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My studio is in an interesting part of Cincinnati. It overlooks the business district and the historic neighborhood, Over-The-Rhine. If I ever need inspiration I just look out the window

There is so much in one view, i can’t fit it all into one sketch.

Here’s my sketch of downtown. I like the contrast between the old church in the foreground and the modern towers in the background.

Over-The-Rhine is unique because of the concentration of old buildings in an urban space. Recently, filmmakers have started coming to OTR to use as a set for New York City in the early 1900s.

The crown jewel of the neighborhood is  the newly renovated, Music Hall: featured in the middle of this sketch.

I’ll probably use these sketches as a study for a woodcut(s). There is so much interesting geometry (and all the windows!!!) it would be awesome to print.

If you would like to visit my studio, it will be open to the public this Friday from 6-10pm. The 8 story warehouse is filled with over 200 art studios to explore. This opportunity only comes once a month. More info here: Pendleton Art Center-Cincinnati.

Organization is not easy for me. I’ll have a broad range of different thoughts at once. It can be a beautiful thing, but quickly tailspin into chaos and dysfunction. I don’t think this is a unique struggle. Since our adoption of so much technology into our daily lives, we have been immersed in an massive amount of information…Not to mention tech companies constantly competing for our attention.  It’s becoming a norm for the people I meet to be overwhelmed, easily distracted and unorganized.

Two weeks ago, a friend gave me a quick glimpse at their Bullet Journal. It was filled with colorful drawings and doodles; enough to spark my interest and to want to learn more. You can do a quick web search to learn more about the Bullet Journal. I have been using one for the last two weeks, and here are some of my thoughts:

Paper Is A Refreshing Change

There have been studies that show a hand written note on paper is easier to remember than a note typed into a computer or cell phone.

Working in a paper notebook has less distractions. The apps on my phone have been designed to constantly try to get my attention. A notebook has no apps and getting away from the phone helps me to focus.

Its nice to be able to flip through my notebook. I’ll get a glimpse of an ongoing project, and it reminds me to think about it. Often, my digital notes disappear into a void; never to be seen again.

I Feel Like I Am Staying On Track

I keep my Bullet Journal open on my desk. The constant visual reminder helps me to stay focused on the day’s goals. Even when I don’t get something done, the unfinished goals follow me to the next day. Now that I have a place to store my random thoughts, I can see the different pieces come togething into something useful.

Less Frills == Better For Me

The colorful drawings and charts that are possible are what got me interested in Bullet Journaling. I have since learned that a minimal style notebook is a better fit for my personality (for now). I get to draw and use colors all day in my studio, I don’t need a journal for a creative outlet: I need to quickly store and retrieve information. The plain black pen works for me.

Two weeks might not be enough time to determine whether or not this will be a useful tool or not, but my first impressions are good. Certainly good enough to continue using this system. If you are looking for a system to keep yourself organized, you might consider the Bullet Journal.

*Fun Fact: I wrote this blog post on paper before typing it on the computer.

Yesterday, I went down to the river to do some sketching. Maysville is charming little river town. One of it’s distinguishing features is a suspension bridge that connects Kentucky and Ohio.

My first sketch was the view from bank and 6th street. It’s a great view of the town. I decided to do a panoramic drawing, to give a wider view of the place.

My second sketch was the corner by the Rotory Club Park…where the road goes under the train tracks.

I think the theme for today is ‘bridges’

For my final sketch, I crossed the river, and sketched the town from the river park in Aberdeen, Ohio.

You can probably tell that the sun was going down at this point, so I didn’t get to put all the details into this sketch, but the composition is all worked out.

What a great day of sketching! Of course, Maysville is such a pretty town, it’s not possible to get a bad drawing.

I’m going to make a woodcut of at least one of these sketches. Help me decide, and let me know which sketch is your favorite.