I always sketch on printer paper because it's less expensive and intimidating than sketchbooks. I draw in pencil now, but my earliest memories of drawing are pencil and crayon on the green and white lined printer paper (with the holes on the side) my mom would bring home from work.
Same here, re: printer paper! And I love that about the pencil and crayon on green-lined printer paper...how nostalgic would it be to find more of that to sketch on?
OHH! I love this idea. To both drop our own hurdles and connect to our inner playfulness! Low stakes and such a beautiful way to begin and allow...simply allow.
I have a large, cheap sketch book that I use in a similar way, though I am just starting out on this part of my journey, so I have a lot to learn. As a child I used crayons and pads of cheap manila drawing paper, but also yellow lined paper and ball point pens! I have an activity book that I wrote and illustrated on yellow lined paper. I bound it with a needle and thread with a blue cardboard cover. I think the cardboard was once part of a folder of some sort.
I love this, Rebecca! Did you keep that cardboard-bound activity book? I have a small pile of childhood art that I like to sift through once in a blue moon, it takes me back instantly.
That is such a smart way to start new projects. For me since most of my final book art is digital I like to start drawing on paper with a pen or pencil. If I start working directly on the computer too soon it stifles the creativity. Or if I’m working in comic panels too soon it feels too confining. I like to just draw all over my sketchbook on both sides of the page and then if I like something I’ll scan it into the computer and then add a panel around it.
Thanks for sharing your process. Loving your substack!
Totally, James - love this! And same here; I was just writing a draft along the same lines, how working in the final format too early on feels too constraining; so you're validating that experience.
I loved crayons!! Clay was fun too. The smell of Plau-doh made me gag so I couldn't use that. But crayons were awesome. Loved the idea of random sketching, low pressure, and images that come to mind when reading the manuscript. Thank you!
I always sketch on printer paper because it's less expensive and intimidating than sketchbooks. I draw in pencil now, but my earliest memories of drawing are pencil and crayon on the green and white lined printer paper (with the holes on the side) my mom would bring home from work.
Same here, re: printer paper! And I love that about the pencil and crayon on green-lined printer paper...how nostalgic would it be to find more of that to sketch on?
OHH! I love this idea. To both drop our own hurdles and connect to our inner playfulness! Low stakes and such a beautiful way to begin and allow...simply allow.
Yes yes!
I have a large, cheap sketch book that I use in a similar way, though I am just starting out on this part of my journey, so I have a lot to learn. As a child I used crayons and pads of cheap manila drawing paper, but also yellow lined paper and ball point pens! I have an activity book that I wrote and illustrated on yellow lined paper. I bound it with a needle and thread with a blue cardboard cover. I think the cardboard was once part of a folder of some sort.
I love this, Rebecca! Did you keep that cardboard-bound activity book? I have a small pile of childhood art that I like to sift through once in a blue moon, it takes me back instantly.
I do have it! It's tucked away in a box. I'll need to take a picture of it to share some time.
That is such a smart way to start new projects. For me since most of my final book art is digital I like to start drawing on paper with a pen or pencil. If I start working directly on the computer too soon it stifles the creativity. Or if I’m working in comic panels too soon it feels too confining. I like to just draw all over my sketchbook on both sides of the page and then if I like something I’ll scan it into the computer and then add a panel around it.
Thanks for sharing your process. Loving your substack!
Totally, James - love this! And same here; I was just writing a draft along the same lines, how working in the final format too early on feels too constraining; so you're validating that experience.
And thank you - same to you!!
I loved crayons!! Clay was fun too. The smell of Plau-doh made me gag so I couldn't use that. But crayons were awesome. Loved the idea of random sketching, low pressure, and images that come to mind when reading the manuscript. Thank you!
Awesome, Pam! Funny about the smell of Play-doh. :) I hope you pull out some crayons and clay again for some low-pressure creating.
Ironically, I LOVE the smell of crayons! Home in the Woods is a beautiful and intriguing book! Thank you!
That’s so great to hear, thank you!