Sketch Journal: How & Why To Keep a Cartoon Diary

Do you keep a sketch journal or cartoon diary?

If so, chances are your sketch journal records memories of all sorts of tiny, rich happenings in your life that you would otherwise have forgotten.

Is it a disaster to forget the little things?

Well, no. Or… maybe, yes.

You see, the little things are what make up our lives. It’s the thousands of tiny decisions and habits that determine the overall direction and course of our lives. And it’s the small, seemingly insignificant things that contribute to our mental wellbeing.

What are you looking forward to?

Someone used to ask me that every week; in fact I paid him to do so and for the longest time, I had no answer for him. It seemed as though there was nothing to look forward to. Make no mistake, my life was on an even keel so there were no major downs, but there were few big ups, either.

I can remember the day I realised it was all about the small stuff

That winding path I walked down to the office… it took me out of my way but the serpentine curve of it gave me such pleasure.
The sound of birdsong in the morning close outside my window.
The scent of ocean salt on the evening air, indicating that the weather was going to turn cooler tomorrow.

Keeping a daily cartoon diary or sketch journal has helped me record the small things that matter. It has also given me a process that helps me to live lightheartedly, because I am always looking at my life with an eye for what would make a funny cartoon memory of the day.