Looking to boost your Art & Design portfolio content for College or University application? Using recycled materials you are going to make a unique and creative sketchbook

For those looking to study Art and Design at University or College then making and filling sketchbooks is something you will become all too familiar with.

What is a Sketchbook?

Artists and designers use sketchbooks in their everyday work and life both to record research, and to communicate and develop ideas. You might go through hundreds of sketchbooks and document many projects and ideas in them so let’s start out with the very basics - making one.

This project is ideal for students applying to:

Any Art & Design Subject
ModelMaking
Interior Design
Interior Architecture
Architecture

Save money and get creative - how to make your own sketchbook

The sketchbook we are going to make will be creative and unique. You will reuse and recycle different materials for its creation and it will be a great addition to your project or portfolio.

Plus, it’s a good conversation piece for your interview.

What you’ll need:

A bunch of materials that can be reused - cardboard, packaging, cereal boxes, newspapers, etc. These will be used for the outer cover of your sketchbook and the inner pages. Mix materials to add interest - old newspaper, wrapping paper, paper bags, etc (the more variety, the better).
Thread, wool, wire, or cord to bind the pages together
A large needle

Assignment: Handmade Sketchbook

First, start off by selecting the outer cover and designing the size and shape of the sketchbook. Fold it in half so there’s a front and back cover, and cut into it as your design requires.

Next, consider how many pages there will be and mix up the paper you plan to use - you can always add in extra pages by simply sticking them in, and folding them out.

Pick the thread you will use to bind the book together. Line everything up and, using your large needed, start to make holes in all the pages from the front cover to the back, binding them into a book.

Don’t worry if it looks messy, it’s all part of the fun.

Now cut into the pages to reflect your design, i.e. if the front cover has a front door and windows cut into it then create this. As you flick through the pages, you see other doors and windows which connect one page to the next. The same could be created for letters, logos, or figures for fashion, etc.

TOP TIP: Your work should always be a reflection of you so personalize your sketchbook and consider branding or brand colours.