Research

To begin the process of my sketchbook, I collected a wide variety of images and sorted them into categories for inspiration.

Using Pinterest, I found unique different ideas for each part of my sketchbook.

I jotted down things that I don’t like in sketchbooks, what I usually use them for, and random ideas that I wanted to explore.

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>Exercises/Activities

In this exercise I explored unique ways to make a mini sketchbook. As a table group, we answered the question “What Are Your Favorites?” to practice mind mapping. I like things to be organized, so I designed it to be sections to put each category in. When you lift each tab it extends out, allowing more room to write in.

Iterations

Before I began testing, I drew out what I wanted each part of my sketchbook to look like.

I knew I wanted each section to be color coordinate so I wrote out what could go in each section.

I used string to define the page sections.

Front Cover Iterations

From the start of my research, I knew I wanted my cover to be black and white and to have color coming through the cut outs.

I used procreate to visualize what I wanted my front cover to look like.

I moved the title to the center to take up more room as well as aligned holes around the page to later thread string through.

Using material I found as a tester, I later learned that the holes around the edge were too close together.

Page Iterations

My initial idea was to use different values of color for each of the sections. However, I realized that it would be too difficult to bind them all together so I narrowed it down to 4 different colors.

Connecting the the theme of the cover of my sketchbook, I wanted each colored section to have a cut out with a different shape. Although I didn’t have time to do alternating shapes, I was still able to cut out the star for each section.

Production

Final Construction

Using the laser cutter, I cut out the title and used string to sew through the holes that were cut out.

Because the letters were cut out, I saved the pieces that make the letters a whole and glued them onto the next page.

Cover Binding

I measured out .25 mm marks to later connect the front, middle, and back cover.

Using a push pin, I poked holes on the marks.

I then took a needle to thread the three pieces together and made 1-inch marks going up for the binding of the pages.

Page Binding

On the inside of the pages, I made 3-1 inch marks on the top and bottom of the page.

Using the same colored thread as the cover, I wove the pages together the same way for each colored section.

Each colored section has a certain material bind to the Bristol.

Black card-stock for white crayon or chalk

Colored Sections

I transferred the star I traced onto black card stock as a stencil for the rest of the pages.

Once outlined I took a ruler and cut it out with the exacto knife.

Using masking tape, I connect the two pieces of colored paper together.

Element of surprise

Using the grid paper, I drew each letter for the stitching.

Final Sketchbook

I really had fun with this project because I was able to create a sketchbook that I personally would use. By thinking through the materials I liked and keeping the sections simple with the use of color, the sketchbook began to reflect my personality and was functional at the same time. Once I created the the format, I also enjoyed adding details that were interactive and added an element of surprise. I was challenged with timing on using the laser cutter for some elements of the scrapbook but I was able to trouble shoot and still cut out straight shapes. I created the cover first and once I used it and saw what it could do, I had additional ideas to enhance my book.

Portfolio Project

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Sketchbook: Process