The brief for this exercise had some specific prompts to reply to, I addressed these on loose paper a instructed. I mostly replied directly to the prompts, but as ideas came to my head I captured those as well.
What might I use my sketchbooks for?
I think I should definitely have a small pocket-sized sketchbook (A6?) for on the go; I would like to start building a habit of drawing when I can. Given the 'everyday' topic of this module, this seems like a useful direction for me.
I would also like to have a watercolour sketchbook. I really enjoy using watercolour, and would definitely like to improve my skills in it. My current sketchbook is ok for some light washes, but doesn't hold up well to lots of water. Having a nice watercolour sketchbook around the A5/B5 size will allow it to be portable but not daunting, as they are usually more luxurious!
I found that having an A4 sketchbook was useful for more project-related work. It gives space to plan ideas and layouts near each other which is useful for comparisons and evolving ideas.
I still have my A3 sketchbook, which was particularly useful for mood boards and layouts. I don't think that it will be a main sketchbook for now, but I think I will use it when I need to experiment bigger. It will probably also be used with any personal illustration projects I decide to do.
I would like to create another sketchbook myself like I did in KSI Exercise 2.6. This was a really fun thing to do and it will give me much more control on the kind of book I need and want to use. If I get through my watercolour sketchbook, this will be a good time to do something homemade as a replacement.
I used digital tools a lot for my KSI assignments, and so I don't want to sketch digitally, as I think I need to go analogue to help my thinking as well as practical skills. Improving both of these areas will ultimately translate to the digital world and pay dividends.
Note of a thought I had when writing these answers, I will try and include it in my introductory call with my tutor:
What is most important when sketching from life: Is is realism or observational accuracy? For example, if you were, say, Hergé (with a ligne claire style) would it be more important to sketch so it looks as real as possible, or sketch in your own style but capture the authentic forms, composition etc.?
Characteristics and usage of my sketchbooks
I don't really get intimidated by just the expense of sketchbooks, but also about how luxurious they feel! For example, I used a Moleskine notebook at work, and kept on feeling like it was precious. I changed to a notebook which was very similar (Agenzio by Paperchase) and I used it much more freely. I also don't like using sketchbooks that feel too cheap, so for me I think there is a sweet spot!
I don't really like lines or grids, but I can handle dots. Overall I prefer plain pages.
I tend to press quite hard, like ink and watercolour so I have developed a preference for thicker paper, at least 100gsm but ideally thicker. I get annoyed by bleed through! I have tried thinner but it bled and could only take the lightest of washes.
I like to work at all sizes. I have note tried sketching above A3, and have no finished pieces above that size. I am curious how going bigger might change my work / perspective.
I definitely don't think I am a creature of habit where sketchbooks are concerned. I keep on trying different sizes and formats to see what I like. I foresee a time when I take all of that learning and mostly make my own stuff with all the aspects I like.
I like my books to be chronological, so you will often see project-y work interspersed by more random elements. However, I did notice that I preferred to do most project work in my A4 sketchbook.
I really liked a previous sketchbook that was bound so it could lay flat. I find this attribute still important for watercolour sketchbooks so that I have more options when capturing a scene.
I have enjoyed spiral-bound sketchbooks lately as they are easier to hold with one hand and, with a firm cover, provide a lot of support when out and about.
I like the paper to have a little tooth, but generally lean towards smoother papers. I like hot-pressed watercolour paper, but it's quite hard to find sketchbooks using it. Perhaps that's a good excuse to make one!?
I would, however really like to try Khadi paper for watercolour, I have heard amazing things about it. I am also interested in trying a concertina sketchbook at some point.
My sketchbooks are not the same as journals. I would like to have an art journal at some point but I am scared of being that vulnerable.
I get nervous when my wife wants to look at my sketchbooks; I feel ashamed. I also think I hold back with what I put in my sketchbooks too. I don;t know what the source of that shame is.
I don't want digital to be a big focus, but I would like to progress sketches into more finished portfolio pieces, and digital might be an option there.
My Choices
So , thinking about all of these aspects for my three 'official' sketchbooks I decided on these aspects:
I wanted multiple sizes
I definitely need a small sketchbook
I would finish my existing sketchbook first
I would stick with spiral bound, hard covered books for now
I also noted that I had a hardback watercolour sketchbook by Seawhite of Brighton still on my shelves, so rather than spend money I didn't need to, I thought it would be better to work with what I have. Luckily there was a reason I bought it in the first place so I am pleased to use it!
For the other two books I decided to go with A6, and A4. I have seen a lot of people recommend Pink Pig sketchbooks. I have not used them before but I loved the fact that they have a huge variety of covers to choose from. So I ordered two books. They were really well priced and the paper seems really nice. I am looking forward to using them!
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