Sketchbook
Design 2330 Visualizations SP22
Jorie Capper
The objectives for this project include showing proficiency with the laser cutter, and successfully constructing my own sketchbook that is both functional and shows personality. I was encouraged to explore different techniques and ideas, as well as new materials. By using materials with intention, I am able to create a sketchbook that is multifunctional and useful.
Research
By reading a chapter on sketching and watching a TEDTalk on doodling, I learned the science behind and importance of sketching. I practiced mind mapping, answering prompts provided in class. As a class, we each created a collaborative mind map, taking 30 seconds to add onto a drawn or written prompt, before passing it on to the next person. Each map was very unique, from creating sketched out stories to answering and debating simple questions. Being open to others’ ideas and quickly adding to them improves my collaborative brainstorming abilities.
Exercises
I created a mini sketchbook, inspired by the same prompts as before. Using a mind map, I filled my book with answers to the prompt “what do you find at the end of a rainbow?” To fully dive into the idea, I decided to shape my mini sketchbook into an arch, and color it as a rainbow. Staples are used to strengthen the binding while maintaining the intended shape.
Iterations
I had a wide variety of materials I wanted to include in my sketchbook, not all of which were included but all were explored. I wanted to include sandpaper in order to sharpen my pencil when I’m traveling, as well as a cutting mat for portability. I also experimented with what art that would be on the front cover. I appreciate the aesthetic of wood and etching onto its surface, so I played with different images inspired by a mind map I made about my own personality.
Pencil Box
The pencil box that is my “hidden surprise” for the project initially had the template as seen below, but due to the size of the binding that I didn’t initially account for, I had to cut it to be shorter using the laser cutter. I continually am reminded in my work to think of all aspects of a project when designing, and have practice in adapting when the mistake of missing an aspect is made.
Back Cover
On my back cover, I included a poem that I wrote when I was younger, that I think still reflects the aspects of my personality that I am conveying through my cover art. I rostered it into the wood to be complimentary to the rostered image on the cover, as well as compliment the ideas from the contents of the poem.
Front Cover
My front cover consists of a collage of a few images I picked from an online search. I took each image and image traced it, combining it with the others. As a sailor, I wanted to include my love of boats, as well as my love of nature as a whole, both ocean and mountains. This image invokes peace for me, so I see it fitting to be a cover for a personal sketchbook that I will be spending a lot of time on.
Production
I experimented with veneer for a good amount of my production time. The difficulties of combining it to the cover in a consistent way was very educational, and improved my knowledge of crafting with wood and veneer. Although I didn’t use this in my final, experimenting with the different materials and how to fuse them together was a great experience. It strengthened my patience and willingness to try new things, and even if they may not be beneficial to the end result of this project, the skills and knowledge are useful for future projects.
Final
I definitely went outside my comfort zone for this project, and I look forward to improving my craft in future projects as well as learning proper foiling techniques. When designing the initial dimensions, I will be sure to remember to keep in mind the limitations of different materials and how they will interact with each other in this context; for example, including less pages and omitting my idea of a cutting mat due to the size of the binding.