An artist's sketchbook is their greatest asset
From what I’ve noticed online, there is hesitation when it comes to art, specifically certain styles as a byproduct of the flood of “AI generated” imagery now. People wonder if some artist’s pictures are made with “AI”.
As an artist myself, it’s rather sad that there is a need to be filtered through that lens, but “AI” is here and one can’t avoid the scrutiny or the potential accusation of “using AI.”
It had me thinking that perhaps a real, physical sketchbook is one of the artist’s greatest assets these days.
And maybe, this makes it a good thing to have an imperfect, messy sketchbook full of experiments, personal notes, studies, and incomplete and imperfect drawings (like mine!).
The reason? Someone with “AI” can try all day, but ultimately your sketchbook is a product of you as a unique person, and that uniqueness is something that cannot be fully replicated. Mimicked maybe, but not replicated in the same spirit and soul as the artist.
Just a thought.
(As an aside, this isn’t the only reason why a sketchbook is a great asset. In fact, the above reason might be the least important reason to keep a sketchbook. However, it’s yet another good reason to motivate yourself to keep exploring and experimenting on your artistic journey.)