RansburgArt~The Sketchbook Project

The Sketchbook Project is a crowd funded art project with the Brooklyn Art Library where artists complete a small sketchbook with their own unique works of art. The artists have the option of choosing between only having the physical copy at the library or also digitizing their book for online viewing and sharing. They can then select a theme for their book.

While creating my book I wanted to combine as many of my visual interests as possible so I decided not to pick a theme. I wanted to allow the ideas to freely come to me. Knowing that this may cause issues due to the time constraint set by the project curators, I created a list of rules for myself to follow for the project.

1) Don’t spend too much time on each page.

2) Where possible, use materials within my immediate environment.

3) Mail the sketchbook back before the April 15th deadline.

Originally, I was going to do all illustrative works but due to the guidelines I set for myself this wasn’t the most practical thing to do. One day while sitting in my favorite coffee shop, Cups, I noticed all the magazines sitting out on the bookshelf. That’s when I decided to combine collage within my illustrations. I read through each collecting blocks of color, words, flowers, and whatever else called out to me.

Ironically, setting these limits helped me to be more creatively decisive while making the pages. I was able to get into what they call “the flow state” must easier as a result. Most of the images in my book including the illustrations were created at Cups. I find that being in coffee shops helps me to focus better while working on art projects. I’m kind of surprised they didn’t kick me out for making a mess.

I’m considering doing this project again in the near future. Below is a link to some of my other works along with a video of my sketchbook. Feel free to share this project with others.

Much love,

Justin

Video of my book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG2vnuls-Dw

Other works by Justin Ransburg: http://www.jransburg.carbonmade.com

Online Store: https://www.ransburgart.storenvy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RansburgArt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RansburgArt

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/RansburgArt