Keeping a sketchbook/journal, in my mind, is one of the most important and valuable things a creator of any kind can keep.
I have always been used to keeping a sketchbook, due to studying GCSE/A-Level Art and A-Level Photography. It was something that at the time used to annoy me as all I wanted to do was create without having to justify what I was doing. Now I have moved away from this idea, and I think this is due to thinking in a more ‘professional’ manner. That comes across as very big-headed, and I wouldn’t consider my work to be near professional at all. However, now that I am focused on finding my style, and creating work that I want to produce, keeping a sketchbook has been an important tool to me.
I recently read a book called ‘Photographers’ Sketchbook’ which compiled a range of photographers’ sketchbooks into one photobook and explored the way the different creators used a sketchbook to aid their work. I loved how personal and intimate a journal can be. You can see what is inside the photographer’s head when creating, and you can tell they don’t feel pressure when doing so. I highly recommend looking at this book, I will leave a link below.
(https://www.amazon.co.uk/Photographers-Sketchbooks-Stephen-McLaren/dp/0500544344)
I consider my work to be ‘mixed media photography’. I dabble in ‘traditional’ photography but also combine this with art techniques and processes, such as collage. Having a sketchbook to throw ideas into has been such a vital thing to me. There isn’t any expectation in a sketchbook. There is nobody watching, there is no pressure. I enjoy how spontaneous and outlandish I can be without the fear of people seeing. My sketchbooks don’t look visually appealing, they’re quite frankly very messy. This does reflect the nature of my work anyway; however, I enjoy throwing colour down, experimenting with mark-making and trying things I never would even consider in a more professional atmosphere.
Below is some examples of my sketchbooks/journals.
Scott Taylor
@scotttaylorphotos on Instagram
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