Sketchbook Practices
When it comes to sketchbooks, here's my philosophy:
Even an imperfect practice is a practice.
If your goal is to draw every day, and you miss a day - that's completely fine. You can draw again tomorrow and pick it right up again.
Daily creating in my sketchbooks is my lifeline. It's my sanity. Even the simplest version of putting pencil to paper frees something in me, making me feel alive and joyful.
I get a lot of questions about how I do it - so here my two favorites.
How do you make time for this?
I'm prepared. I always have a sketchbook with me. It's always nearby, which means I can steal 10 minutes for a quick session no matter where I am. This week, I was at the doctor's office, having some tests. Between the time I had my scans and the time they were reviewed with me, I had 30 minutes - and a tiny sketchbook in my bag (see the photo - this is the one). So, I used it - and became immersed in my drawing after about 2 minutes. Way better than mindless scrolling on my phone - I created something because I was prepared.
I'm gentle. Each time I start a page, I am focused on the process - not the product. If the drawing is lousy, I just turn the page. I always remember that bad sketches need to happen - if they didn't, you'd never get to the good sketches.
Habit stack. I've learned to pair sketchbook time with other things that I know I'm going to do. In the evenings, while spending time with my hubs, I have a sketchbook and simple media that I work in while sitting on the couch. The kit includes a small booklight (because living room lighting isn't great) and some colored pencils. I have pages prepped for evening drawing and know my attention will be split - between Star Trek and drawing - so I'm ready. When I stack sketchbook time with something else I already do, creating daily is much easier.
Isn't it selfish to always be in your sketchbook?
Nope. Not at all. And here's why.
When I make art everyday, I am feeding my creative spirit. The very best version of me is a person who is creative, alive, and engaged with the world around me. I love her - she's smarter, more patient, and more joy-full with everyone she meets.
When I make art everyday, I'm modeling this for others. Whether it's my son, my friends, or other artists and educators, by making art every single day, I'm showing the world that making time for what matters is a thing we should ALL do.
So, with that in mind, it's the least selfish thing I can do.
Try It:
Choose a small sketchbook and favorite pen. Throw them in your daily bag.
When you have 15 minutes, draw a few smaller boxes on a page and fill them with something you see around you. Quick, simple drawings.
Later on, write a few notes about how that felt.
What made it fun?
What was uncomfortable?
Try it again tomorrow.
Let me know how it went!
In the coming weeks, I'll be using this blog to share my favorite sketchbook practices, one by one - my tried and true methods for activating my creativity, regulating my nervous system, and becoming my best, happiest self. Come on back and explore them with me.
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