@Elena-Marengoni I really like your sketches - very loose and expressive!

What do you use your sketchbook for? Do you use one/more than one at a time?

I used to be so good about finishing a sketchbook before starting another, but recently, I just sort of dive into whatever I'm feeling like at the moment. I tend to use my sketchbooks to work out ideas for illustrations and also to doodle whatever I feel like. I particularly like going on Pinterest and drawing a few things from reference with no particular aim because I think it's fun.

Do you have a specific theme for your sketchbook, or is it a mix of everything?

Mine tend to be a mix of everything! I used to try and keep separate sketchbooks for different things, but I always ended up neglecting one in favor of another and then feeling like I could never finish that book because I wasn't into that subject anymore.

What size is your preferred sketchbook, and why?

Gotta be a 8x10 - 9x12 size for me, though sometimes I like larger. I just really love to cram as much onto a page as possible and I like the freedom of having room to put more. I've used the smaller ones before but I have felt kind of cramped by them in the past.

Any tips that helped you evolve your sketchbook practice?

Lee White's idea of "thinkings" vs "drawings" has helped take some of the pressure off for sure. I still get stuck in the "my sketchbook has to be pretty" mindset sometimes, but I find I'm way more loose and less stressed when I just let the drawings be "bad" and just use it as a space to experiment, figure things out, and have fun!

One thing I'd like to do going forward though is date the pages because right now I'm keeping a soft bound bristol sketchbook so the pages come out easily and fall out of order. Plus, it's neat to see what you were thinking when.
I'm also looking to build a visual journaling habit this year!

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@Mr-NiftyRat you're welcome to use my thread that I started for accountability for a book project. We could update our progress weekly

HI Adam!

I agree that the reason they are using digital is it's a lot easier to use to teach classes with, record make edits and present with - there is nothing "wrong" with working traditionally.

I went to art school for animation/illustration and I didn't learn digital until about year 3 out of 5. We had a few visiting pros who used digital mediums and gave us tips. But the idea was that as long as you understood how to make art traditionally, you could then translate that knowledge to any other meidum. It was FOR SURE a learning curve to learn digital eventually, but easier since I wasn't learning digital and foundation skills together. Also, if you're into Children's Illustration, there is still a desire for traditional work, so I think you'd be fine!

Bienvenue @Sebastien-Godard ! J'aime énormément ton dessin d'introduction, il y a déjà beaucoup de style dedans je trouve 😌
Bonne randonnée ici !

I recently have started leading a Cub Scout Den, and am investing some time reading over older historic writings on Scouting. I love that among many skills, boys were encouraged to be decent sketchers in order to create maps, study nature, and various other things along adventures. Some of Baden-Powell's (Scoutings founder) original drawings are quiet fantastic.

I was inspired, and wish to incorporate my love for drawing into our Den dealings, and any other areas of life where art may add richness and joy.

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This is to accompany a note to the parents and kids for our next meeting.
Clearly...my lettering has great potential for improvement. HAHA!

Anyone else trying to incorporate illustration into everyday things, outside of professional work and development?

Cheers!

The first area I plan to redouble my efforts on, is my early sketches / exploration / and composition. I really get impatient to get on with inking and other aspects, and I know I could come up with stronger compositions, visual "story", etc...

@rcartwright Thank you, they have a lot of resources to look through, I'll check them for sure!

@dottyp never thought to use contests that way.. good idea! thanks!

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Once again the original is on the left and my version is on the right. No picking color and drawn by hand.

Appreciate the insight and responses Audrey, I agree I think this is a wall or hurdle I have to get over to push myself more into developing that art habit and stretch myself. So different than IT, but in a good way 🙂