You know those really cool artists who have an ongoing sketchbook practice? The ones who just fill page after page with drawings and ideas, and you can flip through and see this whole creative journey? I’ve always wanted to be that person.
I’ve never been that person.
I find it really hard to make myself do the same thing over and over on any kind of schedule. Plus there’s the whole blank page fear thing. I’ll get a nice sketchbook, open it once, panic, and then it sits on my shelf for months.
So today I came into my studio and thought – what if I just did it? Not perfectly, not with some grand plan to suddenly transform into a disciplined daily sketcher. Just… make one page. Right now.
Supplies Used
- Sketchbook
- Caran d’Ache Aquarelle Pastels
- Ruler
- Washi Tape
- Pencil
If these materials are unfamiliar to you, that’s another sign you might want to start with the basics course – I cover all the essential supplies and recommendations there.
Rather watch than read? Check out the full video by clicking the video below!
Let’s Get Started!
I set a timer for 20 minutes and grabbed these Neocolor Aquarelle crayons that have been sitting there taunting me. I’ve been on a folk art Pinterest rabbit hole lately, so that was my only real direction. Folk art vibes, 20 minutes, whatever happens happens.
I taped off the edges of the page, drew myself a little grid, and started filling in squares with patterns and shapes. Put on some music and just played around.
The 20 Minute Challenge
Twenty minutes goes by really fast, it turns out. I was just vibing, not thinking much, and then the timer went off.
When I peeled the tape off and actually looked at what I’d made… it’s not my favourite page I’ve ever created. The duck is weird. Some bits feel rushed. It’s definitely not a masterpiece.
But also? It was fun. And now I have a page in a sketchbook that isn’t blank anymore.
That’s a Wrap – Final Thoughts!
I think I might actually need more than 20 minutes to make something I really love, but that wasn’t the point. The point was to just start. To fill a page. To not overthink it.
I’m not sure if this will turn into a regular thing or if this is just a one-off, but at least I did it once. And maybe that’s enough for now.
Looking for more sketchbook sessions? Check this one out!
And finally, your dad joke…
There’s a new type of broom out…
It’s sweeping the nation.
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