Our Best Tips For Sketching Every Single Day For 30 Days Or More

By Nicole Tinkham

We hear from artists all the time who have gorgeous sketchbooks with little to no actual sketches in them. The reason? It’s the lack of time and motivation to keep up with the daily sketching habit. It’s really a shame but we completely understand how easy it is to fall behind on your sketching goals. We see the same exact thing happen when it comes to a healthy diet, exercise, reading, or any other daily task. It works great if you’re consistent but as soon as something interrupts that consistency (like a vacation or family emergency) and you miss a few days, it’s so incredibly difficult to get back on track. We don’t want you to give up or let that beautiful sketchbook collect dust though. So here are our best tips for sketching every single day for 30 days or more.

1.    Get a sketchbook you love.

Of course, this is only the beginning. Just because you have a killer sketchbook doesn’t mean you’ll actually use it. But it does help with the initial motivation. Be sure to pick a size and style that works best for you. Spend a little extra money on something nice that means a lot to you.

2.    Set your goals.

Will you take on a 30 day sketchbook challenge? Maybe a 365 day challenge? Determine what your goal is before you get started. If you need help coming up with daily ideas, just Google “sketchbook challenge” or “drawing challenge” for prompt ideas. Have your start date planned out and be sure you are ready to go.

3.    Set aside time to sketch.

Let’s be realistic, many people don’t have an hour or more of focused time every single day where they can sketch. Maybe you have a full time job, a family, or other art projects to work on. That’s totally fine. What you can do is think about how you can work in mini sketch sessions throughout your day. It could be while waiting at the doctor’s office or on the bus. There is nothing wrong with a quick sketch. You can always spend more time on your sketchbook during those less busy days.

4.    Bring your sketchbook everywhere with you.

You have got to start bringing your sketchbook with you everywhere you go. You just never know when you’ll have a little downtime or when a creative idea strikes. Start by carrying it around with you from room to room in your house so you’re used to carrying it. Eventually you’ll feel lost without it and that’s the feeling you want.

5.    Form an accountability group.

It’s great to make a promise to yourself that you’ll sketch for 30 days or more but if you miss days and fall off track, no one will be there pushing you to continue. We’ve found that checking in with someone else (a friend or a group of people) is helpful in staying motivated. You could form an online group or a group of local friends to take on the challenge with you. Be sure to check in with them often and help each other stay on track.

6.    Keep learning.

Always look forward to the next sketch you’ll be doing. Think about certain techniques you want to learn and focus on them until you feel comfortable with your skills. This will keep you coming back for more because it eliminates the boredom and challenges you. For example, if you’re struggle with drawing hands you may want to do some research and watch some videos first. But then you can practice the new techniques learned.

7.    Do something different.

Switching up your medium, adding some color, exploring a new location or focusing on a different subject will also keep you from getting bored and giving up. Always keep it interesting!

8.    Give yourself time to form the habit.

Forming any new habit takes about 2-3 weeks of consistency. This being said, it may not come naturally for you to pick up your sketchbook in the beginning. Set a little reminder for yourself every day until you are able to get your daily sketch done without thinking about it. You can also replace another habit with sketching. Maybe instead of watching TV after dinner, you use that time to sketch.

9.    Celebrate often.

You don’t have to complete 30 days or more of sketching to celebrate your accomplishments. Every single day you open up your sketchbook is a huge win! Celebrate daily and be proud of what you are achieving. That kind of recognition is what will keep you going for the long haul.

10.    Don’t strive for perfection.

The whole point of daily sketching is to improve your skills. Of course you won’t be perfect from the start and if you are, you aren’t challenging yourself. This is your personal sketchbook. No one else has to see it. Get rid of that fear of imperfection and just do it!

The very last thing we want to leave you with here when talking about our best tips for sketching every single day for 30 days or more is just to have fun with it. Don’t overcomplicate things, just get creative whenever you can and put that sketchbook to use. We know any new habit is difficult but it will be so worth it when you grow and improve in your artwork and really every area of your life. Once you pick up one good habit, you’re more likely to get involved in more habits and goals. Keep up the great work on your sketchbook challenge and please let us know how it’s going over on our Facebook page. We can’t wait to see those sketches!

