This is the final in a four-part design series artist Rose Deniz is writing for Intarsia Concept this month.
Welcome back to week four of the four-part design series I've been hosting here at IC! So far we've talked about color basics, the editing process as a tool for insight, and creating a visual footprint. I want to leave you with a little bit of inspiration and call to action at the same time. One of the most valuable things I do as an artist and designer is keep notebooks of color and fabric swatches, drawings for potential projects, and clippings from magazines for ideas. Sometimes this is called a color book or swatch book. But more than just being a book of technical specifications, this is a space in which to explore, jot notes and keep records of seasonal influences. It serves a practical as well as imaginative purpose. Behind every good product is an extensive exploration of color, pattern, material, and dimensions to make it just-so. Compared to inspiration boards on a wall or cork board, notebooks are an artifact of the work you've done.
1. Journals and sketchbooks organize color options and give a reference for decision making.
Should I use a blue or chartreuse color range? Seeing it laid out here helped me decide to work with deep turquoise and emerald for a handbag. The color and paint swatches were made with watercolor and paint cards from supply stores. There's also an early sketch for my business card in there. Remember my business cards from last week? Three years and three sets of cards later, I've finally landed on a card I like.
2. Notebooks record details about your product like trim, accessories, and applications of embroidery or other handwork.
Need to find that upholstery fabric again? Keep a clipping of it along with the dimensions of your product in a notebook for handy reference as well as a tactile sample of the materials you are working with.
3. Visual notebooks are inspiring.
Run out of ideas? Need a refill on energy? Looking back over your journals and notebooks can help bring that spark back, help you see the connection between what you are doing now and how far you've come.
Journaling is an essential tool for the artist and designer to discover preferences, daydream, and plan. Unlike a finished product, it can be personal. Your homework is to take your doodling seriously and commit yourself to working in a notebook if not daily, then at least weekly. Set aside an hour, turn on some music, grab a pair of scissors, scrounge for pen and ink and remember why you are in a creative field in the first place: to discover, to develop, and to be absorbed with the art of making.
Check out these amazing photo set on Flickr for more visual journals: Holly Becker of Decor8's folders, Tisdagsrgen's mixed media collage, Cori Kindred's photo journals and collage, and the Flickr groups Journal Junk, and Visual Journals just for a few.
Thanks for letting me share with you this month! Happy making, xo Rose
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For more on Rose's four-part design series see:
Part 1: Color
Part 2: Editing
Part 3: Visual Footprint
Part 4: Visual Journal

