Often I recommend to people who are bored or stuck with what they’re doing to start an “ugly sketchbook” where they experiment and do whatever they want, and to keep it private.
Well, I haven’t been keeping up to that myself lately because I’ve been so busy… and I’m showing off some of it here, so I guess that makes me a hypocrite… but here are several pages from one of my “ugly” sketchbooks. I usually sketch in these while I’m on the train or at a coffee shop, using whatever materials I can find, including coffee, to make the images.
Anyway I’ve felt a bit stifled in my sketching in recent months, but after teaching part of an illustration course at MICA in Baltimore last month I found that I picked up a lot of energy from being around the students and really felt like doodling again.
Here is my official plug of the other instructors’ sites:
Daniel Krall
Sam Weber
(both are real manly men and more talented than myself)
Next I’m going to start looking for a good life drawing workshops…
f.
10 Comments
Add Yours →I don’t know what you mean by ugly Frank. I think Sketching is the life blood of the illustrators soul. It’s so therapeutic and it never yells at you for making a wrong mark or line. I actually keep two different books depending on what media I want to work in though they both will suffice independent of each other. I love your sketches and they always inspire. Thanks for showing this Frank.
Frank,
these are really fantastic! I think life drawing is the best way to keep a balance between the polished professional work and the stuff you like doing on your own. Plus, it’s always good to let go once in a while….Always being stressed out about making the perfect picture can become a big burden……I personally believe that a sketchbook carries more of an artist’s personality than the finished work. The reason being is that we are not trying to impress or satisfy anybody….but ourselves. I’m actually publishing a compilation of my sketches into a huge fat-ass book……come check out my sketchbook thread and let me know what you think: http://www.salamunicart.com/sketchbook.htm
keep crankin’ and I hope you continue to share more of this kind of work as well man!!
-Tin
Hey Eli,
I should clarify what I mean by “ugly sketchbook,” and that is to say sometimes I will draw in there with the intent of making an ugly picture. The result is always some kind of creative surprise that’s as far away from ego as you can get. Except when you’re posting them on your blog, perhaps… heh.
Tin, I agree with you on everything. I can’t wait to see your book when it comes out. Will you autograph a copy for me?
f.
Sorry Frank, I was being a bit sarcastic. You can try as hard as you want to make an ugly picture but I don’t think your work is ever “ugly”. Thanks again. Take care.
Hey Frank!
Have you thought much about an artbook? ^ ^
Duuude, we both had pieces in the last issue of ESPN the Magazine..mine was on page 58…..I love your spot man……keep crankin’ that ish! 🙂
-Tin
Its awesome to see the ugly sketch book stuff. I agree that every artist should practice experimenting (doodling). It is through this that we discover things we never would have known.
The site looks super pro! I second Joshua James, you should put together a art book. It would sell like hot cakes.
take care.
-Dd
Site looks real real solid Frank!
i shoulda ganked that thing….
Thanks guys, I’ll let you know if I come out with an art book. I’ll consider your posting on my blog as a binding agreement that you will buy 10 copies each.
f.