Tyler and Katy would like to thank their amazing parents, Cheryl & Wade and Susan & Mike, who have supported them through the crazy journey to becoming full-time professional artists. They would also like to thank their siblings Tyler, Uyen, Carrie, and Philip who are a constant source of inspiration and encouragement. And of course, a giant “Thank You” goes to the whole team at Blue Star Press for their trust and guidance. This sketch book is as much yours as it is theirs, so please feel free to add a few people you’re thankful for as well!
What you’ll find in this book Sketch Your Art Out teaches the fundamentals of keeping an artist sketchbook. We arm you with a vast arsenal of tips, tricks, and techniques, emphasizing the importance of starting with a sketch. We also teach many fundamentals of drawing, color theory, and design. “Sketching” can mean different things to different people. In this book, we break down the barriers, misconceptions, and expectations about sketching. It is not always a rigid process! Sketching is about organizing your thoughts and ideas on paper in whatever way you find the most helpful. We encourage sketching with a variety of tools, from a standard #2 pencil to felt-tip pens and colored media. You’ll learn how to combat artist block with fun activities. All the while, we’ll ask YOU to participate, making this sketchbook a true collaboration!
When you are finished with this book, you will have the skills and confidence to create an original sketchbook of your very own!
SKETCHING WHAT THIS B o o k Cov ers • What is a sketch? • Why start with a sketch? • Where to find inspiration • Learn the basics of healthy sketching habits!
Graphite Creative Block • Learn how to use various art pencils and materials • Shading, perspective, texture, and more!
• Do you ever feel like you don’t know how to start a drawing? This section provides prompts and tips to jump start your creativity!
colored Pencils how to business • You'll learn to blend, layer, and how to use color with these versatile drawing tools.
Pen & Ink • Learn to sketch, shade, and ink drawings with pen for amazing (and permanent!) results!
• Have you considered sharing or selling your art? This section covers the fundamentals of creating a professional presence.
Beyond the Sketchbook • Filling up a sketchbook is just the beginning! Apply what you have learned to a variety of projects.
In August of 2011, a sweet girl named Katy sat next to a new kid named Tyler in art class, and they fell in love at first sight. Together they have pushed to stretch the limits of each others’ creativity, while also
Katy has been making art for as long as she can remember. Her passion for capturing the vivacity of the natural and imagined worlds around her have gained her an audience of animal lovers across the planet! When not creating, Katy loves exploring the universe and meeting new people.
Tyler is a sucker for a good story. Utilizing collaboration and appropriation, Tyler’s sculptures blend his own life experiences with those of a greater sociological impact. Often using materials that are undervalued or overlooked, Tyler collects and decontextualizes emblematic imagery in order to tell engaging stories of his own creation. If found, return to Katy immediately.
expanding their own personal aesthetics. Katy and Tyler invite you into their sketchbook, which solidifies all that they’ve learned through years of practice and experimentation. They can’t wait to sketch with you!
Anyone Can draw... Whether a novice or a professional artist, simply beginning a drawing can often be the most intimidating part of the creative process. The structure of any great work will almost always begin with a sketch, whether a tiny drawing or a giant mural. Here are some important things to know about sketching: Sketching can mean totally different things to different artists and can be used to communicate many different ideas.
For many artists, sketching is a way to quickly test out multiple ideas and compositions (the visual layout of a piece), without being overly concerned with producing a polished or finished product.
Sketching can help to plan a finished work of art, as seen here with one of Tyler’s sculptures.
The Secret is the Sketch! Sketching can also be a way to develop certain skill sets and to improve your overall drawing abilities through repetition and refinement. Check out this dragon development after ten years have passed!
It can be a way to practice using new or unfamiliar materials.
Whatever the reason, sketching is an invaluable skill for any artist. One of the most common questions we are asked is “How do I become a better artist?” The answer is simple: DRAW AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE! The only real way to improve is through practice, and the best way to do this is to keep a sketchbook and USE IT! In this book, we will explore the invaluable process of learning through free-form sketching.
Let’s get started!