My sketchbook and instruction guide arrived yesterday from The Sketchbook Project.  Although I’m still very happy to participate, my excitement was slightly dampened when I saw the completely underwhelming sketchbook they sent.

I am a sketchbook snob.  I am one of those artists who adores her sketchbooks.  I use them until there isn’t a single page left.  I smother them cover to cover with stickers, drawings, postcards, notes, magazine clippings, etc.  My sketchbook is my creativity bible, and I worship my precious like a golum.  When I need a new sketchbook, it takes me a while to find what I want because I am extremely particular.  It has to be a bound book, hard cover, 8″ x 10″ minimum, with decent drawing paper inside.

The “sketchbook” I was sent in the mail is just plain sad.  It’s printer paper bound by a cereal box-quality cardboard cover.  The snob in me does not want to use this lame notepad, but the artist in me says to “suck it up and make it work!”.  I will do the later.  I am allowed to deconstruct and rebuild the sketchbook, as long as the dimensions are the same (though the rules say they can be up to one inch thick).  Okay, this is workable.  I have until January!

For reference, here is a photo of my current lover….er, sketchbook.  Note the binder clip pen holder (I’m a genius!) and my amazing decorating skills!  David Bowie as Jesus, Glenn Barr stickers (amazing artist), Chet Phillips trading cards, and a great Andy Warhol quote:

“Don’t think about making art, just get it done.  Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it.  While they are deciding, make even more art.”

Awwww yissss!