In a multitude of anime set in school settings without any visible plot, Sketchbook simply does not do enough to differentiate itself from the mixture. Activities that consist of "plot" are too dull to constitute a call to attention. Apparent the art club supervisor (vicariously through the staff) is too cheap to take these kids anywhere, so the boring lifeless school is constantly the backdrop. What could be exciting sketching excursions are dulled thanks to this never-ending scenery. This is further backed up when we get snippets in which the various cats that appear throughout the series have their own stories. As they wander about town and interact, it is far more exciting than watching the actual main characters.
This is mostly because the cats at least have some passion for life. Main character Sora might as well be a stick in the background. Though there are attempts to give her personality some needed quirkiness, none of these efforts do anything to make her more interesting. Moreso, she is pracitcally mute for the duration of the series, communicating with people she knows entirely through her sketchbook. This is cute for about one episode, maybe two, and then you realize this is who you're going to follow around for 10 more episodes. Her friends don't help much either. One has a personality relegated to talking through and with puppets, and the other is just as bland as Sora. A multitiude of other supporting characters, including the criminally underused Kate, show up on occasion but none are ever developed so really everyone in this show is ultimately a waste of any possible potential.
The animation likewise does not fit the serene idea this series is trying to convey. It is simply too angular and broad to give an idea of tranquility. In addition, character designs are often too cartoonish to be taken seriously. We're talking characters who look like they're in a permanent SD reaction. It's not only distracting but also annoying.
Though a lot of talented seiyuu worked on this, it really feels like a waste of their efforts. No one shines or does anything remotely of interest with the rare and thankful exception of Kate, as performed by Yuko Goto, who is pitch-perfect in a delivery that sounds identical to an actual North American person trying to speak Japanese properly. The OST is nothing to scream about either. Ocean sounds are more interesting than the dull and lifeless BGM. Yui Makino did provide a decent ED song though.
In summary, a slice-of-life show cannot support itself without interesting characters or an interesting setting. If you don't have one, the other, or both, you are left with a show about nothing that has no reason to be. Sketchbook is such a show. Personally, I greatly enjoy the subgenre so I could stand it, but I cannot forgive it. Though it is somewhat saved by the cats and Kate, there's far better of it out there than this. Pass if you can.
Overall, Sketchbook gets a 5/10.
