Inspired

Derek Johnston – Landor Associates

Many things and many people inspire me, but at the top of my list are a gorgeous sketchbook and a good pencil.

The gorgeous sketchbook ought to be of a certain quality, with paper that is thick enough and just coated enough not to press through to the other side or wear the good pencil down too quickly.

That good pencil should have grade B graphite running through its core – providing plenty of range, from a sharp line to soft shading.

Why these tools? My inspiration comes, more often than not, through drawing. Drawing, I believe, is incredibly powerful, allowing you to both express yourself and play.

Expressing ideas in a well-draughted way allows others to see your vision for things and ideas, but it’s the play element that is so important for me. Play is vital to the process of (my) creativity, stimulating open and free-flowing thought. When I scribble down thoughts, half thoughts and rubbish in a series of pictures, what often emerges is some kind of logic.

Conversely, this simple act of hand-eye coordination, even after a busy day at the studio, acts as a relaxant, much more so than the TV or a book, sometimes.

And we should remember it is no coincidence that all kids love drawing too. It’s a journey of discovery through simple enjoyment.