Creating an artbook isn’t just about compiling drawings—it’s about telling a story, curating a vibe, and sharing your creative evolution. When I started working on DIZZY! Sketch Collections, I had no idea how much I would learn in the process. From choosing which sketches to include to figuring out the best way to sell it, every step taught me something new.
If you’re thinking about creating your own artbook, here are some lessons I picked up along the way—things I wish I knew before I started.
1. Organization is Everything
Digging through years of sketchbooks was a chaotic mess—I should’ve sorted them sooner. I quickly realized that having an efficient system for organizing sketches would have saved me hours of work.
Labeling and Dating: I started labeling and dating my sketches as soon as I finished them. This helped me track my progress and determine which pieces best represented different phases of my artistic growth.
Categorizing Sketches: I found that sorting my sketches into categories based on themes, styles, or techniques made it much easier to curate a cohesive book. Some sketches were studies, others were fully rendered pieces, and some were just fun doodles that captured spontaneous creativity.
Digitizing Artwork: If you plan to make multiple books, start archiving your work digitally now. Having high-resolution scans or photos of your sketches ensures that they remain accessible and printable even if the original papers get damaged over time.
2. Picking the Right Sketches is Harder Than You Think
One of the most surprising challenges I faced was deciding which sketches to include in the book. Not every sketch makes the cut—some look better alone, while others need context to be fully appreciated.
Aesthetic and Storytelling Value: I quickly realized that my book wasn’t just about showcasing technical skill; it needed to tell a story. Some unfinished rough sketches, which I initially thought wouldn’t make it, actually added character and authenticity to the book.
Balancing Different Styles: Since I experiment with multiple drawing styles, I had to make sure that the transition between different types of artwork felt seamless rather than disjointed. A mix of refined illustrations and quick sketches added depth to the book’s personality.
Some Pieces Found a Different Purpose: There were many sketches I loved, but they didn’t quite fit the book’s flow. Instead of forcing them in, I repurposed them as exclusive website art for Anitoku.com, where they could still be appreciated by my audience.
3. The Design Process Takes Time
Artbooks aren’t just about art—they need a solid layout and flow. The way sketches are presented can change how they are perceived and appreciated by readers.
Experimenting with Page Formats: I played around with different layouts, alternating between full-page spreads, collages, and sections with annotations. The goal was to create variety while maintaining a sense of rhythm.
Spacing Matters: Overcrowding pages with too many sketches made the book feel overwhelming, whereas giving images more breathing room helped them stand out. White space became an important design tool.
Adding Commentary and Captions: I decided to include short insights and captions to give readers a peek into my thought process. Explaining the inspiration behind a sketch or the technique I used helped make the book more engaging and personal.
4. Marketing is Half the Battle
Creating an artbook is one thing—getting people interested in it is another. I learned that hype-building starts before you even finish the book.
Sharing Work-in-Progress Content: Posting sneak peeks, time-lapse videos, and teaser pages on social media generated curiosity and anticipation. Seeing how people reacted to different pieces also helped me refine my selection process.
Building an Audience in Advance: If you plan to sell an artbook, start building your audience before launching it. Engaging with fellow artists, participating in online art communities, and consistently sharing work help create a following that’s eager to support your projects.
Offering Pre-Orders and Special Editions: Instead of just dropping the book when it was finished, I offered pre-orders and exclusive versions with bonus content. This not only boosted engagement but also helped me gauge demand and plan inventory better.
5. The Payoff is Worth It
After months of work, seeing my art compiled into a physical book was surreal—like a time capsule of my growth as an artist. The experience was both rewarding and educational.
Credibility and Exposure: Publishing an artbook gave me credibility as an artist and opened up new opportunities, such as collaborations, guest features, and potential publishing deals.
Creating a Blueprint for Future Projects: Having gone through the process once, I now have a structured approach for making future artbooks even better. I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to streamline the process.
A Tangible Piece of My Artistic Journey: There’s something special about holding a book filled with your own art. It serves as a milestone that captures where you were creatively at a certain point in time.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever thought about making your own artbook, do it. It’s a challenging but rewarding process that teaches you so much about your art, your audience, and yourself. Whether you’re creating it for personal enjoyment or to sell, the experience alone is worth it.
Start early, stay organized, and share your journey with others. You never know how your work might inspire someone else.
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