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How to Start a Sketchbook

Do you feel like your sketchbook doesn’t express your creativity? Do you find it hard to continue using it? Sometimes it’s good to just start from scratch. Here are some tips.


 

Find a Sketchbook

When it comes to sketchbooks, you can choose anything. There are many kinds of books you can use. It can be really big or pocket-sized. Some are for sketches while others can be used for watercolor paintings. Pick a book you think would work best for your art.






Take Inspiration From Other Artists

Think of your favorite artists. What aspects of their work do you like the most? Write them down on the first page of your sketchbook. If you ever get stuck, look back at this list to regain inspiration. As you continue on your journey, be sure to add any more artists that you like on your list.








List Some Goals

Once you have your sketchbook of choice, write some goals. Think about problems you faced on your last one. Are there any times when you wished you could have improved on something? Have these thoughts in your mind and jot them down. It’s normal to feel bad while thinking about your flaws; encourage yourself for taking that step. Try to change them into achievable, positive objectives that could inspire you during your progress.


Don’t Start on the First Page

You don’t have to start on the first page. It can be a stressful experience and your drawing might not turn out the way you wanted it to. To avoid this all together, you can write other important things, like your contact information. If you have some room left, sketch loose examples of how you want your pages to look. These can give you ideas in case you get an art block later in your journey.










Draw Something Familiar

Even if you didn’t begin on the first page, the following page could be just as daunting. Try drawing your favorite thing to draw. If you have it, reference your previous sketchbook and see what you drew the most.















Try Something New

Of course, you can’t always be in your comfort zone. Starting a new sketchbook means that you have the chance to experiment. Do you typically draw detailed portraits? Try sketching more abstractly. If your art is more on the cartoony side, try drawing realism. Don’t pressure yourself too much; make sure these challenges are fun.


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