5 Surprising Things That Make A Sketch Great So You Can Proudly Show Off Your Sketchbook

By Nicole Tinkham

Have you ever looked at another artist’s sketchbook thinking they make it look so easy when yours always seem to be a struggle? Why is that? Often times when we compare ourselves to others, we walk away feeling defeated and ready to throw in the towel. “Is this whole art thing even worth it”, you ask yourself. Ok, time to take a deep breath and just STOP for a moment.  It’s completely normal for you to feel this way. Thinking you’re the only one who has their setbacks is ludicrous. This is exactly why we need a community of artists who aim to spur each other on. If you’re looking for ways to develop a sketchbook that you can show off with pride, read on to find out things that make a sketch great- the answers may surprise you!

Let’s start with the definition of what a sketch actually is just so we’re all on the same page.

Sketch
skeCH/
noun

noun: sketch; plural noun: sketches

1.    a rough or unfinished drawing or painting, often made to assist in making a more finished picture.

“a charcoal sketch”
synonyms:    (preliminary) drawing, outline;

We wanted to first make that clear because so many artists beat themselves up over simple sketches when really, sketches are meant to be rough and unfinished! While they don’t have to be perfect, there are a few specific qualities that make good sketches good (in our opinion, anyway). Read on for what those 5 qualities are and how working on them can improve your sketchbook.

1.    CREATIVITY!!

In any piece of artwork, the main thing that catches the viewer’s eye is how creative it is. When people see a bunch of the same things over and over again it becomes dull and they don’t think twice about it. But the more creative a piece is, it stands out and causes people to stop and notice. This works with paintings, sculptures, photography, digital art, and anything else you’re creating. Good artwork can often be subjective but one thing we can pretty much all agree on is that it must be creative.

2.    Perspective

Perspective is such a tough thing to master and we know many artists who struggle with it. Unfortunately, if the perspective is off even by a little bit the entire sketch looks a little strange. Take the time to learn and practice perspective to strengthen your skills.

3.    Emotion

When you sit down to sketch, your feelings and emotions show through in your work. If you’re just doing it to say you got it done, people will notice. There will be a lack of enthusiasm in your line work. But put passion into it and your sketch will jump off the page. It’s the same thing when talking to someone else about your artwork. Your confidence and excitement is all in your tone.

4.    Roughness

Your sketches should not be perfect. That is not the point of a sketch! They should be loose, rough, and quick. We love sketches for one simple reason; we can see the way the artist thinks and works through the piece all within the lines. Your sketch lines are the most important part so don’t go erasing all of them. Be confident with the lines you put down. When you’re unsure, that also shows through in your lines. Be loose, have fun, and don’t stress out over whether or not your sketches are any good.

5.    Progress

Sketching is all about learning and improving. Most often the point of looking through old sketchbooks is to see that progress. To see how far you’ve come between the very first pages to the end of the book. You’ll go through a lot as an artist, many difficult times, struggles and failures. Use your sketchbook as a way to share the journey with others. We’re all at different points so you really can’t compare your sketch to another artist’s. Focus on your own journey and you’ll discover that your sketches are more incredible than you gave yourself credit for.

You may not be where you want to be in this creative journey of yours but you are getting there. When it comes to your sketches, or any type of artwork you do, keep learning and practicing. Come up with some super fun and creative ideas, work on your perspective (take a class if you need to!), put emotion into your work, get your line work on point with a nice flow, and track your progress along the way. You too can have amazing sketches in a sketchbook you love showing off.

7 Ways To Make More Time For Art

By Nicole Tinkham

Are there ever enough hours in the day? Chances are, you either work all day long with little time to get anything done once you get home, or you’re retired with even more work to do around the house. The work just never seems to end! One thing our artist friends have been saying they wish they had more of is time for their art. So instead of wanting the best art supplies out there (which would also be nice) they just want more time to create. Unfortunately, time is something we’re unable to give away. But we can help you work a little smarter and prioritize your time. Here are 7 ways to make more time for art and how to get started today. Grab a pen, paper, and your calendar because we’ll be taking action right away!

