12 Reasons To Keep A Sketchbook

In the age of social media, artists are eager to post perfect, finished artworks, often on a daily basis. I was guilty of this as well. Putting time pressure on myself to complete something I thought was perfect. But then, I started sketching - this allowed me to take the time to create fully and completely, without restraint, without judgment. And all the the happy accidents I made, turned into better, more fully realized pieces. And as a result, I improved my drawing skills.

12 Reasons to Keep a Sketchbook

1) Keeping a sketchbook allows you to keep notes on what materials you used, what forms or patterns or colours you create.

2) You can revisit old sketchbooks to see to see your artistic progress, whereas if you only use loose sheets it might be more difficult to track your development. Its also fun to see how you've improved.

3) Loose Paper. Now that just creates a big mess, right?! If you only work on loose paper, it can get messy and disorganized fast.

 4) A sketchbook is for your eyes only -  a place where you can not be afraid to mess up or feel daunted. Mistakes often make for great ideas. In fact, you learn to embrace the imperfections.

5) You can really take the time to develop an idea and once your ready, you can show it to the world!

6) You can carry a sketchbook with you anywhere you go

7)  If you suck at something, for instance hands, anatomy or gesture drawing, you can practice it over and over again in your sketchbook until you finally master it.

8) Some People like to use their sketchbooks as a kind of visual journal - they like to add memories, photos and writings.

9) Drawing regularly in your sketchbook can really help you find your artistic style and voice as an artist.

10) Most important is to feel free, play and have fun - that is how much of your new and best works are born. So don't be afraid to mess up. You will feel less rigid and anxious about having everything be perfect.

11) There is the sheer satisfaction of completing a sketchbook. A small but significant achievement in the life of an artist.

12) You can challenge your self to be consistent and draw one or two page in your sketchbook every day. Consistency is key to improvement.

It is important to choose a sketchbook that suits your preferred mediums. Also it must please you aesthetically as well. The colour of the pages, the size, quality of the paper, flat or spiral...it's up to you.

So practice, study, learn, let loose and have fun!


I usually keep 2 sketchbooks on the go. One where I am not concerned with making a big mess, and the other where I try to make the sketchbook appealing to the eyes, with more detailed or finished works and notes.


Sketchbook tip: I recently saw a youtube video where an artist (sorry I cannot remember his name) took years of sketchbooks and cut out only the images he loved. He then pasted all those works into a brand new sketchbook. A fine and fun idea!