Home / Jewelry Making Tips and Techniques / Why Use a Designer's Notebook
Why Use a Designer's Notebook
by Dale Armstrong
Question:

Dale, you speak of a "designer's notebook." My designs come "out of nowhere," so I don't put them on paper. What do you use a notebook for? Just for customers' requests, or things you learn on a daily basis?

-Vickie in Flippin, Arkansas
Instructions
Answer:

Oh my goodness Vickie, a designer's notebook can be an invaluable tool!

My notebook has all types of formulations such as: how long to make a frame bundle for a certain sized stone, and where to make the wraps; what length of wire to use for certain sized bracelet designs; sketches and doodles of links and connections I make once for a particular design that I may wish to recreate, but may forget once the item is sold and I don't have it to look at; etc.

I also use my notebook to document new designs as I work them out, so I can remember what I did when I create a pattern. Sometimes I see a photograph of anything, from a decorated cake to a wedding gown, and I get an idea, so I cut the picture out and tape it in my book for inspiration. Certain lines in architecture or a cast iron gate; anything that sparks an idea gets sketched.

You may be interested to read this article: Inspiration Comes From Everywhere and Every Thing!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Dale Armstrong's Why Use a Designer's Notebook - , General Education, Design, , Cutbook

Materials

No materials listed

Tools

No tools listed
  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): Design, General Education

Reviews

Login to post a Review
Login to be the first to review this Tip!