Art Doodle Love: Book Review with Author Dawn DeVries Sokol
Since working for Stampington, my interest in art journaling has peaked. I’m quite the novice, so when I saw this new book, I couldn’t wait to crack it open and interact with each page. Its unique writing prompts, gorgeous colored and textured pages, and innovative ideas are just a few of the many reasons why this book caught my eye. Whether you are just starting out like me, or you’ve got years of experience underneath your belt, this brilliant art doodle book is something you can’t help but fall in love with. Today I’d like to welcome the author of the book, Dawn Devries Sokol, to our blog, as we have an intimate discussion about her challenges, achievements and other elements that went into the creation of this fun read.
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1) So Dawn, what were you doing before writing this book and what prompted/inspired you to start writing it?
I had authored three books before “Art Doodle Love” and really wanted to create a doodle book for women my age. I LOVED the book, “Eat Pray Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert. That, to me, was all about self-discovery so it helped spark the idea of a book to help women find their creative side through doodling and journaling.
2) Have you encountered obstacles when writing this book? What were those obstacles and/or what was the most challenging part of writing this book?
The main challenge was convincing publishers that doodling for women would sell. Once I got an agent, it was much easier!
3) If you had to narrow it down, what would be your favorite chapter in “Art Doodle Love,” and why?
Probably the Wanderlust chapter because it’s about the journeys we take, whether they are in our minds, in reality, or in the everyday.
4) Do you have any regrets or feelings of “I wish I would have done _______” after the book was published?
Actually, no! I was so pleased with the outcome, and my publisher and editor were incredible in their support of the book. I wouldn’t change a thing. A great relationship with them has blossomed out of “Art Doodle Love.”
5) What did you learn about yourself during the creation and completion of this book?
I learned that I REALLY wanted to do this book for quite some time, so to see this one as a REAL book was even more rewarding than any of the other books I’ve published.
6) Who would you say has shaped your artistic style and ideas most – or was it completely a process of self discovery?
I’ve taken SO many workshops from so many WONDERFUL artists. I’d like to think that my artistic style is partly borne out of what I’ve learned from them and also my process. Doodling was the thing that got me started in art journaling. I was pretty overwhelmed at the beginning and realized I could concentrate on what I wanted to journal if I just sat down with a pen and doodled on a blank page. I had to start somewhere but all the techniques and the approaches of other artists made it too complicated. Art journaling is what YOU make of it. It’s really about YOU, what you want for yourself and what you want to get out of your journal. By just doodling I was able to get moving and not worry about how to “put it all together”. After doodling for a while, I realized I wanted to work on painted pages, so I painted a bunch of pages and then doodled on them. I added in collage after a while and figured out how to make my process work for me. It’s been constantly evolving and still changes all the time!
7) Now that you’ve published “Art Doodle Love,” do you have any desire to start on another book? What else is on the horizon for you?
I’m not stopping with “Art Doodle Love!” I’ve already published my fifth book, “The Doodle Circle: A Fill-In Journal for BFFs to Share”, and am currently working on my sixth book, which is a follow-up to my first book, “1000 Artist Journal Pages.” I just received word from my publisher that I will be publishing two more titles with them and a couple of stationery products, which I’m really excited about! I want to get more into licensing my designs and have been painting quite a bit on canvas and board.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Dawn’s new book “Art Journal Love” before taking home your very own copy.
For daily inspiration and motivation, check out Dawn’s blog >>> http://www.dblogala.com/
Dear readers,
What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to your art journal and how do you plan on tackling it?
With Somerset Place Love,
Posted: Tuesday, February 18th, 2014 @ 11:17 am
Categories: Uncategorized.
Tags: art, art doodle love, art journal, book review, Books, doodle, journaling.
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Hi Dawn, thank you for sharing you story! It is wonderful to find a guide to inspire us to map out our hopes, feelings and dreams! You remind us to keep creating on many levels and see what aligns with our spirit! I look forward to getting your book!
Great interview ladies!!
Wonderful review, ladies! Dawn’s book is FUN!
My biggest challenge is not having enough sketchbook/journaling space! Oftentimes I think ‘Oh, I’ll just create a “little” illustration or design a quick layout…” HA!
Within 5 minutes of journaling, I can’t stop and my fantasy-filled illusions have overflowed onto another spread.
I find myself adhering longer sheets, folders, or sewing pockets into my journal to accommodate the lack of space. I’m thinking of making my own, jumbo-sized art journal, just to tackle this challenge! Lol ^_^
HA!!!! I just bought this book on Monday!!! I love it. The shape of it, the size of it, and most of all, the contents!!! Dawn has made it so easy to jump right into the art journaling process!!! I’ve been art journaling for about 3 years, and love it. But my biggest challenge is not having enough hours in the days (due to having to work all week) to get more done. Believe me, I snag every single minute I can. I love the art of creative expression! I am loving this book because of all the prompts and inspiration! It is just so much fun!!!
congrats on the book and great interview!