Thank you for sharing this perspective. I love the ball point pen picture and how you took notes recognizing what you did well and what you wanted to improve. I evaluate my sketches, but only mentally. I think adding notes as specific as yours could be really helpful.
Oh, thank you, Kelly! Funny thing is that when I first wrote this post, I got cold feet about publishing it. It’s been sitting in my folder for probably a month. I don’t know why I felt that way but I’m sure grateful that it turned into a source of encouragement for you!
I’m so glad you decided to share it. The concept of treating your sketchbook and sketches as friends is great. I have also walked out on many sketches (and criticized them), and would never treat a friend that way. It made me reconsider revisiting some in a sketchbook I am almost finished with that I was just going to leave undone.
Tara I really love the way this post kicks off (and how if keeps on kicking)
Over time, I’ve come to think of my sketchbook less as a test of skill and more as a companion—like a good friend who lets me spill everything, never takes it personally, and shows up for
me no matter what.
So many aspects of making art trip us up until we befriend them and the idea of befriending your sketchbook is a revelation I’ll likely remember forever.
You and I share a love of granting things a soul, anthropomorphizing them, or maybe more clearly as you said, just treating the things around you like friends. 🤝 you can’t lose right?
Great post! I have a set of post drawing prompts that I try to write in my sketchbook to go with each drawing/painting. Very similar to what you do. I find it releases a lot of tension and makes me feel better about my efforts. Here are the prompts I use;
Thanks, Peter! I love your prompts! I have a set that are similar to your but I don’t use them every time. You’ve inspired me to engage with those again! Such a simple practice but so powerful!
Gosh I love this line so much, "Messy sketchbook pages aren’t evidence of failure, they are teachers in disguise." 🥰
Thank you! And Happy New Year!
Thank you for sharing this perspective. I love the ball point pen picture and how you took notes recognizing what you did well and what you wanted to improve. I evaluate my sketches, but only mentally. I think adding notes as specific as yours could be really helpful.
Thanks, Amy! Doing that kind of critique has helped me a lot and gives me a very idea of what to practice. Hope you’ll find it useful, too!
This is wonderful encouragement to pause, reflect, and be gentle with ourselves. Thank you, Tara!
Oh, thank you, Kelly! Funny thing is that when I first wrote this post, I got cold feet about publishing it. It’s been sitting in my folder for probably a month. I don’t know why I felt that way but I’m sure grateful that it turned into a source of encouragement for you!
I’m so glad you decided to share it. The concept of treating your sketchbook and sketches as friends is great. I have also walked out on many sketches (and criticized them), and would never treat a friend that way. It made me reconsider revisiting some in a sketchbook I am almost finished with that I was just going to leave undone.
Thanks, Kelly! I’m so happy that you’re thinking of going back to some of your unfinished work. Glad the metaphor worked for you!
Tara I really love the way this post kicks off (and how if keeps on kicking)
Over time, I’ve come to think of my sketchbook less as a test of skill and more as a companion—like a good friend who lets me spill everything, never takes it personally, and shows up for
me no matter what.
So many aspects of making art trip us up until we befriend them and the idea of befriending your sketchbook is a revelation I’ll likely remember forever.
Thanks, Josh! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. My sketchbooks go with me everywhere so they are good company and good friends!
You and I share a love of granting things a soul, anthropomorphizing them, or maybe more clearly as you said, just treating the things around you like friends. 🤝 you can’t lose right?
You’re right! We do share that! Definitely a no-lose strategy! 🙌
Great post! I have a set of post drawing prompts that I try to write in my sketchbook to go with each drawing/painting. Very similar to what you do. I find it releases a lot of tension and makes me feel better about my efforts. Here are the prompts I use;
I AM HAPPY WITH ...
I STRUGGLED WITH ...
I AM SURPRISED BY ...
I LEARNED...
NEXT TIME I’LL TRY ...
Thanks, Peter! I love your prompts! I have a set that are similar to your but I don’t use them every time. You’ve inspired me to engage with those again! Such a simple practice but so powerful!
Thank you! This has been helpful.
You’re welcome, Zeralda! Thanks for reading!
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words and I’m glad you enjoyed the post!