Sketchbooks as Research; A Bridge between Theory & Practice

This lecture as part of Theory as Practice was giving by artist and designer Jay Payne. The lecture was very interesting to me because it discussed the effect of a sketchbook and the rough and quick idea sketches that come before a final outcome. 

"As a creative, my approach to my practice overall would best be described as an Illustrator. I was originally trained in traditional Graphic Design and Technical Communications, but have always had a broad outlook on design in general."

Images taken from:
http://www.jaypayne.co.uk/html/draughtsman.html

His work covers a vast range of topics; from illustration, graphic design and typography. His sketches are what have a particular interest of mine; I love to utilise sketchbooks and get the most out of the quick and rough sketches that enable us as designers to think visually on the paper. He also mentioned how he often keeps sketchbooks to look back on which is something we both have in common. 

I particularly liked his work on technical drawing and draughtsmanship. He mentions how this kind of works put another spin on the technical aspect of his drawing ability. I particularly love the simplicity of the drawings, using lines and and contrasting colour palettes to highlight the technicality of what he is drawing.

During the lecture we were given the unique opportunity to sketch out notes instead of writing them as a visual record. I chose to go down the typographic route by which is familiar with Jay Payne's work. The idea was to take key words and ideas and exploit them across the page not really following a regimented layout or form, using different media to demonstrate this idea. 

In the later seminar we got the opportunity to develop the sketches we created in the lecture; '

This week we want you to use your sketched notes from the lecture (these will inevitably be less direct and more open to interpretation than written notes) as a starting point think about ways of creatively generating or recording ideas. Choose an element(s) of your sketches and begin to develop this into something visually interesting and conceptually meaningful. Try to be relaxed and not to censor this process.' 

In the seminar I just added more text, quotes and ideas across the page, overlapping letters and blurring words. I think the effect worked very effectively and this way of developing and idea first and then coming back to develop further with fresh eyes really gives a good aspect on my designs. This is a good technique and tip I will use in further research or design development. 

Here is the work I created: