Dear Friends,
I hope this message finds you well as we welcome the enchanting month of December. May the glow of Christmas lights soon illuminate your home with the aroma of cinnamon and orange.
To celebrate the upcoming holidays, I would like to give you a little present: printable Christmas tags.
It has been quite some time since I last reached out, and during this hiatus, I've been reflecting on a topic that holds great significance for me—sketchbooking. The thoughts swirling in my mind are so abundant that I've decided to split this letter into two parts. In the initial segment, I'll delve into more general aspects, while the latter part will be dedicated to sharing specific ideas.
Sketchbook part I
Why I Advocate for Sketchbooking:
Discover Your Style: Delve into the journey of self-discovery as you unravel your unique artistic style.
Explore Your Interests: Find what truly captivates you within the realm of drawing.
Freedom to Experiment: Embrace the joy of experimentation without fear of judgment, as your sketches are yours alone to cherish.
Creative Source: Let your sketchbook serve as a wellspring of inspiration for other creative endeavors.
Rediscover Your Passion: Experience a nostalgic return to the initial spark that ignited your love for drawing.
Akin to Journaling: Like journaling, sketchbooking fosters a deeper connection with oneself.
As with any pursuit, sketchbooking has its challenges. Personally, it feels akin to a sport—it's tough to start, but once it becomes a routine, the absence of it is keenly felt even after a single day. The effort and dedication required for consistent sketching are significant, especially amidst the daily whirlwind of tasks. However, once integrated into your routine, it becomes as effortless as brushing your teeth; a thoughtless, comforting ritual.
Think of sketchbooking as a muscle that strengthens with use. Regular engagement makes it work seamlessly, but sporadic efforts demand an extra investment of energy. You need not feel compelled to sketch daily; rather, making it a regular practice is the key. An effective approach is tying it to a specific time or action, and I've experimented with various methods.
For instance, during my commutes on the tram or metro, I found joy in sketching in a mini sketchbook, appreciating the creative boost that less comfortable situations can bring.
Time-based approaches, like associating sketching with bedtime or waking up, can be effective, though personal adjustments may be necessary. In the past, I had a period of insomnia and the beginning and end of my sleep time started to turn into chaos. Then I found it useful to draw while traveling or often either before or after work. After an exhausting day, It can be great to relax with a little light-hearted drawing.
My favorite sketchbooking moments occur during holidays when inspiration flows abundantly, and I feel compelled to capture every delightful detail in my notebook. These sketches, when revisited, serve as cherished memories surpassing the impact of any photograph.
Consider maintaining multiple sketchbooks tailored to different situations, accounting for factors such as size, paper quality, and drawing tools. Travel brushes, which eliminate the need for a water glass, have become a personal favorite.
I hope this message encourages you to embrace the joy of sketching. In my upcoming letter, I'll share some sketchbook drawing ideas, so stay tuned.
Wishing you creative bliss,
Sending Love
Ágnes
Some words about me
Hi, I’m Ágnes, a passionate illustrator and animated filmmaker from Hungary.
I'm obsessed with colorful drawings, funny characters, and nature-inspired illustrations. My work fields include editorial illustration, children’s book illustration, brand illustration, animated film, and gifs. Besides commissions, I teach animation and illustration.