About

THE STORY OF SKETCH BEFORE SLEEP

I received a Wacom tablet for Christmas in 2009 and a few days later SKETCH BEFORE SLEEP was created in January 2010 as an outlet to experiment with the tablet. Before I went to sleep each night, I spent a few minutes to create something everyday as my gift to the world. After I finished each illustration, I would post it on Twitter and Facebook so other people could experience something visual. My goal for this project is to say I did something creative everyday for at least for one year. I also wanted to get acquainted with using a tablet and creating art digitally. I know this project has already inspired a few of my friends to draw more, and I hope to encourage others to do something creative everyday for themselves.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT SKETCH BEFORE SLEEP

“Carolyn has a keen eye for pop culture. She puts it down with an expressive line and no holds barred attitude on color and creativity. Every night she did this in a way that inspired me and made me jealous.”
- Elizabeth Watasin, writer and illustrator, Wit’s World: Never Was

“From puppies to Pee-wee Herman Carolyn has taken her creative skills to the next level with her playful, pop-culture infused, Sketch Before Sleep project. A great example of the benefits & wonderful surprises that come from diving into a 365-day creative commitment.”
- Noah Scalin, creator of Skull-A-Day & author of 365: A Daily Creativity Journal

Carolyn’s “Sketch Before Sleep” drawings are ever topical, always adorable and decidedly full of life. I look forward to a colorful new addition every single evening. They cover a fun and varied spectrum that includes pop culture portraits, cute creatures, lovely hand-drawn typography, and witty illustrations of household objects. They are gorgeous pieces both on their own and collected together.
- Nadia Gomez

“Whether fish tacos, Don Draper, or dalmation puppy, I can gladly count on seeing one of Carolyn’s sketches every day. I’m glad somebody has that kind of energy at night—I hope she keeps doing them forever. And ever!”
- Anthony Dihle, Fire Studio

“Carolyn’s “Sketch Before Sleep” series is both inspiring and diverse. Over the course of a year, she managed to touch on everything from pop culture icons to everyday objects. There is a real progression to her art and it is interesting to wonder on which days she had time to dedicate to the project and which days were rushed. It is a testament to her dedication that she kept her Sketch Before Sleep going for a full year and beyond. Her project inspired me to start working on “snooze doodles” which sadly did not last a full month. Luckily, projects are made to be re-started and, my panda a day drawings are developing nicely. Thanks, Carolyn for showing me how it’s done!”
- Ava Ann Vrooman, a²alien

In Search of Testimonials
Are you inspired or motivated by SKETCH BEFORE SLEEP? Tell me what you think by emailing: info@curls-studio.com