5 Amazing Ways to Fill Your Sketchbook
A sketchbook is every artist’s most reliable companion. It captures your inner thoughts through drawings, doodles, paintings, and writings. Many artists regularly fill the pages of sketchbooks with random things, like detailed busts and haikus. Some put in extra effort that their sketchbooks look like art galleries. The beauty of these things is the absence of expectations because you can do whatever you want with each page.
But sometimes, we stare at a black page for hours, wondering what to do next. Don’t worry because everyone experiences that. To help you set off the creative juices, here are some ways to fill your sketchbook:
1. EVERYDAY SNIPPETS
Instead of going for the big picture, try to capture small details. By doing this, you can avoid getting overwhelmed. It can also give you an idea of what to draw next.
Fill a page of snippets of your day, such as your morning view or your lunch. These can be random around your house, on public transport, or in the office. All of these will slowly build an amusing visual story. Just make sure to invest in a high-quality sketchbook that you can take anywhere.
2. FOCUS ON THE DETAILS
Drawing an entire scene can be daunting. Approach it gently by starting with a small part of the scene. For example, instead of drawing an expansive park, begin with a detailed work of the benches. Tackle the details first to obtain some confidence.
Doodling, drawing, and painting mindlessly can also help clear your headspace and ease stress and anxiety.
Shane Perry, CEO of Max Funding, encourages his colleagues to engage in art therapy. He says, “Art is a relaxing activity. It doesn’t matter if you’re into sketching, painting, sculpting, or collages. The most important thing is that you have an outlet for your worries, fears, sadness, anger, and frustration. Art also gives you a sense of control and accomplishment.”
3. DON’T OVERTHINK
Always remember that the sketchbook is a container of free-flowing creativity. There are no rules, no criteria, and no spectators. You can fill it with daily snippets and little thoughts you’ve had throughout the day. These ordinary things are just as meaningful as well-thought artwork because they are derived from your personal experiences.
4. MAKE IT A REGULAR HABIT
If you’re not on deadline, draw first before proceeding with your task. Get your tools and paint all the ingredients before cooking. Sit at the kitchen table, and sketch the dishware before washing them. Write about what a lovely evening you had or the jokes told over dinner. So, always bring a pocket sketchbook with an elastic enclosure with you because you don’t know when an interesting scene will happen.
5. YOUR SKETCHBOOK IS PRECIOUS---BUT SO MUCH
As artists, we tend to be very protective about our shiny sketchbook. Usually, we want it to look presentable even after we’ve filled it up. For this reason, we hesitate to start anything because we’re afraid to mess up.
Remember that even the most remarkable artists ever lived had ragged sketchbooks! If you don’t like a drawing, just use the next page! You’ll miss out on the true joy of doing art if you always try to preserve the sketchbook.
Are you looking for an all-around sketchbook that’s suitable for all mediums? Illo Sketchbooks are available in regular and pocket sizes. Visit our store to browse your options!
Written by: Eliza Webb