The Role of Sketchbooks in My Creative Process
Sketchbooks have always been a bit of a sore spot for me. Even though they’re often seen as an essential tool for artists, I’ve never felt entirely comfortable with them. They can feel intimidating—so final. But over time, I’ve learned to embrace them and make them work for my creative process in a way that suits me.
When I was in university, I was encouraged to keep a sketchbook to document my process, but it felt more like an assignment to be graded than a tool for expression. I filled the pages with random drawings and cut-out images, but I found myself more focused on creating something to show my teachers rather than letting loose and using it as a true creative outlet.
Years later, when I got back into art, I still found it hard to commit to sketchbooks. I’d start filling one with the occasional drawing but often fell out of love with it and couldn’t keep up the practice. I’ve always admired artists who can fill multiple sketchbooks each year, like Kate Bingaman-Burt. Her daily sketches of things she buys are incredibly inspiring—they capture a slice of her life with such personality. In 2020, I even tried her method and managed to fill a sketchbook with small daily illustrations. I enjoyed it, but I didn’t keep it up.
Since then, I’ve grown more comfortable using sketchbooks, though in my own unique way. Recently, I noticed that many of my sketchbooks were filled only with pencil or black pen sketches, so I started experimenting with colour—adding coloured pencils, markers, and even paint. This small change has made a big difference, and I find myself enjoying sketchbooks more than ever.
How I Use Sketchbooks Now
These days, I have several ways I like to use my sketchbooks, each with its purpose:
Brainstorming Collections: When I start a new collection, the sketchbook is my go-to for jotting down ideas, concepts, and rough thumbnails. While I still prefer plain white A4 paper for larger sketches, I love using my sketchbook as a brainstorming space.
Creative Challenges: Challenges like #TheyDrawtober are where I really dive into sketchbooks. I’ve been pushing myself to use colour, and it’s so rewarding to flip through pages filled with vibrant sketches. These challenges have become a joyful part of my creative practice.
Painting Practice: Though it’s not a technique I use often (yet!), I enjoy using sketchbooks for small painting exercises. Sketchbooks make it feel less daunting, as though I’m just playing with paint rather than trying to create a finished piece.
Idea Reference: Looking back through old sketchbooks is a wonderful way to spark new ideas. Sometimes, even the “throwaway” sketches lead to something fresh and unexpected. They’ve become a treasure trove of inspiration.
A Record of Progress: Sketchbooks are also a visual record of how far I’ve come. Revisiting old sketches shows me how my technique has evolved and what my interests were at different times. It’s a reminder that filling a sketchbook, page by page, truly makes you a better artist.
Little by little, I’m leaving behind my fear of the blank page. I’m learning that sketchbooks are there to experiment, make mistakes, and explore new techniques. This year I challenged myself to fill a sketchbook with 100 ingredient illustrations, and the process helped me push through my perfectionism. I inked and coloured each page, learning something new with every sketch. I can’t say I’m a sketchbook artist like Ohn Mar Win yet, but I’m finding my own ways to make sketchbooks a joyful part of my creative journey.
So, as I work through this year’s #TheyDrawtober, my sketchbook is my companion, capturing each day’s ideas and experiments. I’m excited to see where it leads me next and to share that journey with you.
