I have been working in sketchbooks all of my life, mostly for ideas and inspiration. I also have keep journals for sketches and record keeping of the pieces that I have created from year to year. I carry one small one in my purse at all times, because you never know when an idea will come to mind. I love to write things down, be it text or doodles. My journals are written in and updated as I make any type of work as a quilt artist. In waiting at offices, airports or anywhere else, I love being able to draw, as it passes the time.
Do you work in just one at a time or do you have several going at once?
I have several depending on what I am doing - can you really have too many? I am drawn to them in book stores. Sometimes my watercolor book is desired, but most often I love just a plain piece of paper to doodle on in a book. They are all over my studio, at home, in the car, in my purse. And I need one when I travel too, a larger one that the purse size one. You can tape your airline boarding pass, tickets, maps, program pages in it to keep a record of where you have been.
What's your preferred format (sketchbook size, type of paper, single sheet,spiral bound etc?) and preferred medium for using in your sketchbook? watercolor, pen, pencil, crayon, collage etc?
I love the watercolor pages of some, the graph paper in another and the blank pages. All sizes, types, colors, and I love everything that Moleskin makes. I have an on-going 2-year sketchbook/journal that is my main "go to" book. It contains sketches, notes, ideas, goals for each new year and photographs of my work. I have piles of sketch books all over my studio because they appeal to me. Call me a sketchbook hoarder.
My "go to" sketch/journal is a 8x8 square quotable journal - like a book. I carry a small Moleskin in my purse. Then I have several other journals that I have at home or take with me on trips. I am more of a cut and paste kinda girl. Give me a good black Flair pen or a Pilot Razor Point. Sometimes I may add a bit of color, but it is rare. I love the art of collage with paper, stencils and what do they call it "ransom lettering" - my favorite.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to keep a sketchbook but doesn't know how to begin?
Find a book that appeals to you artistically and just begin by writing you name in it. You may want to jot down some things that inspire you. Then let the doodling begin. Find a small one to take with you wherever you go. Sometimes I transfer things from my small book to my large book. You could do an entire journal about what interests you - patterns, architecture, flowers, colors, words, travel, fruit, free-motion machine quilting stitch ideas, people, dogs, etc. Find a topic that you like and expand on the idea. What do you like to do? Paint, color with felt tip markers, Crayola crayons or pens, colored pencils, cut up magazines, and oh the great pens that are out there to play with...don't get me started.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Have fun with it. Don't stress out about it. Make it work with your own artistic style. Imagine the possibilities. Start small and then grow your supplies as needed. Get your art friends to create a sketchbook too and get together to inspire each other.
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