1.    Make it a priority

What you care most about comes first in your life, right? Maybe your full-time job comes first at the moment because that’s how you pay for important things like art supplies. Your family is probably also high on the priority list. That makes sense. But what are your priorities other than work and family? What do you do on your down time (when you’re able to get some)? We know it feels like you don’t have much spare time but there has to be some time leftover in the day. If what goes on your priority list gets done, why not put art on that list? It doesn’t matter if you have time for it or not. If it’s important to you, you’ll make time for it

Do this now: Grab your notebook and write down your top priorities, including art. Now organize your list by most important. See where art falls on that list and it’ll tell you how much of your time you should be dedicating to it.

2.    Schedule it!

Once you’ve made art a priority and you’re dedicated to making more time for it in your life, it’s time to schedule it. Don’t just say you’ll make time for it in the imaginary calendar in your head. Actually write it down on a calendar or in your phone. Act as if it’s an important business meeting you must attend. Remember, it IS important. It’s on your priority list!

Do this now: Grab a calendar, planner, or even a blank notebook. Plan when you’ll work on your art this week and how long you’ll work on it. Even if it’s only 2 hours a week, plan it out! And make sure not to schedule anything else in those time frames.

3.    Bring an art journal with you everywhere

One of our favorite things to do is squeeze in some art every chance we get. This may mean doing a quick sketch while on the bus or waiting in the doctor’s office. If you can’t fit blocks of creative time into your busy schedule, fit it in wherever you can. All it takes is a few minutes to draw a doodle, sketch, or jot down some ideas. But those few minutes add up to a lot of practice time!

Do this now: Invest in a small sketchbook and quality pens/pencils that you can take on the go. Finding a sketchbook that’s easy to carry around with you is key. Too bulky, and you’ll simply leave it at home.

4.    Attend an art workshop

There’s a magical thing that happens when you COMMIT to something (and pay for it). You actually do it! If you sign up for an art workshop, most likely you’ll pay ahead of time to save your spot, invite a friend to join you, write it down in your calendar, buy all the supplies needed for it, and mentally prepare yourself for that day. You are expected to attend the event and you will end up doing everything in your power to make it happen.

Do this now: Check out our list of art workshops on The Artist’s Corner and commit to one today! (Give us a call at 941-747-2995 to sign up)

5.    Make artsy friends

The people you surround yourself with will shape your habits. You’ll start to pick certain things up from them. So if you spend time with some artsy people, you’ll be more likely to spend more time doing art since that’s what they do. Plus, artsy friends are just more fun to hang out with 🙂

Do this now: Check out your local art clubs, events, meet ups, and groups. Start going to these things and meet new people. Then plan to do art together! It can be nerve-wracking meeting new people but keep an open mind. We’re sure you’ll find someone who you connect with.

6.    What can you do without?

You’re busy, we get it. We also get that life gets the best of us sometimes. There are days when you can’t think of anything better than coming home and watching your favorite TV show. But let’s go back to our priorities for a moment. Is TV time high on your list? If it’s not, replace that TV show with art. Stop and think, what can you do without?

Do this now: Grab your pen and paper again and now make a list of things you can eliminate from your life. Do you spend too much time on Facebook? Too much time glued to the TV? These could be your new times to create. Always remember your priorities when taking things out of your schedule and consider what’s most important to you.

7.    Set deadlines and goals

Maybe you just create for yourself for fun and that’s perfectly fine. Even if you don’t have set deadlines for your art projects, set them for yourself anyway. This will drive you to work on your art more often in order to reach your deadline. Always look at the big picture. Think about what you want to accomplish in the next year and set your deadlines accordingly.

Do this now: Write down a big goal you have for yourself this year. Break that goal down into smaller more achievable tasks and put those in your calendar. Next step is actually taking action on them!

Time is something totally out of our control. It ticks away whether we’re ready for it or not. There’s no pause button or chance to slow down. But one thing you can control is how you spend your time. Are you spending time doing something you’re passionate about? Are your priorities in line? Take some time over the next few days and ask yourself if you’re truly happy. Do you get excited every morning when your alarm rings or are you dreading all the stuff you have to get done? We strongly believe that by adding just a little bit of art into your busy schedule can make a huge difference in your life. Implement these 7 ways to make more time for art and let us know if these tips are helpful. COMMENT below with how this is helping you!

