I was asked this question by email and thought I would share my thoughts :
Do you think consciously about what you draw or does it happen in a natural way ?
I find that the ideas can be generated at the most inconvenient times. Usually when I am preoccupied on something else I find that my mind wanders and a gag is built up and springs out at you, from where you desperately try and write it down on anything available. I used to have a special book for which I would doodle and draw ideas in. The problem I found was that I never drew or wrote notes in it. I think because I had it set in mind that if I were to come up with a great idea, I would limit myself to writing it down only in that book. Which meant if I was no where near the book I would wait until I could get to it. Which meant the gag was lost. So subconsciously I was telling myself that I was only allowed to write in this book, nowhere else. I soon realised that creativity hits you whenever and wherever and you should get it down on paper no matter what. So now I have a folder where I can at least collect all these ideas that have been written down on paper napkins, towels, serviettes, table cloths and the like.
Can I recommend the moleskine journal as an alternative.I have the same trouble with my creative writing as it seems you do with your creative cartooning and gagging (as it were). The moleskine is unlined, beautifully bound and fits into most bags. Worth finding!
A moleskin journal ? is that a brand or the way it is made ? you got me curious now, where did you get it ?
Moleskines are just the best journals. The paper is of such a quality that inks don't bleed when you write on them. Link - http://www.moleskine.com/eng/default.htm. Most high quality stationers should stock them; apparently the art gallery here sells them - but I dunno about Sydney. The other good thing about them is that they have a little concertina section at the back where you can store all your little napkins and jotted-on receipts for future reference. Highly recommended.