Sketchbook Video Tour - 2023
Hi there. How are you?
As the end of the year quickly approaches, it seems like a good time to reflect on what I’ve made and accomplished this year. 2023 has been all about the sketchbook.
It’s time for a sketchbook tour!
I recorded a short video where I flip through my 2023 sketchbooks, providing a little insight and commentary along the way.
I’ve been working in 2 sketchbooks this year, the Stillman & Birn (7.5” square) and a Moleskine pocket sized sketchbook and I share my drawings from both in the video.
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A flip through of my 2023 sketchbooks, with commentary. Click to watch!
Some Observations
As I flipped through both sketchbooks, I can see how the size of the page affects the drawings I make. The marks I make in the smaller sized sketchbook are often more controlled and compact, while the drawings in the larger sketchbook are more expansive and experimental. The larger format seems to give me more freedom.
A drawing from my larger Stillman & Birn sketchbook.
Incomplete is OK
Notice that I didn’t finish every drawing in my sketchbook. Sometimes I just don’t like the direction a sketch is headed and I abandon it. Sometimes I come back to them, other times not. I save these sketches for my no idea days, when I don’t feel like starting from scratch. Building off an existing composition is a good way to get back into things. And if I screw the sketch up even further, who cares?
A spread from my small Moleskine sketchbook
It’s All About the Process
I’ve made some lovely drawings this year that I can quite proud of. I’ve made some not so great drawings too. There’s no shame in that. Process of over product my friends!
If you’re interested in diving deeper into my ballpoint pen drawing technique, do check out my Jen + Ink courses.
