Toolbox: Sketchbooks and why they matterSo, I sketch on the train. Yes, I am THAT guy. The one you think is looking at you, but you’re not really sure about it . . . Yep, the guy with the sketchbook. I take my sketchbook most places I go. Why you ask . . . well it’s really simple. I love sketching. I love putting on paper what’s going on in my mind, or simple appreciating the beauty around me by jotting down the occasional observed sketch or doodle. Beyond all the gushy reasons however, I take my sketch book with me to practice.
Perhaps the number one question people ask me when they see a sketch I’ve done is “how’d you do that?”, meaning how did I go from crappy sketching to decent sketching. I wouldn’t dare include some of the first sketches I did as a student of Industrial Design. They are way too embarrassing for me to show. Instead, I’m going to share some pointers about sketchbooks and my basic rules for sketching in one. Mind you, these are my opinion and I could be wrong, but they have worked for me so far…
1. Relax and have fun
The coolest thing about a sketchbook is you never have to present it to anyone. It’s not really meant to be a presentation tool or something to show to everyone. Take time to relax and have fun with whatever you are doing. If you make a mistake or put out some ugly big deal. No worries. This is your chance to goof off and make mistakes. Draw whatever fancies you – robots, cars, toys, animals – anything to get your arm moving. so RELAX!
2. Experiment
Try sketching with different tools for a change. If you’re master with a ballpoint pen, try sketching with a fat sharpie instead. If you’re a master with a sharpie, mix it up and sketch with a mechanical pencil. Sketching with different tools will help you stretch yourself more and will help you become more flexible. There’s no room for being TOO specialized when sketching. You need to be flexible and quick about thinking.
3. Take it everywhere
Find a size you’re comfortable with and take it with you everywhere. My first “Sketchbook Assignment” was in college and it’s still going for me! I try to take mine everywhere and sketch interesting things whenever I had a dull or somewhat stationary moment. Waiting on the bus or train, or even waiting for a movie to start in the theatre can be opportunities for you to pull out that sketchbook and practice. Besides, if people see you with one, they’ll think you’re really cool 
4. Draw from Observation, Draw from Imagination
Practice drawing what you see with your eyes, then practice drawing the same things from your mind. you’ll find that with time you’ll be developing your . . .”Imagined Observation” (Yes, I made that up) Skills. Drawing from life will help you develop proper proportion and details when you sketch. As you then draw from your mind, you’ll be able to pull from your “library” of observed drawing skill to sketch something amazing when you need to.
So there you have it. Some simple tips to help you as you look to improving your skills when sketching with a sketchbook. I’m sure I haven’t covered all the reasons why sketchbooks are so awesome, but feel free to leave comments at the end of the article, send us an email to info [at] idsketching.com, or visit the forums for further discussion.
Be sure to visit the sketch book section to see more samples of great design sketches from our talented contributors.
Tags: Basic, Sketch Tips, Sketchbook, Sketching, Spencer Nugent
