After many years and lots of hard work I’ve sort of learnt to deal with the gene that makes me attracted to shiny things.
Up to just a few years ago I would get up early and walk towards the rising sun on some formidable quest, only to stop after just a few minutes and set off after something more interesting, like, you know, wine tasting classes, or folk guitar lessons because it’s cool, or something like that.

I’m much more resolute now and I seldom start something if I haven’t finished what’s on top of the list first.
The internet, however, has the same effect on my resolve that a cloud of delightful cigarette smoke has on someone who’s trying to quit.
Have you any idea of how many shiny things are available on the internet?
I’m not just talking about all the useful and highly appreciated advice brought to you by Amazon and friends every time you login to buy something you really need.
I’m talking about REALLY cool things.

Like, you know, *The Amazing Sketchbook Project*, which I discovered this morning reading Roberta Baird‘s blog, who by the way is an illustrator I like lots.
So, on top of everything else I’m already doing, here’s what this project is about:

Each artist is sent the same blank Moleskine sketchbook. We’ve only got two rules: first, the book must be used in some way – no sending us back an empty book or a completely different book! Second, the sketchbook must stay within its original dimensions (because we don’t want to have to provide an extra suitcase just for your book while we’re touring the country).
Each book will be given a barcode so we can easily catalog it into The Brooklyn Art Library system. Once we catalog it, artists will be able to track where on the tour their book is viewed and how many times someone pulled it from the shelf – we want to make sure you can stay connected with your sketchbook!

I picked Dirigibles and Submersibles as a theme, the coolest thing on the planet apart from Spaceships and Zombie Vampire Steampunk Aliens From Space (not on the list unfortunately, someone must have picked it up first).
It’s perfect for me anyway, first because I – like everyone – love zeppelins, second because the next storybook I had in mind would have a submarine in it, so there.

The deadline for sketchbook submission is the 15th of January.
If I don’t succeed in filling in all the pages with scribbles within the set date I’ll still have a really good looking sketchbook to keep, and lots of concepts to use.
Too bad for the other projects who went back a place in the queue (like Mirror’s Edge for iPhone, king of the toilette sessions).