A Look Inside An Artist’s Sketchbook

I recently asked on Instagram what people wanted to see on my blog next and the resounding answer was a look inside my sketchbook, followed closely by sketchbook prompts (which I’m planning to do next!) So here it is! An unfiltered look inside my sketchbook that I’ve been adding to this summer.

Before we continue though, I want to preface by saying although I love looking at other artist’s sketchbooks, I have never consistently kept up the practice myself. I struggle with thinking that I need to spend every creative minute I have available actually creating something sellable (terrible way to think of creativity by the way). The truth is I’ve found that keeping a sketchbook is invaluable. It allows me to tease out ideas, create without the pressure to make something perfect, and to find creative moments throughout the day in little chunks of time.

This summer has felt like the perfect time to slow down and start a sketchbook practice, so that’s exactly what I’m doing! These pages aren’t perfect, but each moment spent in my sketchbook has been worthwhile. If this is something that speaks to you, I’d love if you joined me - the summer is not over! Find an old sketchbook, scrap paper, or treat yourself to a new one and just begin. If you’re someone who struggles with perfectionism, you might be interested in reading Jill’s experiences with that here. And if you happen to be on social media, I’d love if you joined the challenge by posting a photo of you sketchbook with the hashtag #summersketchbook2022 (and check out the other posts there!) I started the hashtag as a way to stay motivated and to encourage others to give it a go as well. I absolutely love seeing what other people are creating this summer in their own sketchbooks.

Now without further ado, I hope you find this look inside my sketchbook inspiring and an encouragement that art doesn’t have to be perfect as long as you are enjoying the process. In the wise words of Emily Jeffords, progress is quiet and slow.

If you’re someone who enjoys video format, feel free to scroll to the end to watch a quick video where I flip through my sketchbook.

I’ve found I enjoy using a variety of different mediums in my sketchbook, including pencil, pencil crayons, gouache, charcoal, and acrylic. Whatever I feel inspired to use at the moment and whatever is sometimes the easiest to pull out.

landscape study in gouache

landscape study in acrylic along with the colour palette (testing out a new palette)

mixing different colour combinations

floral study in acrylic - this one might have inspired a new mini collection for the future :)

For those of you that are interested, the sketchbook I’ve been using is the Soft Cover Delta Series Sketchbook by Stillman and Birn. I’ve found it to be a great mixed media sketchbook for what I’ve been using it for (I will say if you use mostly watercolour I would look for a sketchbook specific for watercolour).

For those of you who enjoy video format, you can watch me flip through here:

Thanks for taking a look through my sketchbook! I hope it encourages you to continue or start you own sketchbook practice. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments, or let me know which page was your favourite :)