How to start a NEW Sketchbook

Ways to Start a New Sketchbook  

   Image by rawpixel.com

A fresh and new sketchbook can be ntimidating to start. Not knowing what to draw or feeling a lack of inspiration. 

Every artist has dealt with this feeling of wanting to sketch/draw something but can't express it on paper. It's a similar feeling to art block and you become stuck in your own mind.

However there's many ways to overcome this uncertain feeling while starting a new sketchbook. Which will be broken up into tips and advices I use on my own sketchbbook journey.

Tip 1: Make Something You're Proud of 

"THE FIRST PAGE". The first page holds pressure in starting a new drawing. This is why we should treat the first page as an important page. For some reason this page feels intimidating because it's a page we'll see when using this sketchbook.

So, for this reason we should treat the first page with care and truly draw something your proud of. This can be anything from a reference photo you enjoy or a real life scene you can draw.

Just trying to make this first page feel special and welcoming for the next sketches in the future. Since this page will be the page you look at, it'll give you a sense of motivation and expections for other upcoming drawings. 

Tip 2: Skip the First Page

If you don't feel comfortable starting the first page, then skipping to the second page in your sketchbook could be more motivational to start. 

Later on you come back and draw on the first page when feeling more inspired.  

As well as saving that first page for a better drawing. Which can define the rest of your sketchbook. 

Tip 3: Travel With Your Sketchbook 

Having a sketchbook in yiur hand while traveling will be the best decision you'll make. 

Why? Well, bringing your sketchbook to everywhere you go, will give you the motivation to draw anything. Also, practicing your art skills and getting comfortable with making mistakes and capturing the beuaty around you. 

In addition, this challenges you to experiment with different shading techniques and not focusing so much on details but on shapes and shadow.

As well as giving you a picture book of where you've been and discovering your interests. 

Tip 4: Draw Something You Enjoy 

Don't know what to draw? Well draw whatever you like.

This can be:

Animals

Body Parts (hands, legs, hair, or eyes)

Faces

Scenes

Objects

All these are examples of someting to draw., while feelig art block. 

On the other hand, use materials you enjoy as well. Such as pencils, paints, or markers in order to feel comfortable and motivated to start your sketchbook. 

In Conclusion:

These 4 tips hopefully will give a better foundation on how to start a new sketchbook. 

Including, skipping the first page to feel less nervous on starting a drawing. Also, traveling with your sketchbook to unlimit your sketchng skills. In addition, not being scared of the first blank page to create a drawing that makes you joyful and use those materials that make you feel the same. 

Overall, have fun with that new sketchbook and feeling challenged is a temporary, so use it to your advantage.