. So give yourself goals as to how many new sketches or ideas you want a week. Go easy on yourself, be realistic with what makes sense with your schedule. However, you should also challenge yourself force yourself to get into the habit of being a daily maker.
3. Use Whatever. Seriously, you don’t have to have the most glamorous supplies around. Sometimes the task can even be focused on using what is around you. You can use scrap paper, or the magazine you already read. Maybe a friend gave you some washi tape and you have no idea what to do with it. Perfect use it in your sketchbook. Literally, anything goes. If you can make it work throw it in there and try new things.
4. Love Yourself. In the beginning, it may be a little hard to come up with things or you may not look exactly the way you had hoped. Let me tell you that is okay, keep going. No one ever got where they wanted to be overnight but through discipline and practice. Keep the ugly ones because then you can look back and really see your process. You got this! Have patience and enjoy the journey
5. Go Crazy. It’s pretty simple. There aren’t too many rules because your sketchbook is yours to what you please. So make it yours in every way from the inside out. Fill that little baby, make it so full that the book wants to explode from your creativity.
Alright, Good Luck!
Leave a Reply