a sketchbook update
I have not been a consistent sketchbook-er. Ever.
In July of 2020, when I began to consider pivoting my career in biotech operations to freelancing as an artist, I had a good spurt of sketchbook-ing… for a month maybe. But it dried up as I launched my business. Later, I tried to do a two-week sketchbook challenge. Twice. I completed neither.
But looking back, I realize I did make some fun stuff (and plenty of junk too, not pictured).
This year, I’ve recommitted. And I think it is going okay. Mentally, it feels akin to going to the gym. I’m so jazzed about it on a day off when the conditions are right or I have very little going on (when is that? no wonder this has not come organically). But so far, I don’t look forward to it.
I open my sketchbook everyday at 9:30am (honestly, often 9:35) after my morning walk. A few things have helped me get better at this: tackling it right away in my workday, using a 30 minute timer, and a goal to fill two sketchbooks by the end of April 2023.
What feels weird:
making things just for myself or to explore a future project
how I jump around with materials and subjects and often don’t want to finish an idea
every third page or so is a real turd
What feels good:
giving myself 2 days to complete a spread if I want
using whatever materials I want in that very moment
fixing a bad page on a later date with collage or opaque paint
Everyday when I sit down and open up my sketchbook, my brain tells me to hurry up and get to the real work: emails, fulfilling little sales, client projects, building the website catalogue, accounting … anything else.
This is a step I know I cannot skip. Because I am serious about becoming a professional.
Sometimes it just feels like a warmup to move my hands. Sometimes it is an experiment with materials. Sometimes I am brave enough to try subject matter that I think I want to make a product or series with in the future.
Here are several images from my current sketchbook. They feel a tiny bit less inspired and far less sporadic than the work in my past sketchbooks. I am trusting that if I can make this ritual into a consistent and long-term practice, the gems will happen. I’m sure I’ll let you know if and when they do.
