Tutorial Photography: Why Have an Artist's Sketchbook

Discover the basic tips to create your sketchbook and awaken your visual culture with Dara Scully

Of all the tools used by creatives, there is one that is invaluable in all formats and media: the artist's sketchbook.

"For all those who want to pursue something creative, it is very important to have something called visual culture," explains photographer Dara Scully (@darascully). Visual culture consists of having a collection of image references, ideas, and various sources of inspiration to which you can turn when the time comes to create. The artist's sketchbook is where you can keep this collection of information and inspiration, which is why it is such an important part of any creative process.

In the following video, Scully explains how and why she uses an artist's sketchbook and shares several basic concepts that you can apply to start your own.

5 tips for your artist's sketchbook

1. Pay attention to everything

The more you develop your visual language, the more you will begin to notice new things that may interest you: even a simple walk around your house can awaken your inspiration. Looking at the work of other creatives, even those working in other disciplines, is also an excellent way to expand your imagination and explore different aspects of creativity.

2. Experiment with inspiration

Even if you are a visual artist, you can find inspiration in the written word. You can add lyrics from songs or interesting book quotes, or even add your own texts, which can be poetic or more practical. If you don't know how to start, you can describe what caught your attention about an image or what inspired you to make a drawing.

3. Keep your sketchbook close at all times

Try to carry your sketchbook with you so you can easily add ideas and images in the moment. Doing this will help you capture your initial reaction and relieve the pressure of having to remember something until you can add it later. If you document things in the moment, you'll be able to build a more diverse collection of references.

4. The format doesn't matter

Some people use a physical sketchbook, while others prefer digital formats like a blog, Tumblr, or a folder on their computer. Where or how you store these images and ideas doesn't matter; the important thing is to have a specific place where you can put the material and easily refer to it.

5. There are no limits

The artist's sketchbook is a personal reflection of its owner, and like a diary, you don't have to show it to anyone else. Don't be afraid to fill it or include references or ideas that may seem "stupid" or "bad" to you. If you limit what you include, you'll only limit your source of inspiration.

If you've enjoyed these tips and want to learn more about using the artist's sketchbook as a source of inspiration for your next creative project, you can discover more in Dara Scully's online course Introduction to Narrative Photography.]

You may also be interested in:

- Pictorial Photographic Portrait, a course by Lídia Vives
- Conceptual Photographic Self-Portrait, a course by Krishna VR
- Artistic Photographic Self-Portrait, a course by Cristina Otero
- Photography for Imagination, a course by Silvia Grav