Scandalous, tantalizing, namekeep. All thoughts we conjure up when we think of “The littleblack book.” Famous actors and as famous journalists have been known not to leave their pied-à-terre without theirs. Tucked away and often not seen in public, they are the coveted pocket sized journals that yield influence over any restaurant opening or exclusive invite-only list. Indispensable by some as a trade must have and in many ways a loyal companion to others. However, there is another indispensable black book that is as revered and can transform concepts into reality by the quick gesture drawing of a worn, peeled charcoal implement or favorite fine point; the architect and designer’s sketchbook.
Often, in the early days of design school, students are introduced to the necessity of sketching and the ability to do so with effortless energy. Images that when compiled may spark the future roof line of a new public building or private terrace. Each random drawing only strengthens the ability to free-hand one’s ideas to paper. A necessary skill all designers must have regardless of advancing technology. The process of sketching is freeing and yet confined only to the paper on which one jots imagery. How one decides to sketch can be as creative as the image itself. Moreover, books have emerged encouraging all professions to sketch out their ideas from bankers to entrepreneurs, be it on a napkin or recycled copier paper, the effort will always pay off as the thought process awakens any and all untapped unconscious ideas. Image below: http://theexhibitdesigner.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/napkins.jpg
Like many designers, the urge to sketch, note or commit pen to paper never ceases and in many instances is heightened on vacation. It does not take long before sketches translate into concepts that once back in the office, translate into a full set of construction documents. Image below: http://www.flickr.com/photos/83371160@N00/2268563587
Below, original sketches by Frank Gehry. Mr. Gehry's sketch style is notorious for it's fluidity and willingness to push the building envelope with manufactured forms created from free-form thinking. Gehry's sketches are a prime example of from gesture jotted to final built gesture on a site.
"Recently, IIDEX Canada wanted to do something special with partner Moleskine, the Italian brand famous for its little black notebooks. Working with Moleskine collaborators, architects Enrico Cleva and Sara Viarengo Cleva, the IIDEX team produced Canada Sketches. This series of notebooks, filled with doodles, notes and diagrams from some of Canada’s most talented designers, was put on display for the duration of the show.
Architecture, interior design, graphic design, industrial design and landscape architecture firms from coast to coast received blank sketchbooks in early summer and were asked to pass them around in their studios. Designers, or design orgs, were asked to fill at least 20 pages with “buildings, products, objects, concepts, ideas or anything you can dream up.” In response, the teams produced a diverse and often revealing selection of images."Source: http://www.azuremagazine.com/article/sketches-from-canadian-architects-and-designers/
Jenny Francis is an architect and designer based out of Canada. The images above and below are from her personal sketchbooks.
Sketchbooks can vary in texture and size and luxury of cover material, yet what really maters most is the connection the book has with its designer/artist/owner. If the tangible quality calls out, chances are it will be drawn on in no time. While technology has replaced many "go-to" books from the shelves of design and architectural firms, often a designer will still covet their sketchbooks and in many instances not even bring them into work or have a separate set that is personal based on life's traveler's and another for jotted ideas concepts and business travel doodles that remains in the office.
Below, is a beautiful hand made sketchbook. It's supple quality and simple tied closure beckons one to take hold and sketch away at a sidewalk cafe, en route to a venue or perched upon an outcropping of rocks overlooking the ocean while on vacation. (image below) http://www.etsy.com/listing/116537658/sale-journal-sketchbook-leather-black
"Skineart" is actually a recent coined term meaning: To take time to put ideas down on paper & the passion in doing so. The reference is linked to Moleskine's vast array of sketchbooks in all sizes and shapes that artists and designers loyally purchase. (Sketchbook below) http://www.skineart.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/2328131968_5d11d784ef.jpg
Moleskine, has had a massive demand for sketchbooks of all sizes and shapes within the last few years. A nod to the power of the imagination, eye hand coordination and creativity on a tangible surface verses via mouse. Perhaps it is as a result of our brain seeking a balance, a respite from our daily demands or a break from flat screens at our work desks. I made a commitment when I started my blog to hand sketch every post date block entry. While not highly detailed, I try to convey in an image what the headline of my post says in text. My own way to ensure that the pen is never second place to the keyboard.
In the meantime, the product offering below is based on the love affair with the 'sketchbook' and the creative outcome that a jotted, sketched or abbreviated notation can spark. We just need to add a working drawing implement and we are set. Phone and sketch book in one. Or should you like to have your own ready-filled sketch book Moleskine offers " Alberto Kalach Inspiration and
Process in Architecture Monograph. The collection of Inspiration And Process In Architecture is a new series of illustrated monographs dedicated to key figures in contemporary architecture." Source: http://www.moleskineus.com/mbl0017-moleskine-alberto-kalach-architecture-monograph.html Now that's "instant creative process" without having to draw a line.
While there are many ways to be inspired to draw-the best way is to just start. Be it a phrase, a profile or the opposite hand in which you write, a crisp blank paper pulp pressed page anxiously awaits your next thought and you never know your sketchbook(s) may be turned into a series of bound books and be showcased at beautifully designedBeinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University.
In the meantime, to inspire your sketch journey and show how daily sketching can lead to a progress in ability; the sketch below I drew in 30 minutes at only 18 years of age (no ruler) just guide-marks to connect to create straight lines and the vase below the fireplace in 15 minutes w/ color added. And yes, I keep all my sketchbooks too :)