How to Keep a Creativity Sketchbook

August 23, 2014 Lydia Makepeace

Last week I talked about the importance of creative exercise. One of the best ways to stay creatively in shape is to keep a creativity sketchbook or artist journal. It’s quick and easy and you don’t even have to be able to draw...

Step 1 - Buy a Sketchbook

I usually have two sketchbooks or journals. One is a standard size (8.5” x 11”) and the other is small enough to fit into my shoulder bag. I always like to have a sketchbook handy - you never know when an idea might strike!

WARNING // CREATIVITY IS MESSY

I highly recommend that you buy a simple inexpensive sketchbook; you’ll be less afraid to “mess it up.” I’ve been gifted with, and have bought beautiful journals and sketchbooks for myself and many of them sit empty. I feel too much pressure to make sure whatever I draw or write in them is as beautiful as the exterior. Creativity is a messy process so pick something you’ll be comfortable making messes in.

Here are some creative sketchbooks to get your started -

Step 2 - Destroy the First Page

So now you’ve bought a sketchbook and you open to the first page...BOOM! You’ve just been hit with paralyzing fear.

I hate the purity of that first page. It mocks me with its perfection. There’s this sense that if I screw up on the very first page the whole sketchbook will be ruined. My favorite solution - destroy it on purpose!

Here are some destructive techniques to get you started -

take a sharpie and make an “x” across the whole page
scribble with wild abandon
rip the page
spill coffee on it
splatter paint
put tape or stickers all over it

Whatever method(s) you use, have fun with it!

Step 3 - Fill Your Sketchbook

Congrats on destroying that first page. Be proud! That’s often the scariest part of starting a creative sketchbook. So now what?

It’s time to start filling up that sketchbook and creating a sort of visual journal of your creative adventures and inspiration. Here are some ideas for what you might include in your sketchbook :

clippings from magazines of images that inspire you
ticket stubs
doodles while you’re on the phone
favorite quotes
a drawing made while not looking at the paper
sketches of the people and things around you
grocery, reading, or to do lists
journaling about what’s on your mind
paint or fabric swatches
goals and aspirations
experiments with new materials such as paint, charcoal or even glitter!
the envelope from a handwritten letter
a pattern created of shapes and colors
Instagram photos ( they’re cheap and easy to print at your local drug store )
contact info - such as emails and phone numbers
and of course ideas :)

Remember you’re allowed to “fail” and make messes in your sketchbook! Resist the temptation to tear pages out. It’s important to have a record of your process and improvements.

Recommended Reading -

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