In this new column, I decided to show you inside in my sketchbook. To begin with, a bit of my history in sketching. Throughout art classes in high school and college, we were required to keep sketchbooks. I would initially dread these assignments, but I have come to embrace sketching as a vital part of the design process. I know some designers prefer to do rough sketches in Illustrator or Draw; however, I have learned that much to the requirements and advice of my design professors, if I can’t execute the cohesive design solutions and concepts on paper I won’t be able to execute the same thing on computer. In a perfect world, I would love to say that I have completed sketches for every design client and creative explorations. However, over the years, my sketching has varied. Sometimes I am more diligent about it than others.

Within the past few months, I noticed my sketchbook has been rather empty. I decided to take the creative challenge I issued in last Friday’s post, and spent the weekend
nose-deep in my sketchbook. During my time sketching, I decided to play with shape, form, and pattern.

In these sketches, I loved playing with the movement and expansion of pattern. I also found that, as of late, I am drawn to organic form, natural, and floral patterns.

What are some of your creative explorations? Do you keep a sketchbook?