Why You Should Keep a Sketchbook (Even if You’re Short on Time)
Most people think of a sketchbook as a place for masterpieces. I used to think that too, especially back at DigiPen while working on student titles or grinding through 40 different slot games at DoubleDown. But the truth is, a sketchbook is less like a gallery and more like a gym—or maybe like my dad’s old accounting ledgers. It’s a place for the raw work that nobody else has to see.
Whether you are a professional artist or just someone looking for a way to decompress after a long shift at the print shop, a small sketchbook is one of the most practical tools you can own.
It’s Therapy for the Restless Mind
There is something uniquely calming about putting a physical pen to actual paper. We spend so much of our lives staring at screens. I love technology—I just helped release a VR game called Space Truck Rodeo—but the digital world is demanding. It’s full of notifications, click-bait, and hooks of every sort.
In a sketchbook, there is no "undo." If you mess up a line while drawing your dog sleeping on the rug, you just have to live with it. That’s therapeutic. It forces you to accept imperfection. In a world where we’re all trying to be the perfect spouse or the perfect employee, having a 5x8-inch space where you’re allowed to be mediocre is a relief.
The Educational Edge
Sketching isn't just about making pretty pictures; it’s about learning how to see. When you sit down to sketch a simple coffee mug or the vertical wood boards in a basement, you start noticing things you’ve ignored for years. You see how light hits a surface or how a shadow stretches across the floor.
This "seeing" is a skill that transfers to everything else. It makes you a better researcher, a better designer, and more observant in your daily life. It’s like studying for the Series 7 exam—you’re building a foundation of knowledge, piece by piece, even if the progress feels slow.
Practical Tips for the Practical Person
If you’re going to start, don't overcomplicate it. We’re Midwesterners; we don't need the fancy, gold-leafed journals.
Go Small: Get a book that fits in a coat pocket. If it’s too big, you won’t carry it.
Keep it Cheap: If the paper is too expensive, you’ll be afraid to "ruin" it. Buy something you feel comfortable making a mess in.
Time it: You don’t need an hour. You need five minutes while the baby is napping or while you’re waiting for a meeting to start.
Focus on Objects: Don't worry about grand landscapes. Sketch your keys, your hammer, or the cat.
The Reality Check
I’ll be honest: some days, my sketches look like garbage. Between mass with a chaotic toddler and trying to grow a freelance business, I don't always have the "creative spark." Some days I’m just annoyed that the proportions are off or that I picked a pen that smears.
But that’s okay. The goal isn’t to be a "Great Artist." The goal is to stay sharp and stay sane. It’s a quiet habit that keeps your hands moving and your brain engaged. Give it a shot. You might find it’s the most productive "waste of time" in your day.