Sketchbook Ideas to Boost Your Creativity

A sketchbook is more than just a collection of drawings—it’s your creative sanctuary, a personal space where your artistic journey comes to life. Think of it as a journal, but with a splash of colour and imagination. While a diary focuses on daily, personal events, a journal—and in this case, your sketchbook—captures broader ideas, experiments, and progress over time.

So, why is a sketchbook so essential for artists? It’s where you practice, explore, and grow. It’s the place to test out new ideas, try different techniques, and even make mistakes. In fact, mistakes are your greatest teachers! Each page becomes a stepping stone, helping you refine your skills and grow as an artist. Whether you’re sketching out composition problems or experimenting with notans (more about these later), your sketchbook becomes your most trusted tool.

But who should use a sketchbook? The answer is simple: everyone! Whether you’re a beginner exploring art for the first time or an experienced artist refining your craft, a sketchbook is your creative playground. It’s a place to capture inspiration, solve artistic challenges, and watch your growth unfold.

In this article we will look at what you should be drawing in your sketchbook.

There are a few things you need to consider when selecting a sketchbook. We won’t go into too much depth with regards to choosing the right sketchbook for you. For now we will just glance over the basics. For more in depth info on this please read our article on Sketchbook Basics.

1. Types of Sketchbooks

Sketchbooks come in various formats, from hardcover to softcover, spiral-bound to stitched. Each has its pros and cons. Hardcover sketchbooks are sturdy and protect your work, making them great for traveling. Spiral-bound ones lie flat, making it easier to sketch across a larger area. Stitched sketchbooks look elegant and are perfect for long-term projects or display.

2. Paper Options

The paper you choose depends on the medium you plan to use. For pencil, pen, or light ink, smooth paper works well. If you love working with watercolour or mixed media, go for heavier, textured paper to handle the moisture and layering. Check the paper weight (measured in GSM): 200 GSM or higher is ideal for watercolours, while 120 GSM is sufficient for dry media.

3. Size and Portability

Consider where you’ll use your sketchbook. A pocket-sized one is perfect for quick, on-the-go sketches, while a larger A4 or A3 book gives you plenty of space to experiment at home. You might even want a mix of sizes for different purposes.

4. Tools of the Trade

For sketching, invest in high-quality pencils. My personal favourite is the Tombow Mono pencil set. They range from 4H (hard, light) to 6B (soft, dark), giving you plenty of versatility. For colour, try watercolour pencils or soft pastels, and always use the best materials your budget allows. Quality tools make a world of difference to your results and experience.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to sketchbooks. Experiment with different types until you find one that feels like an extension of your creative self.

Your sketchbook is a blank canvas for exploration, growth, and creativity. Let’s dive into the essentials.

1. Develop a Routine

Consistency is key to making your sketchbook a true companion. Set aside dedicated time every day (or at least every week) to work in it. Don’t overthink what you’ll draw; the point is to get into the habit of creating. Start small, even with a five-minute sketch. As you go, you’ll notice improvements in your skills and confidence.

Pro Tip: Keep your sketchbook and tools within reach so you’re always ready to capture an idea or moment of inspiration.

2. Experimenting with Different Mediums

A sketchbook isn’t just for pencils. Experiment with various mediums like pen and ink, watercolours, acrylics, pastels, or even mixed media. Each tool has a unique character and can spark new ideas.

If you’re worried about mess, protect your pages. For graphite and pastel sketches, try using a fixative spray or place a sheet of tracing paper between the pages.

3. Embracing Mistakes and Progress

Mistakes are a natural part of the creative process, so don’t erase them! Instead, learn from them. Think of each page as a lesson rather than a masterpiece. Over time, you’ll be able to look back and see just how far you’ve come.

A sketchbook is a judgment-free zone. Treat it like your most trusted friend — someone who lets you grow at your own pace. Most artists never share the contents of their sketchbooks as this is their safe space where they can make “ugly” art without caring about what anybody is going to say.

Your sketchbook is a tool, a teacher, and a playground all in one. The more you use it, the more you’ll discover about yourself as an artist. Use your sketchbook for:

1. Testing Ideas

Sometimes you have a brilliant idea but aren’t quite sure how to execute it. Your sketchbook is the perfect place to experiment. Use thumbnail sketches (small, quick drawings about 3″x4″) to test compositions, layouts, and perspectives. Rearrange objects, explore different angles, and study what works best.

For example, if you’re setting up a still life, sketch several arrangements in both landscape and portrait formats. Once you’ve explored your options, pick the one that excites you most and use that as reference when creating your final artwork.

2. Planning Paintings

A well planned painting starts in your sketchbook. Start with rough sketches, then refine the best one into a detailed pencil drawing. Professionals often take this a step further, creating larger, more intricate sketches before tackling the final piece. This process lets then flesh out any problem points and mentally work through the painting process on a smaller scale first. Creating the final painting goes so much smoother this way.

Here are three of the methods you can use to plan your paintings:

– Thumbnail Sketches

Thumbnail sketches are small, simple drawings used to explore composition and layout. These mini sketches are quick to create and give you an excellent sense of how your final artwork might look. They’re especially useful for testing balance, focal points, and proportions.

Start with basic shapes and avoid adding too much detail. Try several variations of the same subject to see what works best.

– Notans

Notans are a fantastic tool for understanding the balance between light and dark areas in your composition. They’re created using only black and white, helping you see the overall structure and contrast of your work. This technique is particularly helpful when planning paintings.

