6.2 HOW ARE YOU MAKING IT?

In this section I want us to assess our sketchbook practice by thinking about how we do it, the processes and methodologies we are developing. Are we finding ways to make our art that feel right for us? Is the way we create in our sketchbook a good match for our sensibilities?

There is no right way to make art, there is only the way that feels right for you.

If you hate drawing from observation you don’t have to do it, if you hate collage don’t do that either. If you are not enjoying an activity, do try and unpick why, make sure your judgement about the outcome is not colouring your thoughts about the process. Try and divorce the activity from the outcome so that you can think more clearly about the ways in which you enjoy making art. For example, guard against thinking you don’t like drawing because you don’t like what you have drawn. If that is the case you might want to do more of that activity, develop your skills in that area, lean in, rather than lean away. What you learn through creating can be more significant than what you have created.

Take pleasure in developing an approach which feels like yours, feel emboldened by developing a process that allows you to make art, your way. Developing your own personal methodologies can be liberating and allow you to feel expressive and expansive.