Drew Bryant Talks About Keeping a Sketchbook

I came across an interesting interview with Drew Bryant, who works as a designer for a branding/exhibit design firm, but also loves to draw in his spare time. Here’s a few outtakes:

What sparked your passion for drawing?

Since I was a young child I have loved to draw. It really has came and went over the years. Then in 2008, Danny Gregory spoke at the AIA Tennessee Convention and I found him and his drawings to be very inspiring. His speech and approach towards drawing kick-started my habit.

What is the process of your drawings for leisure — when do you fit it in, how long does it take, what do you do with the drawings when you’re done?

For the most part, I always have my pen and sketchbook by my side. Drawing outside of work is a priority in my day. It is my form of mediation, an outlet. So, if that means taking a shorter lunch or going in early so that I can fit in time after work, I do it. The weekends are when I get more time to explore Nashville and find unique subjects to sketch.

There are two reasons why my drawings live in a sketchbook.

One reason is its great to see a collection of sketches together. There is a gratifying feeling to be able to turn page after page and see what that artist saw in that moment of time. Apart of this is my grandiose belief that someday a long time from now my family will be able to learn about who I am and place I lived through my sketches.

For me as designer I am measured by the quality of my designs everyday. It a great feeling to have something that I do creatively for me and me alone. If I do a poor drawing … no big deal … just turn the page. If I don’t want anyone to see it … no problem … close the book.

One last question, for the curious – what kind of pen and pad did you get when you started getting serious about drawing?

My pen of choice is a Lamy Al-Star Extra Fine Fountain Pen with Bulletproof Black Noodlers Ink. I have used a lot of different sketchbooks over the past few years. For the most part I use a 9×12 Canson Montval All Media Book and a 3×5 Pocket Moleskine.

Read more at A Conversation With Designer and Sketchbook Artist Drew Bryant | Pith in the Wind.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.