Mixed Media Sketchbooks
In this lesson on Mixed Media Sketchbooks, I’ll share with you my own experiences and techniques for unlocking creativity even if you’re experiencing artist’s block. We’ll start with materials and then dive into sources of inspiration, which will lead to style and flow.
After that, we’ll discuss the importance of creating without fear and what that looks like along with experimenting, mixed media methods, papers and textures, and taking creative risks.
Finally, I’ll do a step-by step demonstration and tell you how you can share your work and the next steps for more resources.
This is timestamped on YouTube as well so you can return to certain segments of the video to re-watch or take another listen as needed.
When I deployed to Iraq, I carried a travel journal with me wherever I went. As a Lioness, Medic, and Mental Health sergeant, I was often limited on time where I could really express myself. So, carrying around that journal – which ended up turning into a mixed media sketchbook as well – served as somewhat of a pressure valve during stressful times and whenever I could draw, write, or paste things into my journal, I did.
In this episode, I talk through the creative process before diving right into the demonstration. It’s imperative to take stock of inspiration, the use of your materials, and what you’d like to accomplish before starting to maximize the benefits of keeping a mixed media sketchbook.
Below are a few charts I used in the video along with additional links to other helpful resources.
Some of the additional links I’ve mentioned include:
If you’d like to share your mixed media progress, use the hashtags #WVMDrinkandDraw and #VeteranArtStudio on Instagram, and feel free to tag me @mbdallocchio as well!
