Sketchbook: Process

Within this assignment, I intend to create a durable and usable repository for design processes and ideas. Doing so will allow my visual strategies, methods, and styles to expand and develop further. My goal within this composition is to learn different binding techniques that will allow for my sketchbook problems to be solved. Designing an on-brand experience is also a priority for me since it will be usable throughout my education and career.

To begin the ideation stage of this assignment, I started with reading and listening to multiple sources. From there, I was able to gain an understanding of sketchnoting, doodling, learning visually (aka stare master), and how a sketchbook can change your life. This also included key points like the actual definition of doodling and how sketching can provide clarity in design situations. This information gave me a starting point in the composition. From here, I created a wishlist for my dream sketchbook. The use of twine, etched nature patterns, rounded corners, paper cache, and various paper types were added to the list. These elements were important to me in order to create a brand that resembled things I found joy in. This also resembled the process of mind mapping in class. Being able to expand on my thoughts and visually represent them was a form of organization that reduced my anxiety about this project. I then found materials online and through recycling in order to create several prototypes and iterations. In class, we were able to brainstorm with classmates and encourage each other to explore further. Finding multiple video examples of binding techniques, pattern examples, and more allowed ideas to thrive. Using different paper folding and cutting strategies displayed the various ways sketchbooks could be constructed. Some were extremely simple while others used very intricate steps. The number of pages included played a large role in possible binding techniques because of the bulkiness. I was also able to round the corners on iteration 3 (shown below) to imitate how I could use the laser cutter in my final composition. Once each of these was constructed, I was able to implement mind-mapping techniques into the illustrations. This not only allowed me to find purpose in my sketching but also display topics I care about. Ultimately, the creation of a mini sketchbooks allowed me to visualize how I desired my final product to appear.

For my prototypes, I had to prioritize and think about different decisions including size, binding, and locks. I wanted the book to lay flat but at the same time, I found more importance in the pages being interchangeable for when they were all used. This led to experimentation with the binding where I played with the idea that a whole does not have to be pierced through each paper in the sketchbook. Creating a binding with twine allowed me to do so since I could untie the knot whenever needed. I also played with different kinds of clasps in order to achieve the design I wanted. Since the twine is not elastic, it served more of an aesthetic purpose instead of a functional one. In my final composition, my goal is to etch the quote “grow through what you go through” on the front cover. Not only does this quote speak directly to me but can also be a message for others to observe when they see the scrapbook. I decided to write this quote and draw greenery on the front of the prototypes to emulate how I wanted the final to look. During this stage, I used faux greenery and glued it to the cover of my sketchbook. This 3D element was pretty to look at but made the sketchbook unable to lay flat so I wasn’t sure I wanted to use it in my final. In order to keep this 3D part, I wanted my surprise element to stand out yet be practical. I practiced making pockets on the back of my sketchbook but didn’t love how it wouldn’t be able to lay flat. Instead, I opted to using dry erase stickers. This not only was a realistic addition that I know I would use but also allowed the sketchbook to lay flat. I was also interested in the idea of using fabric to sort of paper mache the back cover in order to provide sturdiness. I used scrap pieces to glue them on but wasn’t completely satisfied because they didn’t fit the aesthetic I wanted. After creating an Illustrator file, I was ready to use the laser cutter to etch my design. However, I found challenges in this with adjusting the power to not cut completely through the chipboard (seen below). Once I was able to perfect this level, I scored the chipboard to create a cleaner fold and added a strip of fabric on the inside of the book to add support to the binding. I then cut each of my media types (drawing paper, graph paper, tracing paper, and black cardstock) to fit the size of my sketchbook perfectly. After doing so, I was able to bind my book using twine similar to the method of prototype one which allowed for an easy change of paper in the book. Next, I created a sort of lock using twine and hot glue on the chipboard. This was difficult to make aesthetically pleasing because loose ends create knots that weren’t tight enough. Making the loop the correct length was also challenging and took multiple tries. But eventually, it all came together to create my final sketchbook (shown below).

I found the process of making a sketchbook to be extremely stimulating because of all the trial and error. I was able to create an on-brand experience through the use of materials like chipboard and twine. Doing so taught me that your first idea is only your most complete idea. The exploration of different binding techniques along with stylistic approaches proved that the iteration stage is the most important part of the assignment process. During this part, challenges arose. I struggled with not only finding laser cutter time but also with the power levels I was using on the chipboard. This directly relates to my achievements in this composition. While being able to cleanly produce a design with a level of high craft is always a work in progress, I believe I was able to do so in my sketchbook. However, to improve upon this composition I would love the opportunity to add more variety in the media type. This would allow for multiple different types of paper to be used within various circumstances. Nevertheless, I am proud of the unique sketchbook I was able to create.