Why My Sketchbooks Look Like Trash

If you were to flip through my sketchbooks, you might be surprised. The pages are filled with chaotic scribbles, half-formed ideas, and plenty of what some might call "mistakes." At first glance, they might look like a mess—like trash, even. But for me, they are anything but.

The Beauty in the Chaos

My sketchbooks are a place where creativity runs wild. I’m not aiming for perfection here—this is where I let my ideas flow freely, without the pressure of creating something polished. Thumbnails and quick sketches dominate the pages, capturing the raw essence of my thoughts before they have a chance to slip away. These messy beginnings are where my best ideas take root.

Thumbnails: The Rough Draft of Genius

Thumbnails are the unsung heroes of my creative process. They’re small, quick, and often a little rough around the edges, but they serve a vital purpose. Each thumbnail is like a seed, planting the idea that will eventually grow into a fully realized piece. They allow me to experiment with composition, lighting, and perspective, all within the safe space of my sketchbook.

This is where I try on different ideas, sometimes drawing the same concept in multiple ways until something clicks. It’s a process of discovery, and it’s not always pretty—but it’s always productive.

Sketchbooks: A Safe Space for Experimentation

My sketchbooks are my creative playground. Here, I’m free to make mistakes, try new techniques, and push the boundaries of my comfort zone. This is where I document my artistic journey, one sketch at a time. Some pages are filled with detailed studies, while others are just quick gestures or notes to myself. It’s a mix of everything, and that’s what makes it so valuable.

The “trash” in my sketchbooks is actually evidence of growth. It shows the work behind the work, the trial and error, the exploration. Every mark on the page, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem, contributes to my development as an artist.

Embracing the Process

I’ve learned to embrace the mess, to find beauty in the imperfection. My sketchbooks are a testament to the idea that art is a journey, not just a destination. They are filled with the raw, unfiltered process of creation, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.

So, yes, my sketchbooks might look like trash—but they are my treasure. They hold the beginnings of something beautiful, the foundation of every piece I create. And that, to me, is the real art.