Visual Diary Project // 01

Hey, it's not perfect.. But it's a start.

A little while ago, I decided that I should get a visual diary. I used to always have one in school and when I was studying. It was pretty mandatory. Despite being in a very computer based career, I've always been encouraged to have a visual diary as well. I totally get it too. It's only now that I'm on a computer for over eight hours a day that I truly appreciate how nice it is to be creative without it.  It's so easy to be glued to it for hours, using only Photoshop or Illustrator to create my work. I actually illustrate a lot better on the computer than I do by hand, but sometimes it's nice to step back. I don't usually sketch ideas out, I definitely prefer to just get straight into it. Sometimes my ideas don't translate well onto paper so I tend to shy away from it. I think it's important though, to just take a breather and create. 

I've decided that this diary won't just be for sketches/doodles/illustrations though. I'm going to also experiment with paint, watercolour and collage. The "title" page is misleading as well, as this is definitely not a project. I find that I don't really do well with projects. I don't like the pressure.  Having to do something everyday takes the enjoyment out of it and sometimes skews my perception of it.

This is purely to get me away from the computer. While it will  not be a daily thing, I'm planning on "doing a page" at least once a week. That way, there is at least SOME direction, which I think is important otherwise it will be just another unfinished project. I thought about doing one of those daily challenges where you are given a list of things to draw, but I think I'll try and start by drawing from my own imagination. If I do get stuck, I'll definitely have a look at a few weekly challenges. Sometimes it's fun to have some direction, and to do something challenging but the less pressure the better.

Feel free to join me! All you need to do is buy yourself a visual diary or a sketchbook (I got mine from the warehouse stationery) and go crazy! I'm going to be posting monthly updates - just to show you what I've been up to. I've promised to myself that I'll share all of my work, even if I'm not that happy with it. This is about being honest and being creative. Mistakes are definitely welcome.