Some Tips For Your First Sketchbook Ever
Just a day before I shared some early days of my sketch-booking journey and while I know there is much more to learn, it also made me realize how much I have learnt over the time. As I said, what started as fun became something which I give my undivided attention to. I thought I would share some of them here today for those of you who might be thinking of having one for yourself :)
Go Past The First Page: My first ever book was at halt just because I did not know what to do with it. You know the “blank page” which keeps you stare into nothingness. But in my other books, I went straight past it because I didn’t bother. Yes, it’s an awesome feeling to start with page 1 but I mostly jump to somewhere in the first half to “GET IT STARTED”. I have this thing sometimes that a certain page has to look “perfect” to belong in the sketch book which brings me to my next point.
It is OKAY if it is not perfect: Perfection. How many times must have I changed my illustration/ concept just because I was scared that it wouldn’t look perfect. And also felt utterly stupid after that. It is one of the most important things to understand that it is YOUR journal and is meant for your growth! It is not going to be displayed in a museum that it has to look good all the time! Some pages WILL SUCK. And you won’t like them. But trust me, when you look at them altogether it will mean something to you. I have slowly and learnt this and whenever I give in control, I am left with a sense of relief like never before. GO WILD AND SPILL ON IT.
Structure Can Help: I have divided my books according to the medium that I use. Graphite and pens, ink, watercolor, gouache, etc. I am not saying that you have to follow this rule but this is something which has made a lot of sense to me. I always have my “travel along” book ready with me which is awesome to jot down ideas and quick sketches. Along with that it depends on the nature of work too and sometimes the mediums do bleed into each other too (which is okay). It gives me a little bit of structure and clarity to work.
Bombard It With Ideas: Yep, these books are meant for you to swim in deepest layers of creativity and holding back is not an option. You will be surprised what your mind can visualize when you make drawing from imagination as a habit. Cut, paste, tear, sew, burn, pour, draw, paint, do whatever the hell you want to do. Because then and only then will it be your reflection. You never know in what moment you find an “epic” idea. Not only that, I have found solutions to some completely unrelated problems while doing such things!
In short, be honest with it and be You. You will most likely end up enjoying it more than you would have thought ;) Cheers!