Introduction
Sketchbooks.org has been around for almost 20 years!
When I say ‘Us’ I mean ‘Me’, Jason Pogo + Sketchbooks.org + its Members. This has been a background hobby project for nearly 20 years. Here’s the story. After school, I worked my first job, then left to travel while exploring web development. I had a background in art and design, but the digital space intrigued me—I taught myself PHP, HTML, and Flash, eventually renting a managed server to host multiple domains for myself and for friends.
Running my own server allowed me to experiment with different projects, including community sites and personal portfolios. I built Flash-based websites, developed a custom music player (Internetmusicplayer.com), and created platforms like photographii.com, panography.org and others for my travel sketches, photography, and design work.
The Evolution of Sketchbooks.org
Building the Platform
At first, I relied on free PHP gallery systems like Folderblog, later designing my own Flash-based versions. Eventually, ZenPhoto made things easier, and I used it to launch Sketchbooks.org—a site where artists could showcase their work in a quiet, curated space.
Growth was slow but steady. Members trickled in from around the world, and without extensive promotion, the platform gained traction organically.
Security Challenges and a Temporary Shutdown
As Sketchbooks.org expanded, security issues became a problem. Hacks forced me into recovery mode multiple times, but my top-level programming knowledge wasn’t enough to fully secure the site. Eventually, the challenges became overwhelming, and I had to take it offline.
For years, I focused on my career, working as an animation director while Sketchbooks.org remained dormant.
Returning to Web Development
Finding a New Approach
I wasn’t sure if I could return to website development after a stroke in 2016 left my mind and body different than before. Lots of brain fog and other symptoms that make a lot of normal things impossible now. Then AI emerged as an invaluable tool, allowing me to structure my ideas, refine compositions, and execute programming projects with guided precision.
Relaunching Sketchbooks.org
Today, the site runs on my own custom-built code—developed from the ground up. I leverage Open Source Libraries when possible; like Photoswipe.js for the gallery / images display and Fabric.js for the drawing app canvas and games development. It has all the basics, though there’s still lots of room for improvement. Sketchbooks is looking for programmers interested in the Arts, to volunteer to help make this site better. PHP, JS, AJAX, CSS etc.
Looking Ahead
Expanding the Community
To take Sketchbooks.org further, collaboration is key. A fullstack developer could help refine the backend, but beyond technical support, I’d love to bring in Sketchbook artists, writers, and travelers to share their stories and processes or become an Editor of our articles, putting a shine on the info provided here.
Final Thoughts
Sketchbooks.org remains an evolving creative hub. Despite challenges, the vision continues to grow. If you’d like to contribute, collaborate, or help shape its future, drop me a line—I’d love to hear from you.
Sketchbooks.org | THE CREATIVE PROCESS
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