Maintaining a sketchbook for business ideas isn’t just about jotting down thoughts; it’s a daily performance of creative ideation, planning, and execution. This consistent practice contributes significantly to an artist’s overall artistic and entrepreneurial growth. It’s akin to a journey, where ideas evolve, businesses flourish, and craftsmanship improves with every stroke.
Clarity amidst the Creative Chaos: Answer: Sketchbooks
In “The Little Book of Talents: 52 Tips for Improving your Skills” by Daniel Coyle,* tip #4 emphasizes the importance of tracking daily performance and maintaining a journal. The essence lies in capturing insights, results, and goals. As Coyle suggests, a notebook acts as a map, providing clarity amidst the creative chaos.
Personally, I’ve always cherished the presence of a sketchbook in my life. Whether traveling or simply outdoors, a pocket-sized companion is a constant. Each sketchbook holds a unique narrative – from pen and ink sketches to watercolor impressions, alongside daily essentials like grocery lists and to-dos. Recording ideas, whether for future projects or mere practice, has become an intrinsic habit.
Regarding my art business, I employ two distinct methods to document ideas and daily achievements. Firstly, I rely on a planner to organize tasks and set monthly objectives. Secondly, I maintain a separate notebook dedicated to logging my “Daily Wins.” Whether reviewing the previous day’s activities in the evening or the following morning, I take time to reflect. Did I accomplish my planned tasks? Did I discover a more effective painting technique? Every achievement, big or small, merits acknowledgment.
Record the Daily Wins
Previously, the weight of uncompleted tasks often left me feeling defeated. Running an art business demands relentless effort, often against the constraints of time. However, a simple shift in mindset has been transformative. Recognizing that even completing three priority tasks constitutes a win has reshaped my perspective. By documenting these victories, I’ve come to realize that every day, no matter how challenging, holds moments of triumph.
For me, the trio of sketchbooks, planners, and notebooks has proven invaluable in navigating the intricacies of creativity and commerce. How about you? Do you embrace the practice of keeping a sketchbook or planner? Have you ever celebrated the small victories of each day? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or if you’re inclined to try this tip, let me know your thoughts.
Some of my Favorite Sketchbooks are:
Strathmore Mixed Media – 500 Series amazon link * – What I love about this sketchbook is that the pages are extra think so the there isn’t any bleed through with heavy inks or painting. The texture is smooth and works well for watercolor, pen and ink, gouache, acrylics. I’ve heard of some artist will add a layer of gesso on the page and then paint in oils. I like the small 5.5 x 8.5″ and the 7.75 x 9.75″
Fabriano 1264 – Drawing – 9 x 12 in. – amazon link * – this is soft white paper with a silky finish – it’s the perfect size for sketching figures that are about 10inches tall
Canson Mixed Media 7 x 10″ amazon link * – this is great for markers, brush tip pens, watercolors, colored pencils the surface is smooth and the paper is think enough so there isn’t bleed through.
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I Let me know what you think about today’s post and improving one’s skill by engraving it and the quick tip on best practices for naming your artwork.. Leave your comment below – Keep Creating !
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