🦕 How to fill a Sketchbook page with stories & elements

Newsletter Edition: 41

Lately, I’ve been talking a lot about one of my favorite subjects: sketchbooks.

As I often say, a sketchbook is a personal journal for an artist. It’s a space to document thoughts, jot down ideas, or create detailed, finished pieces with focus and intent.

In this article, I want to explore capturing a specific subject or theme on a single page of your sketchbook.

For illustration, I’ve chosen the theme “My Painting Gear.” This page will feature drawings, paintings, and notes about the tools I use daily for painting and sketching.

I’m using a page in my Hahnemühle Watercolor Sketchbook, which I find perfect for projects like this.

I began by laying out my art supplies on a surface to plan the placement of each item. Composition is key, so I arranged my painting gear in a semi-organized way, including my watercolor palette, a Rosemary brush, a sketchbook, and my Lamy Safari pen with Noodler’s Bulletproof ink.

Once you’ve practiced this process, arranging elements will become second nature, and you may skip this step entirely.

When I was happy with the layout, I started with the outlines. I prefer to sketch lightly with a pencil before committing to pen work.

Using my Lamy Safari fountain pen filled with waterproof Noodler’s Bulletproof ink, I added clean, precise lines to define each object. Waterproof ink is essential when painting over lines with watercolor, as it ensures the outlines stay intact.

Next, I moved on to color. I began with the watercolor palette, carefully painting each pan to reflect the vibrant hues I use most.

Fun Fact: This is the first time I have used all 18 colors from this palette in one single work

Adding small details like the text on the palette’s mixing surface, “Meeden Watercolor,” brought so much personality to the illustration. It’s these touches that make it feel uniquely mine.

For the brushes, I used muted tones for the wooden handles and shiny metallics for the ferrules. Details like the etched brand name can add authenticity, though I skipped this part in my piece.

The sketchbook was next—a simple gray cover with a subtle texture to replicate my tiny Stillman & Birn sketchbook. I personalized it with stickers: a KAWS design and one featuring a dino artwork by my elder child, Darsheel.

I also included my trusty Traveler’s Company brass clip, a staple accessory whenever I use this sketchbook.

Lastly, I painted my Lamy Safari pen and the Noodler’s Bulletproof ink bottle. The ink’s packaging, with its vintage charm and handmade feel, adds a nostalgic touch to the illustration.

The page from my Sketchbook

To complete the page, I added handwritten notes around each item. These notes explain why each tool is meaningful to me and how I use it in my creative process.

For example, my watercolor palette has been a trusted companion for years, and Rosemary brushes are now my go-to choice.

The finished page is a snapshot of my painting life—a window into the tools that inspire and enable my creativity every day.

Similarly, you can create a page in your sketchbook around any theme that resonates with you. It could be a restaurant you’re visiting, a mountain hike you’re enjoying, or even a cozy corner of your home.

For example, in the same sketchbook, I dedicated a page to painting all the birthday cakes I received as gifts on my 33rd birthday. It’s a vibrant and joyful memory captured forever in watercolor.

A sketchbook is more than just a collection of drawings; it’s a treasure trove of personal stories, emotions, and experiences. By focusing on themes that hold meaning for you, you’ll find that your pages become not only visually beautiful but also deeply personal. And remember to write a thing or two around these sketches to make it even more personalised & interesting.

So grab your favorite tools, pick a theme that excites you, and let your sketchbook tell your story—one page at a time.