Sketchbooks, notebooks, reflective diaries, learning journals all of these labels are used to describe a means by which your creative ideas and thoughts are contained. Some people are more visual than others and so are used to the idea of sketching. Others are more academic in their annotation of ideas. Both are equally powerful at conveying, quite often, the intangible. Someone once said that even the chair that you are sitting on was once just an idea in someone’s mind and now you are sitting in it!
As human beings we have millions of thoughts a day. Some are good and some are bad. Most creative individuals use sketchbooks to record, explore, experiment, expand and reflect their observations and imaginations. Sketchbooks do not follow rules. A sketchbook can be a reflection of your current state. They can communicate your method of thinking. They can help resolve dilemma. They can provide pure escapism. A sketchbook is a working tool that helps to compile many innovations and inspirations for all to see long after conception.
Some Sketchbook Keeping Tips:
Write all your notes, lists, to do’s, and sketches into the pages of your Sketchbook, integrate it into your day to day living.
When you come across a piece of literature or design that stimulates you record it in your book.
Draw, write, paint, collage and stick collected items into the pages of your sketchbooks.
When speaking on the phone, doodle away in your sketchbook. The subconscious can be a powerful creative force when allowed to exist.
Do not be ‘precious’ with your sketchbooks, after all, they are working documents and the odd coffee ring and dog ear here and there will only add character.
Take photos even on your mobile phone, print them and stick them into your sketchbooks. Write comments.
Whatever your creative discipline is your consideration and reflection of the initial idea has to be plotted in one format or another. What you may consider not worthy others may see as their solution.
Many hours can be whiled away deliberating ideas in a sketchbook. Your sketchbook becomes a permanent record of your efforts for that duration.
Look through old sketchbooks regularly, the inspiration gained from your own sketchbooks are the best catalysts to kick start another creative journey of exploration and new discoveries.
For more traditional inspiration please visit,
http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/international_tours/leonardo_da_vinci.aspx
For more contemporary inspiration please visit,
http://sketchbooks.org/gallery/
http://www.vjchoolun.com/
