Understanding W.I.P.'s (Works in progress): The sketchbook journey
When it comes to Works in Progress (W.I.P.), many artists struggle with knowing which projects to continue and which to set aside. In this week’s Sketch Blog, we’ll explore what constitutes a W.I.P., what makes a project worth developing, and how the 8 Limbs of Sketchbooking can serve as a guide in this process. By next week, I’ll share one of my own W.I.P.s to demonstrate this in action. But first, let’s break down the journey of a work in progress.
What is a W.I.P.?
A Work in Progress is any creative piece that has been started but not yet finished. The level of completion varies, but all W.I.P.s typically go through four key stages:
Conceptual (Idea Stage) – This is where initial thoughts, loose sketches, and notes begin. Ideas are fluid, and nothing is set in stone yet.
Structural (Foundation Stage) – Rough compositions, layouts, and underdrawings form the groundwork of the piece. It’s where structure takes shape.
Refinement (Development Stage) – Details begin to emerge, lines tighten, and the project starts to come to life.
Finalization (Polishing Stage) – Rendering, shading, coloring, or inking refine the piece to near completion.
Each stage presents a unique challenge, and not all ideas move through all four stages. Some pieces stall, while others gain momentum. This is where the 8 Limbs of Sketchbooking come into play.
Here's a helpful graphic I've created to remember each stage or phase of Sketchbooking:
Applying the 8 Limbs of Sketchbooking to W.I.P. Evaluation
The 8 Limbs of Sketchbooking offer a structured approach to determining whether a project is worth continuing. Inspired by Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga, these steps guide artists in their creative journey:
Yamas (Creative Ethics) – Does this project align with your artistic values? If it doesn’t resonate with your mission or personal growth, it may not be worth pursuing.
Niyamas (Personal Commitment) – Is this project worth the discipline and energy required? If you’re forcing yourself to work on it, reconsider its value.
Asana (Creative Posture) – Does working on this piece feel enjoyable and natural? If the creative process is too forced, it might not be the right project.
Pranayama (Creative Flow) – Is there momentum behind this project? If it keeps pulling you back, it might be worth finishing.
Pratyahara (Selective Focus) – Can you tune out distractions and stay engaged? If your attention consistently wanders, maybe this piece isn't the right fit.
Dharana (Concentration) – Are you deeply invested in refining the details? If you’re rushing through or losing interest, ask yourself why.
Dhyana (Meditation on Art) – Does this piece offer personal or artistic growth? If you’re learning something valuable, it might be worth completing.
Samadhi (Completion and Sharing) – Is this work ready to be shared or left as a learning experience? Not all W.I.P.s need to be finished; some are stepping stones to better ideas.
The W.I.P. Challenge: Evaluating Your Own Works in Progress
This week, I challenge you to apply the 8 Limbs of Sketchbooking to your own unfinished projects. Take a W.I.P. at any stage and ask yourself:
Does this project align with my creative mission? (Yamas)
Am I committed to completing it? (Niyamas)
Does it feel good to work on? (Asana)
Is there a natural flow of progress? (Pranayama)
Can I stay focused on it? (Pratyahara)
Am I putting in the necessary attention to detail? (Dharana)
Is this helping me grow artistically? (Dhyana)
Is it ready to share or should I move on? (Samadhi)
Sketch your progress, reflect on your answers, and decide whether the project should move forward or be shelved for now. Next week, I’ll share my own W.I.P. evaluation to further illustrate the process.
Let’s embark on this journey together, refining our creative instincts and making space for the projects that truly matter. Happy sketching!
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