I apologize, I’m a day late on this post. I took vacation last week and started an exciting new illustration project this week (more to come on that), so I’m a little behind on everything.

Believe it or not, sketchbooking is something I have to work really hard at. I’d love to sketchbook daily, but I’m not there yet. Right now, I’m averaging a few times a week max. While I’m still not where I want to be, I’m much better than I once was.

Several years ago, I was a serial sketchbook purchaser. I’d buy cool sketchbooks everywhere, and then they’d collect dust. I attribute my current success to several factors. Before I get into what’s helped me solidify this habit, I want to answer a question - why sketchbook in the first place?

Sketchbooking is like dress rehearsal for actors. You need a space where you can practice and improve without an audience. Without this space, you’ll never get better. Client projects and art prints aren’t really conducive to experimentation. I attribute most of my success as an artist to the time spent playing in my sketchbook, without all eyes on me. When I’m lacking inspiration, the best cure is to get off social media and dive into my sketchbook.

Now, on to what’s helped me. I’ve read a lot of books on habit formation, because habits don’t come easy to me. At least they didn’t used to. I’m someone who doesn’t like routine, and who gets bored easily. In everything I’ve read about habits, the best advice is to make the habit easier. And that’s what I’ve attempted to do with sketchbooking. And It’s actually worked! So here are my tips.

1. Buy a Small Sketchbook

   GAME CHANGER. I used to buy these monstrosities, and I’d be terrified of the giant blank pages. So terrified, in fact, they’d remain blank. Now, I have a 5x8 sketchbook, and it’s just perfect. I’m intimidated, and it’s easy to fill the pages. Also, it’s the perfect travel size, ensuring I take my sketchbook with me on vacation.

2. Buy a Sketchbook That Works With Most Mediums

   I missed the boat on this one many times. Unfortunately, a lot of sketchbooks don’t have quality paper. Often the pages are too thin, and they will wrinkle when paint is applied. Even if you don’t use paint, I would buy a mixed media sketchbook, just in case. You don’t want to be limited by the paper.

3. Leave Your Sketchbook Out

   This may sound obvious, but it really works for me. Just seeing my sketchbook sitting on my desk reminds me to paint. Bonus points for leaving your other tools out as well. I love storing my paints in a bowl on my desk, and having my paintbrushes and paper towels ready to go.

4. Keep it a Secret

   Think of your sketchbook as a diary. No one ever has to see it. If you create something cool, and you want to show people after the fact, great! However, you can’t paint with the assumption that it’s for anyone but yourself. Remember, this is dress rehearsal! This is your safe space to make some really bad art and take risks. Don’t jeopardize that by making your sketchbook public.

5. Keep a List of Things to Paint

   I always have a list going. Any time I think of a cool idea, I jot it down or take a picture. That way, you never run out of things to paint.

6. Paint What’s Easy

   Your sketchbook is not the place to paint the impossible. Sure, it’s a great way to get better, but start small. For me, the sweet spot is going slightly outside my comfort zone. For instance, when I was trying to get better at painting people, I painted one person at a time. I didn’t tackle an entire crowd of people at once.

7. Have a Spare Sketchbook Ready to Go

   This one might sound silly, but I always keep a blank sketchbook on hand. It’s my way of telling myself I’m going to fill up my current sketchbook soon and move on to the next.

I hope these tips are helpful! For reference, the sketchbook I use is this Moleskine one. I love the size and horizontal orientation. I’ve used this sketchbook for years, and I finally have a stack of completed sketchbooks.