Sketchbooks are key to continuity in developing your visual understanding. It is an opportunity to experiment broadly with a wide range of media, methods and subjects. Regular observational studies are paramount in maintaining and developing your visual ability as well as generating ideas.
You should not spend a long time on a sketchbook study: it should be seen as place to sketch, make notes and experiments and not be afraid to make 'mistakes'. It is also an ideal place to record artists and designers you have discovered by making notes and studies of their work.
You should aim to work in them at least 5 minutes everyday to really build your visual and contextual understanding.
