Sketchbook Ideas

By Ajala Kings

There is nothing more satisfying to look at than a brand new sketchbook. The pristine, unwrinkled pages can make any artist happy. However, the prospect of actually drawing in it can be intimidating. You bought a sketchbook, and you don't want to ruin it. Or, you are struggling with a bad bout of artist's block. Whatever the case, you do not know what to draw in it and you want to. It doesn't have to be this way, however. Not all entries have to be masterpieces to be worthy of being put on a page- they can be quick, messy doodles. After all, a sketchbook is intended for you to express your thoughts freely.

So, what are some good ideas for a sketchbook?

Landscape Studies

Go outside and look all around you. Nature is beautiful, isn't it? An excellent addition to your new sketchbook is a set of landscape studies! Observe what you see and draw it. They don't have to fill the page; you can have many small drawings on a page. This is especially a good idea when traveling since you can most likely find some beautiful scenery to draw. Of course, not all landscape studies have to be extraordinary. A mundane scene outside your school or workplace can work too!

Quick painting of a road in Dunlap

Portraits

Portraits are intimidating. That is a given fact. However, they are good sketchbook material! Go through your camera roll and find a picture of yourself to draw. Ask a friend to sit down for you so you can draw them. Go find photos on the internet and use those as references. Wherever you find your inspiration, they can be good practices in shading or depth. Maybe color if you use colored pencils or paint. If you feel like, stylize them! Portraits are extremely versatile.

A portrait study I did over the summer!

Collages

Just because it's called a sketchbook doesn't mean everything in it has to be a drawing. Find some pictures from a magazine and arrange them in a way that looks good to you, and glue them down onto the page. Or use photos. Add some text and maybe some doodles to it. It's a collage! Collages are a bold and expressive addition to a sketchbook, especially if you are looking for a pop of color or emotion.

By Alessandro Sacchi

Character Design

If you lean towards illustration, character design can be a good way to hone your skills or simply a fun, casual activity. After all, a funny little character moving through the stages of life on your page is very amusing. Or a big scary one. Character design can add a fresh breath of energy and life to your sketchbook.

Corgi I drew over the summer

Line Art

The pen is a powerful tool. The strong contrast between its dark, bold strokes on a sheet of white paper can easily capture the eye or convey strong emotions. If you want something simple, get ahold of a pen and draw something. A flower, a hand, a heart, or an eye? Want a challenge? Try keeping your pen on the page. Focus on the shape of your subject and how you draw your line. Though simple, a line drawing can be beautiful.

By Jen Theodore

This is in no way a comprehensive list of what one can do with a sketchbook. The possibilities are endless! If you still are unsure of what to draw, take a break. It's okay; let the ideas come to you.