To create a notan, block out the darkest areas in solid black and leave the lightest areas white. You’ll quickly spot if your composition feels balanced or needs adjustments.

– Value Studies

Value studies focus on the range of light and dark tones in your composition. These sketches are an excellent way to practice shading and create depth. Use a range of pencils, from hard (4H) to soft (4B), to experiment with gradients and textures.

Draw the same subject multiple times, each time focusing on a different aspect, such as light direction, tonal contrast, or subtle gradations.

3. Gesture Drawing

Gesture drawing is all about capturing the essence of movement and form. It’s great for sketching people, animals, or anything in motion. Use quick, loose lines to outline the subject’s posture or action. Don’t worry about perfection—focus on the flow and energy of the pose.

Set a timer for 1–2 minutes per sketch to train your hand-eye coordination and speed.

4. Perspective Practice

Mastering perspective is crucial for creating realistic depth in your artwork. Use your sketchbook to practice one-point, two-point, or even three-point perspective. Start with simple shapes like cubes and gradually move to more complex subjects, such as buildings or interiors.

Exploring these techniques will sharpen your skills and build your confidence as an artist.

As you grow more comfortable with your sketchbook, you’ll want to explore advanced topics that challenge your creativity and expand your skills. Here are two areas to focus on:

1. Sketching Outdoors

There’s no better way to develop your observational skills than by sketching from life outdoors. Nature, architecture, and street scenes offer endless inspiration.

When sketching outdoors, start by observing your surroundings and selecting a focal point. Look for interesting shapes, contrasts, or details that catch your eye. Begin with quick gesture sketches to capture the essence of the scene. Use loose, flowing lines to outline major elements without worrying about perfection. Simplify complex scenes by breaking them into basic shapes and focusing on the overall composition before adding finer details. Draw these initial sketches very lightly on the paper so you can easily adjust proportions or perspectives. As the lighting changes quickly, prioritize capturing the shadows and highlights first, as they define the mood of the scene. Once you have the essence of the scene captured then you can refine the drawing or add pen & watercolor washes to suggest detail.

These outdoor sketches can then be used as reference for more complex paintings when you are back in the studio.

2. Using Digital Sketchbooks

With the rise of digital art, digital sketchbooks are becoming an increasingly popular tool. Apps like Procreate, Adobe Fresco, or even simpler tools like Sketchbook (by Autodesk) offer incredible flexibility and creative potential.

Why Try Digital Sketchbooks?

Endless Possibilities: Easily switch between brushes, textures, and colours without carrying loads of tools.
Undo Button: Mistakes can be undone instantly, encouraging bold experimentation.
Easy Sharing: Share your work directly with friends, social media, or clients.
No Mess: No more graphite smudges or spilled paint!

If you’re new to digital art, start with a simple app and experiment with basic tools. Use your traditional sketchbook as a reference or inspiration for your digital creations. It’s not about replacing your physical sketchbook but adding a new dimension to your creative journey.

Feel free to follow our tutorial on Tips for Beginner Digital Artists.

One of the biggest challenges artists face is the dreaded blank page. Ironically there’s an endless supply of inspiration waiting for you to explore. Below is a list of creative ideas to help you fill your sketchbook and keep your artistic juices flowing:

Everyday Objects

Draw the vegetables in your kitchen.
Sketch your favourite mug or a collection of cups and bowls.
Crumple up a piece of paper and study the shadows and textures.
Sketch the small items on your desk, like pens, scissors, or sticky notes.
Pick some flowers and draw their unique shapes and details.

Nature and the Outdoors

Collect various leaves and sketch their intricate veins and textures.
Draw feathers you find during a walk.
Sketch different types of trees, bushes, and plants paying attention to their overall shapes.
Capture animals or birds from life or reference photos.
Sketch sea scenes, boats, or waves if you’re near the ocean.

Scenes and Perspectives

Sketch a corner of your room, paying attention to perspective.
Draw the furniture in your house or a favourite reading nook.
Sketch views from your windows, like a street scene or your garden.
Practice drawing buildings or statues in your neighbourhood.
Capture people walking or sitting in public spaces.

Abstract and Fun

Fill a page with doodles using abstract shapes, lines & patterns.
Try continuous-line drawings where you don’t lift your pen off the page.
Draw simple geometric shapes (cubes, spheres, cones) and shade them for depth.
Create a page of random textures, like wood grain, fabric, or stone.

Creative Challenges

Draw a pile of books from different angles.
Sketch figures from memory.
Practice capturing poses and gestures quickly.
Create your own colour wheel with watercolours or coloured pencils.
Try recreating famous paintings or artworks in your own style.
Design imaginary landscapes or futuristic cityscapes.

This list is just the beginning! Once you start sketching, you’ll find inspiration everywhere. The more you draw, the easier it becomes to see the world through an artist’s eyes.

A sketchbook is more than just a tool. It’s a companion that grows with you, helping you explore, experiment, and evolve as an artist. Whether you’re using it to test ideas, plan paintings, or simply doodle away the stress, your sketchbook documents your creative journey and growth.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to use a sketchbook. The key is to make it a regular part of your routine and allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes, try new techniques, and enjoy the process. Each sketch is a step toward improving your skills, discovering your artistic voice, and building confidence.

So, grab your sketchbook, pick up your favourite tools, and get started! Whether you’re drawing a quick thumbnail, practicing value studies, or sketching the world around you, your sketchbook is always ready to support your creativity. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy every mark you make on the page.

If you would like to learn more about sketching, follow our Sketching Basics Course.