Sketchbook Experiment

The Sketchbook digital version of the experiment is here!

I have always created sketchbooks throughout my life. When I make these sketchbooks, I do so with the intention that they will be added to, modified, and take on a life of their own. I leave them in common spaces where people might feel free to pick them up. Once, I left one at a local coffee shop magazine rack, and another time, I left one at a local bookstore for people to discover. I have created more than 13 of these over the last two decades, and I often wonder where they are today, what they have experienced, and how they have changed.

These sketchbooks are found art, but they are also meant to be collaborative without anyone knowing who the other participants are. It’s pure and special because the chain is random, yet purposeful. It becomes an art piece that requires many hands, time, and a bit of destiny.

In this experiment, I hope to translate this sketchbook project into a digital experience. I want it to stay as true to the real-world experience as possible. Only one person at a time can have a specific page in the sketchbook. Once locked, the page will be automatically released after one hour, allowing the next person to pick it up and continue the work.

The sketchbook can hold up to 10 pages, so at some point. Each sketchbook owner can contribute to existing pages without limitation. If we find that your artwork is damaging to the project or toxic in nature, we may remove it from the design.

At the end of this project, I would like to create an animation showing the sketchbook coming to life—from the first dot to the final shadow. I’m excited to see what this turns out to be. My assumption is that it will take many months to complete—just like my real sketchbooks. Each participant can add or create a new design in the sketchbook, allowing others to manipulate or even destroy it.

This experiment was developed using the React and Next.js frameworks. To enable drawing functionality, I integrated the draw-js library, which proved to be user-friendly and highly customizable. Additionally, I utilized the react-pageflip library to replicate the authentic interaction and feel of a physical sketchbook.

A special thanks to the open-source community for providing these excellent resources.

The Sketchbook digital version of the experiment is here!