The Importance of Sketchbooks

as a designer in the creative industry.

If you’re currently working in an area of the design industry, I’m sure you’ve come across the term ‘portfolio’ more than once. I’m sure you’ve built up a portfolio of your own, and possibly still adding to it — but as well as a portfolio, which will display your best work, you should also have a sketchbook.

Imagine you were applying for a design job; You’re likely to be up against tens, maybe hundreds, of other applicants. Every designer wants to show of their design skills, but to really stand out in a crowd of other applicants, you need to offer something that elevates you above the rest, and demonstrates your creativity and problem-solving skills.

A sketchbook tells a story, and the more sketchbooks you have, the better. From scribbles to elaborate art, a sketchbook:

• gives an insight to your thought process, and therefore, an insight into you as a person.
• displays your idea generation skills, communicated through your sketches.
• demonstrates your ability to draw — which, yes, is a useful skill!
• shows how you can grasp the creative process.
• allows you to show an interest, and an understanding, of a range of styles, topics, and projects.

A sketchbook, in my opinion, is like a hybrid of scrapbook and a portfolio. It’s a compilation of sketches, ideas, annotations, variations, which demonstrates a range of skills, and puts you one step ahead of your competition.

Not only will a sketchbook allow you to show off your skills, it will also give you an insight into your employer, and what sort of business they run. If you take a sketchbook to an interview, pass it to the interviewer, and they show little interest, then what does that tell you about the business? As graphic designers, creativity is a key skill to have, and an array of sketches, ideas and notes, all compiled into a sketchbook, is the perfect way to show off your creativity to a company. A positive, intrigued consumer often reflects a creative, diverse persona — and this is the sort of people a graphic designer should try to surround them self with.

“After years and years of practice, especially throughout University, I’ve definitely mastered the art of sketchbooks. I’ve been creating and using sketchbooks every since I was a kid — I’ve always been a doodler, and I tend to write notes and ideas about the little things I see when I’m out and about. I remember, when I was younger, I would make scrapbooks for every family holiday, or as little sentimental presents for my friends and family. This skill did me well when studying art and design, and by the time I graduated, I’d accumulated over 60 sketchbooks, still stacked up in my parents garages. I just can’t let them go! Blood, sweat and tears went into my sketchbooks, whether it be from scalpel cuts or late night coffee stains…”— Jazzy, Creative Lead at Cloud Ten.

“To me, sketchbooks are a ingenious way of showing your process and ideas. You can easily put onto paper what your mind is thinking and feeling, quite literally. A sketchbook can show how you started, your journey and the finished product, which is extremely helpful to show in interviews. My sketchbook is usually messy, but with my own little structure to it. Every person’s is unique, and shows our very different tastes, talents and topics.”— Molly, Graphic Designer at Cloud Ten.

Sketchbook Tips:

Buy a sketchbook.

If you don’t have a sketchbook, definitely invest in one. Keep in mind, if you buy an expensive, fancy sketchbook, you may end up being scared to use it. Buy one that won’t make you scared to scratch the cover, spill coffee on the pages, or cover pages in scribbles. Who knows, that accidental coffee ring, scribble, or torn page may inspire you!

Take it everywhere you go.

You never know when you’ll be hit with an idea. Wherever you go, try to take your sketchbook with you. Then, if something suddenly inspires you, you can sketch a quick idea, or jot down a note and sketch it later. You can have more than one sketchbook, so if you don’t fancy lugging an a4 or a3 sketchbook around under your arm, you can buy cheap pocket — sized sketchbooks, and carry that around instead.

Annotate, and make notes.

Annotating your sketchbook is a good idea, as it adds a written explanation of ideas, and can also aid you when you look back through your sketches. If you have a quick idea, sketch it down, and then revisit it later, you might not have a clue what inspired you in that moment. A little note jotted down next to the sketch, however, might just jog your memory.

Use it like a scrapbook.

Your sketchbook doesn’t have to just consist of sketches and notes. You can include cut outs, other designs, etcetera, which inspire and influence you and your work. Then, if you’re ever struck with creative block, you can flip through your sketchbook and take inspiration from others’ work, as well as your own.

Experiment with styles.

You don’t have to stick to one style when creating a sketchbook, especially if you haven’t quite yet decided what you want your signature style to be. Mixed media is a great way to show off a range of skills, and to demonstrate your flexibility and adaptability, which will appeal to employers. As well as trying different art supplies, such as pencil, pens, highlighters, chalk, charcoal, paint, etcetera, experiment with medias like pressed flowers, or carving out shapes in pages. No idea is too wild when it comes to sketchbooks.

“I want to transform those blank pages into a book filled with rich visual or literary information.” — Robert Crumb.