Time for some sketching fun
My best tips and tricks to start a sketchbook practise and have fun with it.
About 5 years ago I started a sketchbook and doodled on and off in it. A few years later I bought an iPad and an Apple Pencil and got back into the groove of creating on a regular basis. At the moment I am back to exploring with markers and color pencils in my various sketchbooks. The longer I work in the sketchbooks , the less pressure I feel about making each page look pretty. I have let go and enjoy exploring new techniques, fun color combination or art supplies.
I put together a few helpful tips to get started with a regular sketchbook practice. You can download the PDF here.
Keeping a sketchbook has helped me not only loosen up but also look back and see how I have improved. It has been a vital part of developing my style. I am really passionate about keeping a sketchbook. October is the best month to start because there are a lot of amazing drawing challenges out there.
Inktober – a daily prompt
Inktober was started by Jake Parker in 2009 to improve his inking skills and develop positive drawing habits. Thousands of artists take part every year and create amazing art. Choose the medium you would like to play with (it doesn’t have to be ink) and just get started.
Theydrawtober – a mix of food and garden
If you are looking for something a bit less challenging, check out the prompt list Salli and Nate from They Draw just released on Instagram. I will be doing this one because it really sounds like fun and you have 3 days for each prompt. This way I can create my piece according to my schedule and am not pressured to come up with something every day.
Facetober – practising portraits
For those of you who want to get a bit better at drawing faces, the “Facetober” Challenge from Charlie Clemens is for you. Click on this link to download the prompts and even some free brushes for Procrate!
Little pep-talk about comparison
It can feel overwhelming scrolling through the things people are posting. Please do not get discouraged if you are not happy with what you draw. The only way to get better is by practising. I believe that having fun and exploring regularly in your sketchbook is the only way to grow naturally. The more you create, the sooner you will develop and evolve your style.
Just have fun!
