Sketchbook: What I've learned

I've had this custom-made sketchbook for a little over a year. I filled it with 100 half-sheets of 8.5x11 paper and have used every page. In the process of using it, I've learned several things which have helped me use it more often. I want to take a moment and share them:

1. Keep the sketchbook someplace easily accessible. Whether it be on my kitchen table, the edge of the couch, or corner of my desk, I've found I sketch more when it's in easy reach, or at least in easy view, from where I happen to be.


2. Keep a favorite sketching implement near it at all times. Nothing sours sketching more than trying to use a drawing tool I hate or even just marginally like. Adversely, nothing tempts me more than to doodle or write more than using a pen or pencil I really enjoy using.


3. Attach the sketching tool to the sketchbook. This step insures that the pen, pencil, marker, etc, stays with the sketchbook at all times. I created a loop out of fabric to hold my pen with my sketchbook. When I pick one up, the other comes with it, and there's no more worry about my pen breaking and leaking in my pocket.

-In short, I guess the general idea is to tempt, tantalize, and make sketching, drawing, and doodling as easy and fun as possible.