In high school, a friend of mine told me a brief story about his favorite musician and song writer. The artist carried his journal with him to jot thoughts down when he had free time. He told me about how he wrote music and poetry on his train and bus rides around the city. My friend said that his favorite song of all time was written while this artist was sitting on a crowded bus. My friend pointed out that it was fascinating to know that this artist was carrying his journal everywhere. If he was too lazy, uncomfortable or embarrassed to write on that bus, my friend’s song may have never been written.

I have carried my sketchbook with me since I was a senior in high school, often remembering my friend’s story about his favorite artist. Since then, I have filled about 10 books with spontaneous thoughts, chicken scratches, emotional journal entries and drawing after drawing.