Let's Celebrate...Keeping a Sketchbook

A few years ago, even as a full-time illustrator, I didn't keep a sketchbook. I never had the time, I didn’t know what to draw, I found it too pressure-packed, blah blah, blah. Whenever I would open a sketchbook and give it a shot I’d be all shaky and judgemental of every line scratched across the page. It made it incredibly not fun. What’s the point if it’s no fun, amiright?? 

The flip in my sketching mindset happened for me when I chunked my concepts back- way back. I stopped approaching my sketchbook with the intention of drawing anything complex. NO horses, fewer people, no full, grand scenes. I drew small, simple somethings instead- a watering can, an apple, a flower. Before I knew it, the pages were filling up with these small somethings…and it was fun! This method helped me build up some confidence and eventually removed all that bull nanny fear I was associating with keeping an art journal.

Now, sketching is such a big, wonderful part of my life. I know myself better and I can hear my voice so much clearer. My pages are chocked full of ideas and details, and all that helps inform my work. But, the best, most surprising thing about keeping a sketchbook practice, has been the enthusiasm it gives me for my everyday life. Every walk, every meal, every drive down a country road is an opportunity to notice something fun and beautiful that I can add to my sketchbook.

It's strange that it’s so hard to hear ourselves sometimes, isn’t it? Keeping a sketchbook gives my cluttered mind the time and space to allow my inner creative whisper to come around. And I hope this helps you quiet the noise and start your own sketchbook practice- without fear or judgment! 

A few more Sketchbookin’ tips for ya!

• Pull from your own life. Look around, there is something fun to draw even in the most mundane of places. Trust me! Those details from your own life are going to be far more genuine and focused than anything you can find on Pinterest.

• Limit your palette. I often stick to pen when I work in my sketchbook or use 4-5 colors at most. This helps keep the overwhelmingness of it all down. Plus, interesting color decisions happen when you limit your choices.

• Try drawing quickly, even uncomfortably! I got this advice from sketchbook badasses- Rebecca Green and The Good Ship Illustration. There’s only so long you can bake in the sun or get eaten up by mosquitoes- all the more motivation to get it down on paper, quickly! There’s no time to throw shade at yourself when you’ve got two minutes to draw that boat. 

• Trust yourself. Wherever you are right now, seriously, it’s enough. Embrace it, and you’ll grow so much faster than if you’re fighting it. I promise!

  

  

  

  Need more sketchbook inspo?

  Check out my sketchbook flip-through from a few months in Portugal on Instagram.

  And more of my art journaling work on my website https://www.caitbrennan.com/artjournal.