The importance of a sketchbook for stimulating creative thinking for students studying art at GCSE and A-level is now widely recognised and is central to the curriculum. However, many students don't feel either comfortable with or inspired by their sketchbooks and many teachers seem unsure how to encourage them. Clear, punchy, packed with illustrations and information, "Your Sketchbook Your Self" is the essential tool to inspire creativity in students, teachers and aspiring artists alike. Here, for the first time, is all the advice, support and inspiration needed to start and maintain a sketchbook. Written by a leading gallery educator, who is herself an artist, the book is illustrated both with pages from the author's sketchbook and examples from the sketchbooks of many well-known artists, both historic and contemporary, including Turner, Picasso, David Hockney and Cornelia Parker. Subjects covered include choosing or making your own sketchbook; getting the habit; living with your mistakes; making a mess; doodling; drawing from observation; looking at works of art; trying things out; writing down ideas; collage; and, selecting materials.