The sketching stage is integral to any piece of art – it forms the foundations that everything else balances on. Sketches can often provide interesting insights into the processes and thinking behind the finished piece as well as showing off technique and skill. An artist’s sketchbook is sacred and personal, filled with uncensored thoughts, emotions and unique flourishes that are special to them. The freewheeling excitement in sketches – where artists don’t hold back, don’t over-think, don’t censor – is hard to beat. Imagine getting inside the head of your favourite artists, discovering their inner-most thoughts and visions. That’s exactly what this book – from the makers of ImagineFX magazine – delivers.

You’ll discover the sketchbooks of some of the world’s best fantasy and concept artists. You’ll find out how their great pieces of art began, how they quickly get an idea from their head to paper, what mediums they start their work in, and much more. There’s no limit to what you’ll learn and discover in this inspirational book. Just one small drawing by one of the artists here, just one stroke of a pen, or just one thought that accompanies the sketch could very well set you off on your next great piece. This book is about such captured moments bursting with creativity, straight from the minds of the finest illustrators around the world. Whether made by pencil or stylus, sketches may be loose and generous or precise and economic, but all reveal something about the pure fun of creation.