Personal sketchbook of cartoonist and illustrator Ian David Marsden
Welcome to my sketchbook and doodle gallery. As an illustrator and cartoonist, I constantly find myself doodling. From the earliest days when I first held a pen, my hands have been ceaselessly engaged in drawing, sketching, and scribbling. Wherever my travels take me – be it on a plane, train, or merely a trip to the local coffee shop – my sketchbook is ever-present by my side. It’s not only a cherished companion but also a sanctuary where I encapsulate my fleeting thoughts and burgeoning ideas. This sketchbook stands as an invaluable asset, granting me the liberty to explore without the constraints of deadlines or client expectations. It’s within these pages that cartoon concepts take form, where I dabble with new techniques, conceive characters, and experiment with varied styles. At times, these sketches blossom into finalized illustrations, while on other occasions, they stay true to their original form as unrefined doodles.
To me, doodling isn’t just a habit; it’s therapeutic. Whenever I find myself grappling with a project or devoid of inspiration, a brief session of doodling often proves to be the catalyst, propelling me past creative impasses and igniting fresh concepts.
Displayed below is an assortment of my doodles and sketches. While some are fleeting captures of a moment, others are elaborate renderings. Through them, I hope to offer you a window into my creative journey and perhaps stir the doodler within you.
For a more frequent rendezvous with my sketches and artistic ventures, I invite you to follow me on social media. And if my style resonates with you or you envisage a bespoke illustration, please reach out.
Click gallery images below to enlarge and open slideshow
The Path
Cat Nap
In the green room
Sketching in cafe while waiting for my train
Sketchbook pages
Writing postcards while waiting for my train
Marcus Aurelius sketch listening to Podcast
Marcus Aurelius sketch listening to Podcast
Marcus Aurelius sketch listening to Podcast
Dip Pen and Ink Doodling
Stüssibrunnen sketch
Stüssibrunnen sketch
Stüssibrunnen sketch
Stüssibrunnen sketch
Lady with a green thumb
Lady with a green thumb
Lady with a green thumb
Doodling travelers at the train station
Digital Pencil Drawing - Restaurant Interior
Market Musician - Digital Pencil and Watercolor
Warmup Doodle
Cigar Aficionado
Cigar Aficionado
Cigar Aficionado
Cigar Aficionado
Janus Pen Sketch
Heart repair
Heart repair
Heart repair
A lovely cup of tea - Pen Doodle
To me, you’re the greatest!
The Moon and the Bird
Pencil Sketches for editorial illustration for Schweizer Land Liebe
Inside the mind
Inside the mind
Inside the mind
Inside the mind
Walkies in the rain - inking and coloring
The captain and his buddy love walkies in the rain
Walkies in the Rain - finished original artwork
Ballpoint pen doodle
Pages of the sketchbook
Pencil Sketch - Pirate arriving in the south of France
Inspecting a mushroom
Everything is better with cheese!
Inspecting a mushroom
Happy Birthday, Mickey Mouse
Happy Birthday, Mickey Mouse
Belmondo avec Moutarde
Pablo & Moka
Pablo & Moka
Pablo & Moka
Pablo & Moka
Splash! What about this one?
Walking my rubber ducky on a rainy day
Inspecting a mushroom
Squawk!
Dog Portrait Commission
Lady Butterfly and Gandalf
Lady Butterfly and Gandalf
Lady Butterfly and Gandalf
Lady Butterfly and Gandalf
The sun and the dove
Edding Wall of Fame
Portrait of my friend Chris P.
Portrait of my friend Chris P.
Oh la Vache! Carnival Sketch
Caricature Portrait from Photograph
Caricature Portrait from Photograph
Caricature Portrait from Photograph
Caricature Portrait from Photograph
TGIF - A toast to the weekend
Artist in St.Germain 1967
Frankenstein's Monster - Ballpoint Pen and wash
Sketchbook and drawing pad mock-up
Funky Band with wild drummer - pen sketch
Funky Band with wild drummer - pen sketch
UFO making quick pit stop
UFO making quick pit stop
UFO making quick pit stop
Biiiig Hug
Boooooooo-K
Reading is so much fun
Tea & Biscuits
Tiger Ballpoint Pen Sketch
Let your mind fly - Pen Doodle
Flower King with his Flower Ring
Great Hair Day
Dip Pen Doodles inspired by lovely book gift
Dip Pen Doodles inspired by lovely book gift
Understanding the universe
Book design with “ Understanding the universe” sketch
Alonzo Pippo the famous ventriloquist
Alonzo Pippo the famous ventriloquist
Don't look behind you
Don't look behind you
The green lion devouring the sun
The Ian David Marsden Sketchbook
Sketchbook and sketch pad mock-up
A list of everything
Night Window Inspiration
Ballpoint Pen Doodle
The wanderer's journey
The wanderer's journey
The Loch Ness loungechair
Ballpoint doodling
Pen doodling in my sketchbook
Pen doodling in my sketchbook
Is this the cave entrance?
Ink Munitions
Doodle in “alex” IKEA instruction booklet
Herding little fuzzy things
Free Doodling listening to music
The perfect cupcake!
Springtime at the local café
Thanks for the visit! Please take my card.
I have an instagram which frequently features current sketches and glimpses into my studio. I invite you to join me there as well.
