Inside the Sketchbooks of the World's Most Creative People

Inside the Sketchbooks of the World's Most Creative People

The private journals, notebooks and sketchbooks of famous artists, poets, writers and scientists offer a unique insight into their creative process. By looking at the sketches, notes and ideas contained within these notebooks, we can gain a greater understanding of the thinking behind some of the world's most iconic works of art.

In many cases, the sketchbooks of famous artists provide us with the only record of their early experimentation and studies for future works. For example, Leonardo da Vinci's sketchbooks are full of diagrams and sketches exploring the human body, mechanics and architecture. These sketchbooks offer a rare glimpse into the mind of one of history's most brilliant thinkers.

Similarly, the notebooks of poet and novelist Virginia Woolf provide insight into both her creative process and her inner thoughts. In these notebooks, Woolf often sketched out ideas for future stories and essays, as well as recording her impressions of the world around her.

The journals of famous scientists are also often fascinating reads. Albert Einstein's notebooks, for example, contain his famous thought experiments, as well as more mundane musings on life and the universe.

When you’re an artist, it is important to document your thoughts and ideas. Salvador Dali was no exception! The famed surrealist kept a journal full of sketches that he would later incorporate into paintings like The Persistence Of Memory (1931) or The Man Who Falls Backwards on the Back of a Horse. In one notebook -- that was auctioned off in 2017 for $91,000 -- Dali hid drawings, doodles and private criticisms as well as elaborate charts tracking numbers related to every transaction he made.

So, what can we learn from the sketchbooks of the world's most creative people? First, even the greatest minds often start with simple sketches and ideas. Second, that these sketchbooks offer a unique insight into the creative process. And finally, by studying the sketchbooks of famous artists, we can gain a greater understanding of their thinking and methods.

If you're looking for a way to get inspired, or just want to see how other creatives work, take a look at the private journals and sketchbooks of some of history's most famous artists, writers and scientists. Not only are they packed with sketches, notes and ideas, but they offer a unique insight into the creative process. You may be surprised at the ideas that start flowing once you get started. Who knows? Your next great work of art or novel may begin with a few simple sketches in your trusty old notebook.

 

Leda Art Supply’s 10 x 7 inch Odyssey Sketchbook is the perfect journal to record your inner musings and visions.