Journaling Sketchbooks

Anja Uhren

Last week I mentioned about how journaling sketchbooks were something that intrigued me and how it was something that would eventually take me outside of my comfort zone and into public places. One of the artists that has brought this to the forefront of my attention yet again, is Anja Uhren. Doodlers Anonymous had a post about her along with a video about her month long journaling escapade to Sheffield, England.

Anja Uhren’s video about her journaling sketchbook experience.

What struck me about Anja and her journaling sketchbook in particular was that it wasn’t simply a sketchbook. It’s a combination of sketches, paint washes, and collages of scraps of paper she collected from wherever she was sketching. It was a whole process other than just sketching. It also struck me how her sketchbook had a very inviting storybook feel to it.

Anja Uhren

Upon looking into Anja’s work further, I discovered a world of animation, storybooks, comics, fairies, and more. Her style remains consistent throughout and though it isn’t my particular style, it captures my interest and my imagination. In turn, it sparks my own creativity.

Anja Uhren

I want to take on the challenge of a journaling sketchbook, too. I did a daily sketchbook of animal portraits for a year. Should this one have a theme as with my animal one? Or should it be more fluid and simply encompass what I see outside or in my immediate environment? Should it be only pencil? Only pen? Black and white? Mixed media?

Anja Uhren

I guess the thing to do is just get started. Go with the flow. Perhaps once I get out there, my muse will lead me in the direction that I need to go. I do know that I want this to be anything but over-analyzed. I will trust in the process. But first things first…find the box in storage with all my brand new sketchbooks!