Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend reading all the FAQs before e-mailing us with questions! Don't let the rules scare you – they're just here to help clarify the details!

If you have any questions or problems, please visit our dedicated support website and we’ll sort it out ASAP.

I just signed up for the Sketchbook Project. What happens now?

After you sign up to participate in the project, we'll send you a package containing a custom-designed Sketchbook Project sketchbook with a barcode on it, your chosen theme, and detailed instructions about the project.

When you’re ready, just mail your sketchbook back to us. Your sketchbook will be archived in the Brooklyn Art Library and exhibited to the public!

OK, so what's The Sketchbook Project?

The Sketchbook Project is a worldwide creative experience. Together, thousands of regular people from around the world will form a traveling library of handmade books.

How does this whole thing work?

We like to think of the project as being community funded. A small group of people would not be able to create a giant traveling library and exhibit it across thousands of miles. But when 10,000 people get together with a common purpose, we can create something uniquely awesome.

I'm not really an artist. Is this project for me?

The short answer is yes! The Sketchbook Project isn’t just for artists. This project is for anyone who craves an outlet for that undeniable creative bug. Anyone — from anywhere — regardless of his or her creative background can and should participate. Parents, kids, Uncle Joe, the mailman, the banker who doodles on her tax forms, architects, astronauts, and retired mine dwellers: This means you!

Ok, so how can I be a part of it?

So you want to be a part of the Sketchbook Project, huh? Good. We hoped you would say that. Let me lay it out there for you:

Step 1:

Fill in your artist name (this is the credit that will appear on your book). Also, fill in your location.

Step 2:

Pick a category. This is where it gets fun. The Sketchbook Project is not just a project for sketchbooks. It’s a library featuring all kinds of handmade books. Select a category that best describes what kind of creative person you are.

Step 3:

Decide to digitize. Our Digital Library records more than half a million online views of participants’ books every year. We will professionally photograph your book with our high-tech book digitizer and archive it in the Digital Library for you so that the whole world can explore it. (Please keep in mind that there are restrictions as to what we can digitize successfully).

Step 4:

Submit your info and payment. (Please see below for details on what your submission fee covers.) Now’s a good time for a pat on the back, too.

Step 5:

We say “so long” to your book. Our trusty crew of librarians will package and ship your brand new, blank Sketchbook Project book straight to your door.

Step 6:

Once you receive your book in the mail, it’s time to go crazy! There are very few rules about what you can do with your book, so we strongly encourage you to let your imagination off the leash. Draw in your book, cut it into pieces and glue it back together, sleep with it under your pillow, write about your trip to the lake, tell the story of how you lost your keys that one time, write a poem about how the summer makes you feel warm inside, stare at your book until the night before the deadline and then feel inspired by the impending doom of the due date and bust out the most amazing work you’ve ever made, use your book as a release for all those stresses you’ve been under, or just sketch. The choice is yours.

Step 7:

Send your book back to us! Don't worry, we are professional sketchbook chaperones.

Step 8:

Your sketchbook begins its journey across North America on the road trip of a lifetime — kind of like the one you took that summer with your lame roommate, but with more calls home. Yep, your book will K.I.T. (keep in touch) while it’s out on the road. You’ll get an email or text message from your book every now and then to keep you updated on its journey. It’ll check in to say, "Hey, you! I just crossed over the border to Canada!" and “A moose just checked me out" and “Does universal health care cover sketchbooks?"

Step 9:

Your book will move into its new home at the Brooklyn Art Library, or what we like to call The BAL. This might be a little bit like the feeling you get when you drop your first child off at college. But, don’t worry — we’ll make sure your book is warm and dry, eating all its veggies, and only hanging out with the good sketchbooks. And it’s always excited when you surprise it with a visit.

What's the sketchbook like?

Our custom-crafted sketchbooks are made from 100% recycled, locally milled paper, printed with vegetable-based inks and produced with renewable energy by our friends at Pinball Publishing in Portland, OR. The book is 5"W x 7"H, bound with wire staples and filled with 32 blank pages — just waiting for you to fill them!

25 dollars? What do I get for that?

Lots of things. Here is a partial list:

1. A custom-designed Sketchbook Project blank book. The book is manufactured by our dear friends Pinball Publishing, based in Portland, OR. And just like everything else in Portland, these books were made with an almost ridiculous amount of love.
2. Participation in a global art project. In order to organize this project, we need funding. That is where you come in. We have 11 of the most dedicated staff members you will ever meet and they’re constantly working to make this experience even better for the whole community.
3. Your book will go on tour. Taking several thousand books across the continent in a traveling exhibition is expensive. The fee helps cover some of the gas and transportation costs, as well as covering our staff members — who all require things like food and water.
4. Your book is archived in the Brooklyn Art Library. Just like you, your book needs a home. The BAL is a place where the public will forever be able to "check out" your book!
5. Notifications. Receive letters from your book as it travels the continent and then takes up residency on our shelves with its brand new Brooklyn zip code. Your book is now a New Yorker. Fuggedaboutit!

So is this really an art project for everyone?

I believe we covered this already. But here is a list of more people who should participate: Sisters, rocket scientists, dog owners, that slightly creepy guy who hangs out at the gym, the doctor, people named Bob, people not named Bob, the President of the United States, comic-book writers, great aunts, cat people... Everyone!

