ResearchDocument

RESEARCH DOCUMENT
THE VALUE OF A
SKETCHBOOK
The creative process that revolves around designing a graphic novel
is a vast one. Apart from referencing
existing educational graphic novels and relevant styles, the importance
of maintaining a sketchbook comes up.
The most valuable tool of every kind of artist is his/her sketchbook.
It is a visual representation of the various thoughts and ideas that an
artist comes across on a daily basis. Throughout history, both professionals
and students have used one to carefully and neatly document
their progress with both their projects and styling.
Famous english fashion designer Zandra Rhodes speaks intently
about how the use of a sketchbook allows one to generate pattern
ideas and is a firm believer in the use of one.
Residing in a few of the top designers’sketchbooks of our time such
as Milton Glaser, Michael Bierut, and Stefan Sagmeister lies the
familiar designs and early looking sketches of famous logos, typefaces
and book covers. These designers h to hold on to a sketchbook
allows you to have a firm grasp on the real world and organic linings
as opposed to working virtually.
Sketchbooks are treated like journals by them, and even define the
their personality as it is a representation of their minds on paper.
Stephan Sagmeister, a popular New York based designer, has
opened his sketchbook to the public showing his process from rough
sketches to the final outcome, clearly displaying the creative thought
process of the project at hand. Artists from the past such as Da Vinci,
Picasso and Salvadore Dali have even proven how the process of
working with paper and pencil is a useful one.
Toronto based illustrator and designer Hugh Lankis says in an
interview that the use of a sketchbook allows him to put down all his
thoughts spontaneously without worrying if they were good or bad,
calling it the “anything goes”stage in his process. He also finds it helpful
by going back to old sketchbooks to look for new inspiration. He
goes on to deduce that the rough sketches and drawings that were
once deemed inadequate could mould itself into something stronger
and become a part of a future project.
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