Barbie McGuire -- A Sketchbook Conversation

Today I'm chatting with Barbie McGuire. She's a textile designer from Buenos Aires, Argentina and I think you'll enjoy taking a peek into her sketchbooks because, according to Barbie, she is "obsessed with flowers!"


My sketchbooks are the most personal things, I write down ideas, phrases and sketches. Its like a diary for me, for all the ideas around my head and sketches of flowers and things from all the places I've visited.

I've loved to draw since I was a little girl, creating and painting all the time and have always dreamed to be able to draw for a living someday. 

I graduated with a degree in textile design a couple of years ago and I keep carrying my sketchbooks and a black marker pen with me wherever I go. 

I still feel like an student, all the time. I am happiest when I am doodling, creating, and learning.

I enjoy drawing with pencils first and then inking everything with different pens trying to simplify the shapes. Most of my original artwork is black and white, later I digitize everything and start to play with colors and motifs in Adobe Illustrator. 

But sometimes I love to spend all day playing with watercolors.

My advice if you're just starting out is to always carry a sketchbook and your favorite pencil/pen. Draw everywhere and all the time. Choose a nice sketchbook, small, light, portable and carry it with you always. 

Don't wait for the perfect time to draw in your favorite spot with all your tools. You just need a pencil and a couple of minutes. Draw everywhere! parks, museums, coffee shops, waiting rooms, trains, airplanes, everywhere! 

Sketchbooks are not only places to draw but also a good place to write down ideas. Don't pressure yourself to do perfect drawings, remember sketchbooks are for just that, sketching! Its supposed to be messy and fun!

Thank you, Barbie, for sharing your sketchbooks and your story with us today!

Dear reader, you can connect with Barbie:

• at her website: www.barbiemcguire.com
• on Instagram where she shares her sketches and her creative process

Missed the other Sketchbook Conversations posts? It's easy to catch up at the series web page.

And for even more inspiration, check out my Artist Interviews. 

*Photos in this post ©Barbie McGuire. Used with permission.