A sketchbook is an absolute must for every creative person. It’s a great way to note down your creative thoughts and literally put it on paper. In my opinion it’s a wonderful “zen” moment.
Sketchbooks are usually used for sketching/drawing. But of course you can also use it for brainstorming and write down words / sentences, paste things like quotes and images from magazines. A sketchbook can be seen as a creative diary. If you browse through it later, you will see your creative development through time. In addition, it is also a nice source of inspiration for creative future projects.
My sketchbook and fineliner 🙂
Sketchbooks are usually used for sketching/drawing. But of course you can also use it for brainstorming and write down words / sentences, paste things like quotes and images from magazines. A sketchbook can be seen as a creative diary. If you browse through it later, you will see your creative development through time. In addition, it is also a nice source of inspiration for creative future projects.
Use a sketchbook the way you like. Don’t be hard on yourself. For example, don’t put a lot of effort on a sketch. As long as it’s clear to yourself if you take a look at it again later, it’s fine. It’s also OK to make sketches on post-its, blank paper etc. You can paste this later in the sketchbook to keep everything together.
Each notebook or book can serve as a sketchbook. It depends on your wish list.
Sketches of graduation card ideas along with some agenda notes
The following criteria may help you to find a suitable sketchbook:
- Book type: there are different book types available, for example paperback, hardcover or ring binder. I first bought a hardcover sketchbook, but turned out I was not a big fan. I sketched a lot in public transport and noticed that I needed both hands to keep the sketchbook on my lap. Since then I have a ring binder sketchbook and that works fine. I can even store my fine liner in the ring binder itself which is a nice extra feature.
- Paper type: In general there are three options: printed lines, printed squares or blank pages. Ask yourself what you might mainly use the sketchbook for. If you write a lot, lines would come in handy. I chose a sketchbook with blank pages, so I could have all the freedom I need to sketch.
- Format: A widely used format is A5. This is a handy format. You can take it with you in your bag and sketch on the way (in the metro, bus). If you feel the A5 format is too small or too big, there are plenty other formats available. Preferably buy a sketchbook “offline” in a store, so you can really hold it in your hands.
- Cover: A beautiful cover can make a big difference and inspire you to use the sketchbook more often. You could also create a beautiful cover by yourself with nice stickers, drawings, postcards etc. Sounds like a fun project? 😉
- Amount of pages: How many pages does the (note)book contain? You might not want a very thick book, but also not a very thin one. You need to be able to use it for a while. I would say 50 pages is the minimum number of pages.
- Paper weight: what’s the paper thickness? It’s OK if it’s a little transparent, but not too much. Otherwise you can’t use both sides of the pages or you can’t use certain materials (for example markers) which would make the paper soaked (with ink).
- Sketch/writing tools: last, but not least: who will be your sketch book’s buddy? It could be a ballpoint pen, pencil, fine liner, markers etc. I prefer using a fine liner, because it allows me to draw and write smoothly, plus I don’t have to put a lot of pressure on it. Just pick a tool that suits you or feel free to try things out (no one’s judging!). The sky is the limit!
Sketches of a birthday cake card for a friend