Every place has a story

I started sketching as a hobby and a creative outlet. I quickly realized that one of the things I enjoyed most was watching things come to life on a piece of paper. Capturing a place in time is like capturing a memory, and every place has a story behind it. Maybe that story is personal: a first date, a wedding, a vacation, or a home that is filled with memories.

Sketching Memories for Friends

After a bit, my friends started asking me to sketch some special places in their lives. The first request came from one twin sibling wanting to surprise the other for Christmas. She wanted to capture their awesome summer in Chicago—the first time they grabbed a beer together and all the unforgettable memories they were making. The Northman is this cool spot right on the Chicago riverfront, perfect for summer walks, enjoying a beer, and grabbing a classic Chicago-style hot dog!

Bringing Places to Life

So, I started mulling over this idea—that every place has its own unique story to tell. It got me thinking: what if I created a website where people could request a sketch of a place that holds special meaning for them? And not just that! I wanted to create a space where people could learn, and find inspiration, from the stories behind other places. So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work on it!

Right after I launched the site, a buddy of mine asked me if I could sketch one of his favorite spring break memories. He and his family had a blast at the Rod & Reel Pier on Anna Maria Island one year, celebrating an MSU win over Duke with friends (Go Green!), family, some cold beers, and awesome fishing off the pier. When I heard that the Rod & Reel Pier got wiped out by a hurricane, I immediately wanted to capture it on paper.

He loved the sketch. And for me, the process of learning his story, and researching the Rod & Reel convinced me that I was on to something. Capturing a place in a sketch is literally capturing a story or memory on paper forever.

Spreading the Stories

The next two requests came from people inspired by other sketches. They really liked some of sketches they saw on the site, and it reminded them of something in their life that they wanted to capture—a meaningful place that was more about the memory than the place itself.

What is a Yooper? If you aren’t from Michigan, you probably don’t know, but a Yooper is what we affectionately refer to people who live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Nostalgia runs deep in Yoopers, and I had two requests from a couple of native Yoopers. One was the iconic lighthouse in Marquette, Michigan, and the other was the MSU Chapel on the beautiful campus of Michigan State University.

As a fellow Spartan, I loved sketching the chapel and finding out that my friends tied the knot there on the 45th anniversary of this iconic chapel. It was also really cool to hear why the lighthouse in Marquette held such a special place in another friend's heart, which inspired me to make her sketch extra meaningful.

The Blog

Since the launch in March, I’ve taken dozens of requests and learned some amazing stories. I want to feature those sketches and the stories behind the places. The best way I can do this is through this blog. I’ll share the sketch and the story that inspired the request as a way to memorialize them and hopefully inspire others to make a request.

My goal is to build a collection of memories through my sketches. I want to share the stories behind different places and maybe even help you capture a spot that holds a special meaning for you. Don't forget to check out the latest stories, and if you're interested in getting your own sketch, just hit the link below to get started! Every place has its own story to tell!

Custom Sketch Requests

Thanks for checking this out! I really appreciate it. Feel free to reach out with any requests you have!

Scott Norman