shireadsalot's review

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inspiring relaxing fast-paced

4.5

yetimantra's review

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informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

4.0

tsquare345's review

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5.0

I was discouraged by a mean-spirited person so many years ago that it's taken me 25 years to come back to creating art. Most recently, I've begun dabbling in doodling, drawing, and watercolor. Like others, I also started following the author on Instagram and am inspired to take on a daily practice of drawing my day. Taking pleasure in the everyday is an indulgence I can savor. This book is open-hearted and encouraging. I recommend it to anyone with even the slightest inkling of drawing. Start your daily practice :)

jennilynft's review against another edition

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5.0

Very inspiring and fun to read

I really enjoyed reading about her process and perspective as a sketch journal artist. Looking forward to utilizing some of these ideas in my own sketch journal and using this book as a reference for more ideas.

thegulagula's review

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2.0

If you are thinking about starting a daily sketch journal, but don’t know where to start, this book might be for you. There is a whole chapter talking about the recommended materials to help you get started (but not as detailed as what people often wrote in blogs).

In my case, I already have my preferred material. I draw sometimes, maybe not frequent enough. I thought I could find some inspirations from the book, perhaps from the author’s sketch journal. But there are just not as much as I hoped for.

On second thought, I am not sure on the intended reader for this book. You might be thinking to start a daily sketch journal, but you don’t know how to draw. Unfortunately, this is not a book to learn how to draw. It’s ‘an inspiring guide to keeping a sketch journal.’

The gist of the book is to just pick up the pen and draw. Maybe a sharing of experience on how the author does it. That is all there is to it. Don’t expect too much.

‘I know that drawing can be humbling and sometimes frustrating when you first begin. But if you practice a little bit each day, you will see gratifying improvement.’

esthervb's review

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5.0

Such an inspirational book with beautiful drawings and sketches, filled with motivation to start your own life journal. This book helps you to understand that the everyday mundane things can be the most beautiful pieces to turn into a work of art (no matter your level). It makes you see the world around you with different eyes. Definitely picked up some great messages and pointers. Samantha also gives you a ton of ideas to start your own art journey, and that little creative push if you are feeling unsure of where to begin.

jennilynft's review

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5.0

Very inspiring and fun to read

I really enjoyed reading about her process and perspective as a sketch journal artist. Looking forward to utilizing some of these ideas in my own sketch journal and using this book as a reference for more ideas.

labyrinth_witch's review

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5.0

Not a step-by-step book for the layouts, but more of an art concept/theory book with an emphasis on composition.

Favorite quotes, “You get past the moments of sameness by challenging yourself to see them differently.”

“You can achieve the same thing by being attuned to the beauty in the small details of your life and recording them in your journal.”

Not only are her layouts beautiful, but this small volume has inspired my illustrations to the next level. I practice using my daily planner rather than a sketch journal as she does, but she has nevertheless challenged me to interpret my experiences differently from day to day. Over the last two weeks, it has transformed by experience of my day by making me both reflective and active.

Highly recommend, short read.

sailorgold_'s review

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4.0

This book just got me so excited about drawing! It’s something I used to do a lot growing up, but that I haven’t really done in years. After reading this, I opened my journal and started some sketching immediately! It gives great ideas to start a sketch or art journal.

astrilde's review

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4.0

Great book about keeping a journal leaning more towards pictures than words.