Who's behind the Sketchbook Project?

The Sketchbook Project is organized by Art House, an independent Brooklyn- based company that organizes global, collaborative art projects. Art House began in 2006 in Atlanta, GA and moved to New York City in 2009. Since that time, our small organization has grown into a worldwide community of artists and organized dozens of interactive projects both massive and small. Art House's co- founders, Steven Peterman and Shane Zucker, and our small team of artists and organizers keep everything running from our HQ in Brooklyn, NY.

Do you really travel thousands of miles with our books?

Yes! For real! Steven, Shane and the rest of the gang literally drive thousands of books around the country.

How do the categories work?

When you sign up for the Project, you will be able to choose from a list of categories. These are a great way to define your book. But, unlike choosing your outfit for the day, this is not a stressful decision. Have fun with it! These categories are never meant to hold you back! If you can't decide, close your eyes and point. That’s what we do for every important decision.

What is digitization?

Books in our Digital Library are checked out more than half a million times every year. We will professionally photograph your book with our trusty high-tech book digitizer and add it to the library for you. (Please keep in mind there are restrictions regarding what we can digitize successfully.)

Books that can’t be digitized:

• Fold-out books
• Accordion books
• Books that do not follow our few rules

I'm finished! Where do I mail my sketchbook?

Congratulations! You did it! Please send your sketchbook to:

The Brooklyn Art Library
c/o The 2013 Sketchbook Project
103A N. 3rd St.
Brooklyn, NY 11249

Can I get my book back?

The Brooklyn Art Library just wouldn’t be the same without your book! At this time, all work contributed to the project becomes part of the Library’s permanent collection and can’t be returned. Of course, you can come by and visit your book anytime.

OK, I get that there are VERY FEW rules. But what about the rules?

OK here’s the deal: You should feel completely free to experiment with different media, new techniques and unconventional notions of what a sketchbook can be. However, we do have a couple of simple rules. Please try to avoid the use of ties, sharp metal objects, random plastic doodads, art materials that could smudge, glitter, excess glitter, glitter of any kind, sticky substances or any hazardous materials. Please note that although you’re welcome to rebind the books, the overall length and width should not change (5"W x 7"H) and the thickness of the book must not exceed one inch across.

Will I be notified when someone checks out my book?

Yes, we'll keep you connected with your book as it travels thousands of miles — and through many pairs of hands. As a participating artist, you'll be able to receive e-mail or text message notifications each and every time your book is checked out and explored. Connect with friends, family, other artists and patrons as they experience your work — and receive updates from the road as your book journeys across the continent. We're not responsible for dropped texts, e-mail notifications that get sorted to the junk folder, or the costs associated with receiving text messages. Please note that notification settings can be changed at any time by logging in to your account.

What is your policy on refunds?

We do not offer refunds of any kind. Please make sure you are up for the challenge before signing up. We promise it will be fun. If you need to discuss any other issues, please visit us on the support board.

I’d like to participate with my class/workplace/club/group. Is there a group discount?

We offer group discounts for orders of four or more projects — because getting inspired is way more fun with friends. Please email groups@arthousecoop.com for more information.

When is my book due back to you?

Please postmark your work by January 15th, 2013.

Will you sell my work?

No way!

How do you use images of my sketchbook?

Your work is your work. We will never sell your physical contribution without your express, written permission. We retain the rights to use images of your work in promotional materials and advertising across all formats. We also reserve the rights to publish your work in an exhibition catalog or other Art House publication. We reserve all copyright to any published materials. Please note that digital images may be distributed under a noncommercial Creative Commons license, in order to better share your work and that of other participants with viewers around the world.

I didn't receive my blank sketchbook. How long should I wait?

The mail can be slow. Please note that it may occasionally take up to two weeks to receive a book within the US and up to a month if you live overseas. However, if you do not receive your package within that timeframe, just let us know via our support board and we'll gladly resend your book ASAP.

Any more advice for me?

You bet! Here's a quick rundown of our most common tips:

• Questions? No problem. Please read through this FAQ again and, if you’re still unsure, then visit us on our dedicated support board
• If you didn't complete last year's sketchbook, we cannot accept it for this year's Project. Please sign up for the current project to participate!
• Your book must remain within the dimensions of 5"W x 7"H x 1"D. It can open up to something wonderful (of any size), but it must fold down to the original dimensions. You are welcome to unbind, rebind or alter the book in (almost) any other way. If you want to use a thicker stock of paper, go for it, but please do not make the book larger than 1" thick.
• Your barcode must remain in place on the book – no moving or covering it. An altered or unreadable label means it will prevent your sketchbook from being cataloged in the library.
• You are free and encouraged to alter, design, and work on the cover of the sketchbook!
• The category you choose is a great starting point, but in no way is meant to be a restriction. If you feel limited by it, just loosen up and have fun. It's just a guide!
• Your book must be postmarked by January 15, 2013. However, we will do our best to include books mailed to us after that date.
• We do not offer refunds (including the fee for digitizing) for people who do not finish a sketchbook.
• All orders are final! Please read the rules if you are unsure about signing up.
• We reserve the right to switch sketchbook brands or sizes at any time without notice, or to make changes to the exhibition schedule or other logistical details.

I've got a problem and I swear it isn't covered here. What do I do?

Not to worry! Please visit us on our support board and we'll take care of the issue right away.