Sketchbooks serve many functions for an artist. On the most basic level, they are a great way to keep all your drawings in one place, and the binding keeps them safe from damage. A sketchbook is also a wonderful way to record your progress, and looking back over old work enables you to clearly see how your drawing has developed and helps you to identify areas that need work. Once you are in the habit of keeping a sketchbook, you'll find that it becomes your constant companion, and the way you use it will become highly personal.