Unpopular opinion: I started sketching on old newspaper for my design drafts.

I was stuck on a jacket design last month, and my usual sketchbook paper felt too clean and final. I grabbed a section of the local paper and started drawing over the text and photos. The random words and images underneath actually sparked ideas for pockets and seam lines I hadn't considered. It helped me break out of a creative block. Has anyone else tried using a non-traditional surface for their initial sketches?

2 comments

2 Comments

alicem299d ago

Ever try drawing on the back of a takeout menu? I did that once when I couldn't find my sketchpad. The grease stains and food splotches made me think about texture in a totally different way for a fabric design. It felt less like a precious drawing and more like just playing around, which is when the good stuff happens. Why does nice paper sometimes make you freeze up?

blakeallen8d ago

My 3 year old's crayon on cardboard, @alicem29, that's the real art.