#007 Sketchbook Goals and the New Year
2023 has been a busy year and as 2024 approaches I'm going back to my sketchbook and drawing for me, every day.
As I started to write this I realised that it has been a long time since my last post. Apologies! My work on my MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art has made the end of the year go very quickly. I started many posts: drawing in the car, sketchbook organisation, RISO printing tips but did not finish them; however, I will work on them and send them out next year!
For now, it’s the time when I think about my creative goals for the coming year. Last year I thought about making lots of time for play and observational drawing. I have done this and taken part in a 100 day project. My goal for this year is simpler:
draw every day.
I was in the middle of a 100 day drawing people project last Christmas so I have a daily record of the holidays which holds so many memories.
I really enjoy sharing my sketchbook but I’ve thought a lot recently about how taking part in Instagram challenges can be brilliant for motivation and target setting but can make drawing feel different. The end product being something to share each day can change the focus and it is really nice to just draw and have no expectations. I’m going to try to draw something each day but without the pressure.
THAT sketchbook
This is a beautiful sketchbook that I’ve had for years and have put off using. I’ve never been brave enough to start it. Do you have a sketchbook you have been ‘saving’? I have decided that this Christmas is the time to use it and, to take the pressure off it being beautiful, I’ve been using it to draw in semi-darkness at concerts and plays I have been to. The drawings are far from ‘perfect’ and some are very abstract but the brilliant thing is that they are a visual diary and that is what I love about sketchbooks. Those drawings capture how it felt to be there and I can experience it again when I look back at them.
Art vs Artist
For the last two years I have made a grid for #artvsartist on Instagram which features a picture of me and eight drawings/illustrations. It’s really interesting to look back at the year and at previous years and see the similarities in my work and how it is developing.
I can see how much I enjoy using shape in my work and that I still love vehicles, stationery and drawing from life. It’s been brilliant to work on character development and sequence on my MA and so exciting to start making RISO prints.
New year goals
Sketchbooks
I like setting goals for myself when I’ve got a new sketchbook as it helps me focus and inspires me to keep experimenting with materials and subjects.
I’m going to start this sketchbook that my friend Naomi gave me. I’m excited about experimenting with materials and palettes on the pink paper.
Reading
I’m really looking forward to reading more in the new year. I sometimes feel that I only have time to read things related to my MA but reading is so helpful to my creativity and I need to make more time to do this. Here’s what I’ve been reading and what I will read next.
Films
I spoke to a friend recently about inspiration for composition. I’m realising more and more how much studying film as part of my degree has influenced my love of sequence and framing. I’m going to make time to watch films and keep a sketchbook with me to make a note of exciting composition that could relate to my picturebook work. This is a new book that I’m excited to explore more in the new year.
Subscribers’ sketchbook peek
Painting on a plane. I’ve always loved the design of the safety illustrations on the seat.
A picture book I love
I love Tomi Ungerer’s books and only discovered them as an adult. The black and blue is so striking in The Three Robbers and the images are so memorable and a big inspiration.
That’s all from me. Thanks so much for subscribing and supporting my work. It is really appreciated. Wishing you a happy holiday and a creative 2024,
Charlotte
Ahh fantastic read Charlotte! And yes I do have a sketchbook like that! A beautiful big orange Pith one I got when Naomi came over and it’s still empty!! Also I LOVE Deborah Levy - Swallowing Geography is an all time favourite but haven’t read the autobiographies- you’ve inspired me to do something about both ☺️
I love your interesting posts. So inspiring! Have a great new year.✨