30 More Sketchbook Prompts to Kickstart Creativity

I did a post on this last summer and it was a big hit. It’s still one of my most visited posts, so I thought I would do another version of it. Below I’m going to list 30 more sketchbook prompts to get the ideas flowing.

If you didn’t read my original post, you can check it out here.


Dreaming

  1. Think of a room in your house, and paint it how you wish it looked.

  2. Paint a place you wish you could visit.

  3. Paint a car you wish you owned.

  4. Paint someone doing a talent you wish you had.

  5. Illustrate something you had a dream about.

  6. Paint a portrait of yourself five years from now.

  7. Paint a home you wish you lived in.

    *It may sound strange, but a lot of the things I’ve painted have come true. This can be a self-fulfilling prophecy exercise.


Reimagining

  1. Reimagine a book cover for your favorite novel.

  2. Reimagine a movie poster of your favorite movie.

  3. Reimagine a poster for your favorite band.

  4. Reimagine an album cover.

  5. Think of a packaged food, and recreate the look of the packaging.

  6. Reimagine a pattern you like - whether it be on something in your home or one you find online.

  7. Reimagine a magazine cover.


Picking Favorites

  1. Illustrate a meal from your favorite restaurant.

  2. Illustrate a drink from your favorite coffee shop or bar.

  3. Create a spread for an article from your favorite magazine.

  4. Create an art print to be sold at your favorite store.

  5. Paint one of your favorite memories.

  6. Paint your favorite person.

  7. Paint a recipe card for your favorite dish.


Mastering Traditional Art Forms

  1. Illustrate a moody portrait.

  2. Illustrate a still life.

  3. Illustrate a landscape.

  4. Illustrate on something that isn’t canvas or paper.

  5. Design yourself a family crest.

  6. Illustrate a tapestry.

  7. Illustrate a new font from your handwriting.


Playing Product Designer

  1. Illustrate a vase for your kitchen table.

  2. Illustrate a piece of jewelry you’d wear.

  3. Illustrate a piece of furniture you’d buy.

  4. Illustrate a new pair of shoes for yourself.

  5. Illustrate a collection of plates, bowls, and cups.

  6. Illustrate a crazy hat you’d wear to a royal event.

  7. Illustrate a kitchen towel to hang in your home.


Which of these prompts is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!