Since I make books, I simply grabbed a discarded journal I had made for a mock up back in college and started sketching. I say discarded because although I love it, it is not a high quality book that I feel is good or interesting enough to let someone else have. When I make books for others, I create them with intent from start to finish for the person in mind. Since this one would never be given away, I decided to fill it myself instead of letting it collect dust on a shelf.

Although I spend a lot of time working with my hands, it felt incredible to use them for sketching again. We spend so much time typing instead of writing these days: papers, text messages, emails, tweets, status updates, even simply using touch screens at the grocery stores creates such a void between humans and the written word.

My writing used to be so crisp and interesting, especially when I studied interior design and literally practiced hand lettering for hours a week. It was such a disappointment to barely even have the ability to scratch out half decent letters on any page (not to mention I practically lost all ability to even draw anything above a second grade level again!).

So even though I am so so happy to be sketching again, I have added another personal goal for myself: I want to make it a point to write / sketch / letter / doodle every single day. Now that I am working towards having a real studio to create in, it would be nice if I could actually create something visually pleasing when I sit down inspired to make something.

I shared the inside of this sketchbook for the first time here and I have since decided to make Sketchbook Sunday a regular feature here on Kitty Cat Stevens. As embarrassing as some of the pages are/will be, I hope to chronicle my progress and maybe even inspire someone else to start doing what they love along the way!

Is there anything you used to love doing that you’re itching to pick up again? Or just something general you want to work towards getting better at? Sometimes I really feel there might be some truth to the phrase, If you don’t use it, you lose it.