Research
In the beginning of my research, I learned more about mind-mapping to generate ideas more efficiently.
I class, we practiced using the prompt of “Which Season is the best?”
We took an approach based on overall “feel” of the season, which led us to choose summer.
I also took up embroidery and learned new techniques so I could incorporate that into my sketchbook as well.
Aside from the internet and outside research, I asked myself what I wanted for my sketchbook. My criteria was:
1. Access to online research
2. Small/Portable size
3. Informational pages
4. Organized
Exercises
1. Mini Sketchbook
I experimented with how the sketchbook opens. I made it so it can be opened like a normal book, then flipped up and expanded to have more space. Inside of the sketchbook, I practiced more mind-mapping with the concept of “How to live your best life.” I found that the answer is balance.
Iterations
Then I started in Illustrator on the size and design of my book. I made mine on the smaller side to keep it easy to travel with. The dimensions are around 6.4in x 8 in. The line weight is .072.
I wanted my cover to be something I enjoy looking at. We were asked in class to think about something that we really love. I thought about it, and even though it’s simple, riding my back is one of my favorite activities to do. I reworked my design to figure out a way to incorporate that image into it.
I kept the rounded edge because it gave the book a sleek finish. I also wanted to add something with a deeper meaning to my cover, so I added the Roman Numerals to my favorite Bible verse, Mathew 11:28. My faith is something very important to me, which makes my sketchbook even more personal.
Production
The first challenge of the sketchbook was figuring out the materials I wanted to use. I thought about chip-board or leather, but I wanted to use something I already had to create less waste. I took apart and old binder to get the cardboard underneath.
I used the laser cutter to engrave my Illustrator design into my cover
I began by looking at my lists of what I wanted in my sketchbook. One of the requirements was access to online notes, so as my “surprise element,” I made my own QR codes to download and put into my book. I used a printer and cut them out.
Order from right to left: Adobe Color, my portfolio, a linear perspective PowerPoint
The website I used:
The pages, I used the Cricut machine to cut out most of my pages. The materials I used were: gray cardstock (color-testing), sketchbook paper (notes and ideations), grid paper and tracing paper (precise drawing).
To save time, I moved to the laser cutter to finish the cutting process. I am much more familiar with the Cricut, so a few of my pages were slightly burned around the holes as I was adjusting the settings.
For a much needed storage element, I used old, unused tab dividers to hold and cut/sewed them to hold paper. I original was going to line the bottom with paper, but thread was a sturdier option and looked better aesthetically.
When I came time to bind my book, I faced a few road bumps. I originally wanted to use spiral binding, but the measurements of my holes were slightly off, so I decided to use thread. If I were to do something differently, it would be to make the holes bigger, so the spiral could have worked because I wanted my book to lay flat.
I tried this first method of binding with thread, but found that it made the book difficult to close and the overall appearance was not as clean as I was wanting.
I thought about using Coptic, but I had so many holes on the side of my book, that it was not my best option in terms of efficiency.
I ended up following this video tutorial:
On my cover, I used a “French Knot” technique along with cutting the petals off of a fake flower to make the flowers in the basket.
Final Product
I began a few note pages in my book to refresh my memories on important topics.
I used felt-tip markers to add some extra color.
Overall, this project pushed me way out of my comfort zone. Craft is very important to me and is something I am continuing to improve on, so the binding issues took up much of my time. From those issues however, I had to use design thinking to work out another solution, which was a great learning opportunity. In the future, I would love to experiment with new materials and push the boundaries even further.
View final portfolio project at Sketchbook