What makes a good sketchbook?

Lightweight bond paper, a familiar smooth, crisp stock, is great for general sketching with pencil, pen, colored pencil and marker. Wet media like watercolor and heavier marker sketches will work better on heavier paper.

Is SketchBook no longer free?

Originally developed as commercial software, it evolved into a subscription model before eventually being made freeware for personal use. In 2021, Sketchbook Pro, the desktop version of the app available on Microsoft Windows and macOS, became a paid software available through the Microsoft Store and Mac App Store .

What should I draw first in my sketchbook?

You might practise some calligraphy on that first page, your name, the dates of your sketchbook, a favourite quote you have read during the period of time you sketched, a photograph, or even a cut out of a sketch or insert that sets the tone or themes of your sketchbook.

Is A4 or A5 sketchbook better?

I find that an A5 sketchbook is a good general size for everyday use – if you sketch across the fold you can create work which is A4 in size. A smaller sketchbook (A6) is great to put in your pocket and use for quick sketches during in-between moments.

Is a sketchbook a good gift?

A classic and thoughtful gift for teenage artists is a quality sketchbook . Young artists often spend all afternoon sketching or doodling. They can take their sketchbook anywhere with them and will have plenty of space for their creations.

How do I spice up my sketchbook?

Overlapping, borders and sticky notes You can also add more than one drawing on a page and let them overlap. If you've got several sketches on one page you can draw a border around each of your sketches. Then fill the space between them with black or a color. That makes each sketch stand out.

How can I make my drawings more creative?

Hop into a new art supplies shop and find some completely new art materials to spark inspiration. Take the pressure off drawing and try another creative pursuit, like sculpting, writing, playing guitar or piano… Try something really different, like a baking class.

How do you make a boring drawing interesting?

Use The Power of Color Great color application can make any subject more exciting to look at. Matching the natural color of your subject is not the only option.

5 Ways to Spruce Up Your Sketchbook | Sketchbook Skool (2024)

TipsAdviceInspiration

Tips: 5 Ways to Spruce Up Your Sketchbook

By

Sketchbook Skool

2 mins read

Even though some of us are still cursing the snow outside our windows, the spring season is officially here! In addition to fresh starts and spring cleaning, the pages of your sketchbook can be a great place to infuse a little life or try something new.

Below are five tips for spicing up your daily drawing habit:

1. Text

You probably already spend time writing in your sketchbook or labeling drawings but have you ever tried playing with words from somewhere else? Whether you tear a page out of an old magazine or use something quotable that’s been printed on another material, adding text can enhance your subjects or serve as a fun and interesting background to whatever is in front of you.

2. Collage

The word literally means “to glue.” In this case, it can be text as mentioned above, or images taken from somewhere else. Incorporate a favorite photograph in a drawing or let a found image be the starting point for your composition. See where someone else’s image leads you in your own drawing. You can even use collage to incorporate ephemera from a certain day or adventure like ticket stubs or receipts.

3. Framing

Play with framing by adding borders to your page before you begin your drawing. Let these lines serve as limits to your drawing and see how you can work with them. Create your borders in a different medium or try a new material like washi tape to play with boundaries on your page.

4. Challenge!

Do you find yourself searching for assignments or things to draw in between classes? If our weekly email assignments aren’t enough, try an art challenge led by artists online including some of our stellar fakulty. If you use social media, you can find art challenges periodically posted by students in our closed Facebook group. If you want more guidance and structure, you can check out some titles like Veronica Lawlor’s One Drawing a Day.

5. Rework

Do you have a drawing that you really don’t like? Maybe there is a page in another sketchbook of yours that you avoid like the plague. Take something old and rework it. Whether that means hacking it apart and reassembling or tearing out a piece of it and using that as a starting point on a new page, breathe new life into a drawing you gave up on a while ago. If you’re happy with everything in your sketchbooks as is, then try taking an uncommon material and working that into a drawing surface!

Give one of these a try if your sketchbook needs a boost. Even if a technique doesn’t stick or you are unhappy with a result, the process will have you looking at your next page in a new way!

2 mins

Stay up to date with the latest news from Sketchbook Skool!

Did you enjoy this blog post?

It helps us a lot if you share it!

How to Start

I could start with a humorous anecdote, maybe something self-deprecating —I’ve been doing a fair amount of that sort of self-flagellation lately. Maybe about the time I fell asleep in the library in college and was so embarrassed when I was awoken by another student that….

Everyday Matters – Profile of Catherine Youngren

Welcome to a new series from Sketchbook Skool about what making art means in our lives, as told by members of our Spark community. “Making art gives me balance.” When life became turbulent, Catherine Youngren found stability in her sketchbooks. Art by Catherine Youngren I just retired from my work as a commercial interior designer

Student Profile: Tammy Murdock

My name is Tammy Murdock, I am an enthusiastic artist who does illustration, collage and hand lettering. I love wonky lines, splatters of paint, earl grey tea, warm socks and drawing outside the lines. I live in Victoria, BC on Vancouver Island and I have been an artist since I held my first crayon. When

PrevPreviousHow to Develop Your Art Style?

NextCommunity Voice: Louise FletcherNext

"Sketchbook Skool opened my eyes to a daily habit. The community of artists that it has brought together is a wellspring of creative energy that I can’t help but want to be a part of."

"It has been a fun ride and I discovered that there is so much to explore and take part in…having the recordings and being able to start with the first one in a class and work my way through at my pace has been great. It is a very welcoming community and there is so much inspiration being passed around and encouragement!"

"I love art, I love people, I love art supplies and challenges and classes.... so I love Spark, for the learning, the opportunities to be a part of something even for an hour, and to have people who understand how exciting fountain pens are!"

"It’s been a window into a richer life for me and I’m hooked …I can also see my art improving, and so can my husband. Even though I can’t make the live events, I’ve been so impressed that the teachers still give me their time with personal feedback on work that I post."

"I've just spent time a few writing pages about why I love making art - and about what I would like to do more of. I think it's the first time I've ever articulated those thoughts and feelings on paper. Really helpful.”

“I am absolutely loving this course so far! I did get through the section quickly, and the last video was like a cliff hanger- I wanted to jump in to more. But, then I stepped back and realized I needed to put everything into action!”

“Working through this course I found the concepts to be applicable in areas of my life that extend beyond art.”

“I have too many projects I want to start, and consequently, I have not started any because I don't know how to start or which one to choose. Images of the finished projects fly around in my brain, but I can't seem to choose one and bring it to life. This course has given me a step-by-step process to choose a project and make specific plans on how to start, how to fit it into my daily life and my calendar, how to keep myself on track, and how to hold myself accountable."

"I know I've heard this before and I can't explain what happened but I was so overjoyed to make this breakthrough that I was almost tearing up!"

"I’ve been struggling with taking my art to the next level, with so many interests I’d get overwhelmed and ultimately lose my way. I’ve now homed in with a clear intention."

"The concept of "being" really came to life that day. When i let go the notion of results, I finally could just enjoy being lost just watching ink flow -- one line, one inch, one curve, thick to thin, thin to thick. It's an experience you can never forget."

"The community of SPARK in Sketchbook Skool has been so energizing! I have done more art since I joined than in the previous 10 years, for sure. And of course, my abilities have improved (my opinion)"

"Being in a community of folks with similar interests in paper, paints, and color has been amazing. I make more art than I ever did on my own, especially in Spark. So many ideas and so much fun!"