Episode 37: Should you keep a sketchbook?
Laura and Peter have very different responses to this question. Peter has kept sketchbook throughout his professional career whilst Laura has some but their use is slightly more ad hoc. The consistent thing for both of them is that it is important to take notes, both written and visual. The sketchbook is Peter’s go to place for these, but Laura is quite likely to use the back of an envelope, or a sheet of paper.
This episode was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic so apologies for any sound difficulties we found during the recording.
The Useful Stuff
1. Sketchbooks are a place to make a connection with your subject, focus your thoughts and spark ideas for the finished artwork. Peter and Laura use photography for reference, but both see sketching as the primary source for new work
2. Keeping a sketchbook is one of the most powerful things you can do to develop your practice, whatever your discipline.
3. Sketchbooks are working tools for the artist and not a portable gallery for onlookers, so work for yourself alone and forget everyone else. A good sketchbook will be a form of note taking and problem solving for the artist. It may not make a lot of sense to anyone else and that’s fine.
4. Don’t make a totem out of your sketchbook unless you are actively turning it into a finished artwork. Sketchbooks should be a place to dash off scribbles, notes and ideas with absolute freedom. Go for practical sturdy books you can use without concern, rather than beautiful costly sketchbooks you won’t want to spoil.
5. Always keep your sketchbooks and do go through them occasionally. They are the powerhouse of your ideas and will often spark new thoughts or directions for current work.
6. If you, like Laura, recall the pressure from teachers to complete sketchbooks to order, remember that the sketchbook is working for you now, not the other way around. If you still feel uncomfortable with a book, use a clipboard and loose paper – or the back of an envelope. As long as you keep your sketches safe for reference, it really doesn’t matter what you draw on or with.
The Takeaway
A sketchbook should be a trusted friend where you can feel free to escape, dream big and express yourself exactly as you please
Click some of the images below to see Laura and Peter’s sketch books.
