What is Sketchbook B? 

Sketchbook B is the online home for the projects, writing, typefaces and assorted randomness created by designer Bob Wertz.

Who is Bob?

Bob Wertz is a Columbia, South Carolina-based designer, brand manager, researcher husband and dad. As a part-time Ph.D. student at the University of South Carolina’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, my research is focused on media effects and visual communication. I’ve spent many years teaching as an adjunct at South Carolina, but I’ll be taking a (temporary) break from after this semester that to focus on my research and Ph.D. classwork.

In addition to my scholarly research interests, I’m particularly interested in typography, the creative process and the tools we use to create. Since 2008, Sketchbook B has served as a home for all of my random creative projects and blog posts.

Resume / Work Samples / Google Scholar

Where can I find Bob on social media?

Finding a balance with social media is tough for me. I was an early adopter for Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. I need social media to share the things I create and the articles I write and I need to understand trends and issues with social media to incorporate them into my research. But honestly, I believe social media use is not good for mental health.

I’ve pretty much come to the conclusion that Facebook as a company has built an intentionally — and harmfully — addictive platform. I’ve pretty much abandoned Facebook. I still enjoy Instagram, but I’m starting to enjoy it less and less. I’m currently looking for alternatives for sharing photos.

I’ve had issues with Twitter in the past, but they’ve addressed at least some of the issues and I’m still posting on Twitter somewhat regularly. That said, I feel less and less compelled to post anything on social media and am constantly reevaluating what services I use and how much time I spend on them.

What about Bob?

No one ever asks me about that movie. Ever…

What's with all the green?

For most of my career, I've worked for companies whose corporate color is some shade of blue. So when I started Sketchbook B, I wanted to use any color except blue. And since green is my other favorite color, the decision was easy. Bright green has become a bit of a signature for me, spreading to messenger bags, phone cases, watch bands, pens, pencils, notebooks and more.

Where is Sketchbook B hosted?

I’ve hosted Sketchbook B on Squarespace from the beginning. Over the years, I’ve thought of moving to Wordpress or some other platform, but migrating over a decade of posts is challenging (and I’m not keen on deleting my older posts). I don’t see my hosting situation changing anytime soon, but I’m always evaluating alternatives.

Does the fish have a name?

He does not. I designed the fish at the top of the page a while back to use him as artwork for a podcast. The podcast never happened, but I loved the little guy so much that I decided to put him at the top of the page. I recently redrew him on my iPad with Affinity Designer and created a bunch of variations with different facial expressions and eye movements.

Questions or comments?

If you have questions about the projects here, fill out the contact form or reach out to me on Twitter – @sketchbookb.