SKETCHBOOKING II.
Hello everyone,
First and foremost, I want to wish each and every one of you a very happy new year!
As promised, I'm back with more on the sketchbook theme, eager to share as many ideas as possible. To kick things off, I highly recommend a book that has been incredibly helpful for me and packed with great ideas: Drawing is Magic by John Hendrix
Now, let me share some truly motivating pages that can be a game-changer, especially for those just starting out, a topic I touched on in my previous letter
And here's a page where the author articulates some liberating thoughts in this section, and one sentence I'd like to highlight is: "Our culture drastically undervalues the benefit of goofing-off. It is essentially 'wasting time' for the pure sake of enjoyment. This can be a significant leap for some people when they start working in a sketchbook. But wasting time is NOT the same thing as not caring about what you're doing. Ask any industrious 10-year-old... GOOD PLAY TAKES COMMITMENT!"
Tools
Tools are essential. Trying out various techniques, from felt-tip pens and painting to paper cutting, can really shift your perspective. Everyone has that perfect tool that feels just right in their hands.
What to Draw?
Now, onto the big question: What to Draw? When I'm not on the go, I prefer drawing from memory. It allows me to handle my creative ideas more freely and let go of the constraints that sometimes come with drawing from sight. However, if I want to challenge myself with something new, I always turn to a reference.
A great exercise is to draw something from a picture (even better if it's right there beside you), and then draw another version just by looking at your initial drawing. You can spice it up by trying to draw the same thing from memory, with your non-dominant hand, or even with your eyes closed. Doing this in a group setting adds an extra layer of fun, so I highly recommend trying it out.
If you're ever stuck without an idea, focus on the things around you.
Now, let's talk about exercises to unlock your creativity:
My personal favorite: draw a shape and add something in or around it. You can make it themed, like drawing different animals, or just keep it simple with the same charcter.
Draw a line and let your imagination complete it.
Draw something you genuinely love, and the rest will naturally follow.
Challenge yourself to draw the same thing every day. There's an awesome video about it HERE
Experiment by drawing from different genres like ceramics or photographs.
Plan your drawings in advance. Make a list of different themes and draw something from that list every day. You can also plan your drawings with the help of a magazine. Check out this fantastic tutorial for guidance HERE
Lastly Visual journaling - consider combining drawing with writing about your daily experiences.
I hope there's something in these ideas that resonates with you and that you'd enjoy trying out. If I missed anything or if you have another fantastic technique to share, feel free to drop me a message or leave a comment.
Sending Love
Ágnes
Some words about me
Hi, I’m Ágnes, a passionate illustrator and animated filmmaker from Hungary.
I'm obsessed with colorful drawings, funny characters, and nature-inspired illustrations. My work fields include editorial illustration, children’s book illustration, brand illustration, animated film, and gifs. Besides commissions, I teach animation and illustration.