Using a pocket sketchbook

Combining diary doodles, cartoons, newsletter ideas, and observational sketches

Hello readers,

It’s been a while since I’ve shown you my sketchbooks 👀 I got around to scanning the pocket sketchbook I’ve been using all of March to show you how I’ve been using it. My practice of using these tiny sketchbooks isn’t “Instagram worthy”, but it works well to capture my observations and ideas. Scroll onward to take a look!

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This sketchbook is the Moleskine cahier pocket notebook in size 3.5” x 5.5”. It’s about the size of a phone, which makes it a perfect substitute when going on offline walks.

I started the sketchbook with some visual journaling. I’m using a Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen with my favorite ink, along with some water-soluble graphite.

Materials I Use: My Favorite Ink

These notebooks have thin paper (70 gsm) so there’s some ghosting on the back. I use the back to write ephemeral thoughts in pencil.

I’d been neglecting my paints for a few months and felt like a raw beginner. As a way to start again, I copied a painting. Learning by copying is so useful (provided you don’t claim it as your own, of course!) Here I doodled some illo ideas on this topic to use in the future.

I love finding metaphors in creative tools. Pencil = candle, brush = mop. I’m not sure what these seedlings mean just yet, but I am thrilled to capture them and let them simmer.