sketchy stuff!

Here goes the start of my official sketch innovation 'tops' blog:

"BOOM!"

...it seems- it's begun!

Our session today began with discussing what 'sketching' and 'innovation' even are. I found this rather interesting and thought provoking. We talked about how sketching is a form of visual recording, how it's often quick and personal- a way to capture an idea, and to begin to develop it. It was fun just to open things up and even simply ponder over the act of sketching as a practice- because as Pete, our tutor who is guiding us through the module pointed out- who ever teaches you what sketching actually is, otherwise? I think I am beginning to appreciate the value of sketching, this method of visually thinking and communicating through line and paper, a whole lot more than ever before, already.

And then onto the idea of 'innovation'. I thought this word sounded exciting. Some others in the group had more of a sense of fear about it! We discussed the fact that innovation requires departure- a move away from what is already known, existing and accepted...towards things that are untried and untested. It's a term that speaks of liberation and exploration. And also, likely, of failure. Because doing something 'new', doesn't necessarily mean it will be better. 

I like that. There's a sense of freedom to it. And surely, that's what being creative- that's what sketching (seeing as it's often the start point of a creative venture!)- is all about. The freedom to invent, explore; to dream up and visualise crazy, unseen things, that might never exist, and perhaps never should exist! But then along the way, a few sparks of genius may have the potential to be uncovered, too...

So that leads me to the name of this reflective blog. 'Sketchy stuff'. Ok, so partly I was looking for a ULR name that wasn't already taken (!), but also, I think it sums up the spirit of this unit quite nicely: that it's about rough, sketchy experimentation in the area of sketching, in the hope of making new stuff- some things that may be rubbish, but (hopefully!), also some things with substance.

This blog will be my online 'sketchbook'. So I hope that YOU, reading this now, will enjoy my journeying collection of ideas around the concept of sketch innovation.