23 Sketching tips for the beginner

By Nicole Tinkham

As a beginner artist, you most likely know two things are sure: 1) If you want to get better at your art, you’ll have to practice often AND, 2) you should keep a sketchbook handy. To improve and grow as an artist you’ll have to be all in. You’ll need to start taking your art seriously. If you make one commitment today to better your art, make it to sketch DAILY. If you’ve purchased a brand new sketchbook before, you know there’s no better rush of excitement than opening it up to the first page. But don’t stop there. Filling that first page in can set the pace for where the rest of the sketchbook will go. So, where in the world do you start? Our best piece of advice is to just get started. And we have a list of 23 sketching tips to help you do just that. Note: These tips will cover a little bit of everything from choosing the right pencil to shading techniques. Let’s begin!
1.    Always start with the basic shapes. Draw these in lightly and add in more details as you go.

2.    Avoid smudging by placing a sheet of paper under your hand when shading. Right-handed artists should shade from left to right and left-handed artists should do the opposite.

3.    Don’t use your finger to blend! The oils from your skin will end up on your project and they can make taking away graphite in these areas difficult.

4.    Instead, use a blending stick to blend the graphite. Use a small circular motion for even blending. This will give it a more natural look.

5.    When shading, work from light to dark. Otherwise, the dark graphite could get stuck on your blending stick and mixed in with your lighter areas.

6.    Add some texture by using different mediums in your sketch like watercolor pencils. You can add water on parts and leave other parts dry.

7.    Use “H” (harder) pencils for lighter lines and “B” (softer) pencils for a darker line. More on pencil lead options here.

8.    Get a very soft look by scribbling on a scrap piece of paper with your pencil. You can then pick up the graphite with your blending stick and transfer it to your project. This way you won’t get those pencils lines in your sketch.

9.    Choose a paper with a “tooth” for added texture.

10.    The closer you hold your hand to the end (lead end) of the pencil, the more control you have.

11.    Use a photo as your reference. The nice thing about photographs is your object won’t move and the lighting won’t shift on you.

12.    Vary your line widths for a more interesting drawing.

13.    Use cross-hatching or stippling to shade for a different and unique look.

14.    Practice every single day! Whatever you’re struggling with, just keep sketching it out and you will get better.

15.    When creating 3D objects, you’ll have three different tones to pay attention to: highlights, shadows, and mid-tones. Your highlight area will be the part directly facing the light. Shadows are the area facing away from the light and mid-tones are the other area (not directly facing the light source and not directly away from the light source).

16.    When choosing a reference photo, make sure there are both light and dark areas.

17.    To achieve accurate proportion (especially when working on a portrait) use the grid system. Lay a grid over your reference photo and lightly draw a grid on your drawing paper to scale.

18.    Practice blind sketching. This is a fun technique that loosens up your drawings, like a drawing warm up. Basically, you’re drawing the subject without looking down at your sketchbook. This is just a fun way to get those creative juices flowing.

19.    Carry a sketchbook with you everywhere you go. Observe and sketch often!

20.    Draw what you see. Pay close attention to your subject matter. Really look at shapes and shadows.

21.    Always keep your outlines light. Real life objects don’t have dark lines running along the edges. However, if you’re drawing in a cartoon style, this tip doesn’t apply.

22.    Choose which details to include and which ones to leave out. It’s not necessary to include every single detail in the leaves of a tree. Think about what’s aesthetically pleasing and decide what can be left out.

23.    Add color! Bring in some colored pencils, pastels, or even watercolor paint to your work to add some color.

We stressed in the beginning of this blog that these tips are meant for the beginner but actually, any artist regardless of their experience can use them. Print this post out and save it. These are excellent tips to look back on when you’re struggling or have artists’ block.

As with many of our other posts, we’re always adding and changing it based on what our fans have to say. If you have a killer sketching tip you want to see on the list, leave a COMMENT below and we’ll add it. Do you think we can reach 100 tips on this post??