Photo
I’ve got too many half-filled notebooks going. Once I finish the books that I’ve already started, I plan to stick to a three notebook system. I’ll use a Canson Universal sketchbook for working out ideas, a Stillman & Birn Epsilon for more developed drawings, and a Moleskine pocket sketchbook for carrying around. I guess that this is about as close as I’ll get to making any New Year’s resolutions.
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Moleskine ArtMart
The notebook manufacturer Moleskine has started a martketplace where artists can sell customized Moleskine notebooks. I was honored to get an invitation to be a founding contributor. Here is my page on the ArtMart. I’ve got two books up now with more to come.
A friend helped me make a video that gives a glimpse into the process of making one of the notebook covers. The base design is made in Photoshop and is printed onto Inkpress Adhesive Vinyl. Color is added with watercolor paint, and highlights are added with a white gel pen. I then sprayed the image with Kamar® Varnish which protects it and gives it a uniform surface.
I’ve tried a few different inkjet sticker papers, but the Inkpress is by far my favorite. The vinyl paper doesn’t buckle with the application of water media and the adhesive holds really well.
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Covered
I can’t stand to leave a notebook cover blank. It’s like marking my territory. It also works as a good canvas for trying out personal projects. I’ve been thinking of trying my hand at making comics, and this rough first attempt seemed like a good choice for covering a notebook that I bought for working on writing.
I printed out the line art on Staples inkjet label paper and colored it with markers that I have left from my first design class in college. My favorite colors are drying out, so I find myself using colors that wouldn’t be my first choice. It’s a fun alternative to Photoshop, where I can pick any color that I can imagine.
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Cameras in Pencil
I stumbled onto my old, college era Koh-i-noor Selectomatic 2mm pencil. I have never carried it around with me because the in-cap sharpener doesn’t work so well, and the Staedtler lead pointer that I have is awkward and messy. I discovered that I rather like the large, blunt point though.
