6 reasons to keep a sketchbook
One of the most common misconceptions about artists is that they’re all talented. The reality is that every artist has to spend time honing their skills and learning new techniques. Keeping a sketchbook can help you stay motivated through slow periods. It can also help you revisit techniques you may have forgotten over time. You can watch the video ‘6 reasons to keep a sketchbook‘:
Sketchbooks allow you to experiment because there is no pressure
The sketchbook is great for you to experiment with new ideas, materials, techniques and subject matter.
- You can try out a new style or several styles;
- experiment with different colors and brush strokes;
- test out new mediums such as watercolor or charcoal;
- create compositions that move beyond the typical portrait or landscape format.
It’s even okay if you’re not sure what technique you want to use when you start drawing. You’ll figure it out while working on your pages!
Sketchbooks foster creativity
You get to try new things, experiment and make mistakes. You can also be creative without being limited by the final product.
Since you’re working in your sketchbook, it’s not as important that the art looks professional or perfect. You don’t have to worry about tracing lines or making sure everything is perfect since no one will see it except you! If something doesn’t look right on paper, just erase it!
It’s a pretty low cost compared to the risk of spending hours on a project that fails.
Sketchbooks are a way for artists to commit to a project and finish it.
If you’re an artist, you know how difficult it can be to stay motivated. If a project seems too daunting or if you lose interest halfway through, then it’s easy to give up and start over again with another idea.
Sketchbooks can help with this problem because they create a space where you can commit to your work and finish what you started.
Pages are small enough that they can be finished in one setting. It’s less intimidating than a complete canvas.
Sketchbooks provide a sense of achievement and fulfillment.
You’ll feel a sense of achievement and fulfillment when you see your sketches, even if they’re not great. It’s a way to measure how much you improve as an artist and how much time you spend drawing in your sketchbook.
The more often you fill up the pages of your sketchbook, the more pride you’ll take in it. It’s like working out or eating healthy—the longer you do it without stopping, the stronger those good habits become!
Sketchbooks help an artist reach goals with daily practice.
Sketchbooks are a great way to help you reach your goals. If you know that every day, no matter what, you’re going to put pen (or pencil) to paper, you’ll be more likely to follow through on your artistic pursuits.
Sketchbooks also allow for a lot of flexibility in the type of work that an artist can do:
– drawing from life or from photographs;
– practicing the fundamentals like proportions and perspective;
– trying out new techniques such as collage
sketchbooks offer opportunities for every kind of practice!
You can turn sketches into larger pieces.
Another benefit to keeping a sketchbook is that it can help you build a portfolio of work. It’s easy to turn sketches into larger pieces in some cases, especially if they are studies of figures or landscapes. You might also be able to use your sketch as a starting point for something bigger.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been at it for years, sketchbooks are a great way to keep track of your progress and stay focused on your goals. Just remember: You don’t need fancy materials or expensive supplies— something to scribble down a few ideas here and there.
