Putting Pen To Paper with Jacqui Norman of White On Walls

Our Putting Pen To Paper series, features different individuals & showcases what they use their favourite notebook for. It could be for to-do lists, sketching, design, song writing, illustrations, notes, daily gratitudes & everything in between.

This month we went inside the notebook of Jacqui Norman, the artist (among other things) behind White On Walls.

Occupation?

Technically I'm a Graphic Designer, however in the past couple of years it's become a lot more than that. I'm also an Art Director, a Brand Designer, a Photographer, and now an Artist. I picked up painting again in 2020 as I found myself with more time on my hands, since then it has organically turned into a side business called White On Walls. I love that everyday is so different, it's a great mix!

Plain or Lined paper?

Plain paper feels like a clean slate with no limits so I usually gravitate more towards that. I often go rogue between writing notes or sketching concepts so it gives me the freedom to do both.

When do you put pen to paper?

I'm always looking for a pen to sketch or write something down! I think the idea of handwriting or drawing something comes more naturally to me than jumping on a computer. While in meetings or coming up with concepts, I like being able to get my ideas on paper and into a tangible form as quickly as I can, the AOL notebook is perfect for this. I also love that when I'm sketching a brandmark or artwork idea, there are no other tabs open in that moment for me to get distracted or lose my train of thought.

**What inspired the Pen to Paper in your images?**

In the past year or so we’ve all been spending more time than ever in the digital space. I think it’s shown me how important it is to keep handwriting and sketching ideas in my notebook for those moments of clarity and focus, away from all the screens. I love being able to quickly sketch ideas down before I jump on a computer, to see if they will work. It helps fast track the process and makes sure the concept idea is strong.

What does journaling look like to you/how do you journal?

Journaling for me is usually all about daily task lists, it helps give structure to the day ahead. It's also a great feeling to physically cross all (or just one!) of those tasks off with a pen at the end of the day.