Most artists and designers keep a sketchbook, but sketchbooks are not just for sketching. They are a wonderful way to explore creative thoughts and ideas, Sketchbooks can be neat contained or messy and exuberant; they can include photographs, diagrams, notes and even found objects.

Sketchbooks are a place to work out composition and scale, to explore and experiment, through line, tone texture, pattern and colour, to try different media and approaches, to plan, develop and evaluate creative ideas.

Qualifications in Art & Design probably offer the most varied route into the creative industries with no set career pattern or path. People with Art and Design qualifications can work across a large number of creative areas, developing skills in fields such as Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design or printmaking and more. Art & Design graduates may also move into more commercial roles in fields such as advertising or PR where employers will value their creative mind and skill set. Additionally, many with an art & design qualification will work on a freelance basis and will lend a hand to a variety of different projects.

Most people newly qualified in art and design will work in other roles that are not necessarily related to art and design, upon commencement of their career. This is of use whilst they work on getting their ‘foot in the door’ by building up their portfolio, contacts and industry knowledge. For potential freelance artists, this also offers the opportunity to build up funds to start a business. Artists require a proactive approach when marketing themselves and those with the qualifications and talent who succeed in doing this can find a highly satisfying and varied career.

Introduction to Sketchbooks

Creative Sketchbooks 2