In the age of digitalization, it is essential to have a space for experiments and fresh ideas. That’s where a sketchbook comes in handy.
Why? It’s a perfect place for reflections, graphic notes, and testing ideas, a way to open the brain to new thoughts. The advantage of a sketchbook over drawing on separate sheets is that it prevents you from losing your ideas as they are collected in one place.
What can you do with a sketchbook?
There can be many sketchbooks, depending on the purpose. I will tell you which ones I have:
- sketchbook for sketches on the street (urban sketching). It allows you to study objects and people in more detail, see a variety of forms, and add interesting details to illustrations. In addition, it trains the ability to quickly grasp the essence of objects because everything around you is moving, and you need time to capture something on paper.
Sketches of architecture and people on the street help to add variety to illustrations, better feel the form, and find interesting plots.
- a notebook for experimenting with paints, pencils, stamps, colored paper, collages, and so on. It allows you to find interesting spots, lines, and textures, which can later be turned into characters, compositions, and textures for digital brushes or backgrounds.
Abstract drawing with different materials can produce interesting results and unexpected color combinations.
- a notebook for creating doodles, characters, sketches of fabric patterns, or interesting elements of clothing. It is useful when working on a character’s individuality to create a mascot for branding or illustrations for a website or application.
Some sketches remain as ideas in a sketchbook, and some can become the basis of a full-fledged illustration.
Where to start?
Get a couple of sketchbooks of different sizes: a small one to carry with you and a larger one to use at home. Depending on the materials, choose the proper paper density. For urban sketching, a minimal set of materials that are easy to take with you is enough. For home experiments, you can use everything to the maximum, combine the incompatible, and forget about all kinds of restrictions.
Gouache sketches do not take much time but allow you to capture plots and work with light, shadows, and contrast.
What next?
This material will be your knowledge base and personal library, helping to give your digital illustrations personality and uniqueness.
A creative note by Yaroslava Yatsuba, tubik illustrator and digital artist.
