30 Sketchbook Prompts to Kickstart Creativity

Last week, I talked about how to Defeat Artist’s Block for Good. If you missed that post, you may want to check it out before reading on.

In that article, I mentioned how important it is to keep a list of things to paint. This is one of the best things I’ve done for my creativity.

Today, I’m going kickstart your list with my favorite sketchbook prompts. These are all exercises I’ve done at some point, and hopefully they will spark something in you.

The things I like painting best are both beautiful, and stir up some sort of emotion for me. That’s what I’m trying to get at with these prompts, and why the list isn’t as simple as “paint a flower".” We’re looking for that emotional connection. Once you’ve chosen a prompt, make sure to research what the thing actually looks like. I don’t like to ever paint from memory.

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From History

1. Paint a historical building that has significance in your life, whether you saw it on a trip or made great memories there.

2. Find an old painting or illustration you like, and create your version of it. Make sure to give the artist credit, even if they aren’t around anymore!

3. Find a vintage household item to paint. If you don’t have one in your house, find a picture online. How can you add character or personality to the object?

4. Find an image online of beautiful vintage product packaging and paint it.

5. Paint a portrait of a famous person from the past - think old movie stars, political figures, or powerhouse women.

6. Find an odd vintage photograph online and use it to inspire a painting.

Your Favorites

1. Paint your favorite condiment.

2. Paint your favorite alcoholic beverage. Add fun garnishes, or a straw.

3. Paint your favorite food, styled with garnishes on a platter.

4. Paint your favorite candy or dessert. The more colorful the better!

5. Paint an indoor or outdoor scene from your favorite vacation.

6. Paint a scene from your favorite children’s book.

Around the House

1. Choose 5-8 tiny (unrelated) objects from your home, and paint them as a collection.

2. Paint a colorful outfit from your closet, either styled on a person/mannequin or folded on a surface. The more patterns and colors in the fabrics, the better.

3. Paint one of your pets. If you don’t have any, paint a friend’s pet. If your friends don’t have pets, paint an animal you frequently see outside your home.

4. Paint a potted plant or vase of flowers from your home.

5. Paint a rug or blanket from your home. The more colors and textures the better.

6. Choose a fruit or vegetable from your home and slice it up. Paint the different pieces scattered on a surface.

Use Your Imagination

1. Combine the features of three animals to create a crazy, colorful fictional creature.

2. Bring a boring household item to life, giving it human or lifelike features.

3. Paint something larger than life - like a cake with too many tiers, a super long limousine, or an obscene amount of balloons.

4. Paint a collection of objects or animals. Add one misfit object or animal that is similar in shape/color, but that doesn’t belong.

5. Pull a Salvador Dali, and paint an object melting.

6. Paint an outdoor landscape, and add something or someone you wouldn’t normally find there.

Pattern

1. Create a wallpaper pattern for a room in your home.

2. Use three of your favorite colors to create an abstract pattern.

3. Create a pattern that you would love to wear as a scarf.

4. Create a pattern using only straight lines.

5. If you were a pattern, what would it look like?

6. Create a pattern inspired by the plants and wildlife in the area you live. Name the pattern after your town.

If you do any of these prompts in your sketchbook, make sure to tag me on Instagram @nicolecicak. I’d love to see what you come up with!