One of the best ways to gain a new skill is to create a physical record of the process. Take a look at the iconic works that have arisen from the minds of some of the greatest artists in history, and you will find the same thing. Even though millions may see these works of people around the world, their original inspiration almost always stems from a single thought. The artist creates something tangible to refer back to later.
When it comes to writing, sketching, or drawing, many of us don’t have enough time to sketch every little thing we see or think of a way to draw everything we need. But if you’re new to the world of sketching (or already a pro), you’ll know that a sketchbook is one of the best tools you can have. It can be used for almost any artwork—from your first sketches to an idea for your next novel—and it never seems to run out of ideas.
What Does Sketchbook Mean
A sketchbook can be much more than just a notebook for drawing. It can help you keep your art practice fresh and develop your creative thinking.
Sketchbooks are a great way to keep track of your creative process and capture a unique take on life and the world around you. And like anything that is good for you, you do not have to spend a lot of money on a good sketchbook. You can find a good sketchbook at any art store or even at a dollar store. A good sketchbook will serve you well, but there are some features to look for along with the price. Here are several examples of more capable sketchbooks than your basic spiral-bound sketchbook.
The most obvious reason to keep a sketchbook close is to get inspiration, and the second most obvious reason is to jot down ideas, sketches, and doodles that you want to remember and use later. But, the less obvious reason to keep a sketchbook (or iPad, or computer screen) at hand is to gather ideas, access resources, and brainstorm the potential of whatever it is you happen to be working on.
Give yourself tools you love.
There is a way to add some art to your life and make yourself a little happier at the same time. Sketching is a great way to relieve stress and free your mind of all the worries that go with your day. Sketching lets you get lost in your work, and if you follow it up with a few hours of painting or drawing, you can feel that same sense of accomplishment you get from producing a finished piece. Sketching is also a great way to get away from stressful situations. Use that time to relax and clear your mind.
Use reflection and imagination.
Writing is a great way to help you learn and grow as a person and to express your innermost thoughts and feelings—but there is something special about a sketchbook. It is a tangible, physical representation of your creative process so that as you grow as a person, you will always know what you are doing at each stage in your life.
Use your sketchbook instead of a camera.
If you’re one of those people who keep a sketchbook by their bed, I’m sure you know how important drawing is. And if you’re a photographer, then you probably already know how important photographs are. But what if you’re neither of those things? What if you’re just an ordinary person who wants to capture moments of your life on paper? What if you’re an artist who wants to capture moments of your life on paper?
Given the right light, any subject can be beautiful, and there’s nothing more beautiful than a sketch. Best of all, they are cheap and easy to make, so why not try them out on occasion?
We’re always told to make mistakes, learn from them and move on from our mistakes. But what if you never actually make a mistake? What if you never get a chance to make a mistake, or if you’re too close to your project ever to make a mistake? Then what happens? You give up! You stop thinking about the project, and you never get around to finishing it. I’m not saying that you should always do things at the last minute, but I’d like to think of myself as a person who likes to make mistakes, that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that it’s okay to try new things and fail.