If you happen to be looking for creative ways to use your sketchbook, you are in the very right place. Carrying a sketchbook around is one of the best practices to connect with yourself, write down your thoughts, and just have a display of your mental patterns. But it’s also a great way to keep your creativity flowing and encourage you to slow down and do something to improve your mind-muscle connection, as well as your focus.
If you happen to be looking for some easy drawing ideas to fill your sketchbook pages with, you can find that article here: +20 Easy drawing ideas anyone (including you) can try today!
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Now let’s discover 15 creative ways to use your new (or old) sketchbook.
Your sketchbook is a great tool to unleash your creativity
These are some sketchbooks I would recommend you get on Amazon (in case you don’t have one):
15 Creative ways to use a sketchbook (you don’t have to be an artist)
1. Doodles and sketches
You can start with a full page dedicated to doodles. You can draw characters, food, things you love, geometric and organic shapes, etc. They don’t have to be perfect; you just should enjoy making the page.
2. Mindmapping and brainstorming
In case you didn’t know, you can use your sketchbook to jot down ideas, create mind maps, or brainstorm projects. Visualizing your thoughts can help you see connections and spark new creative and innovative concepts.
3. Use your sketchbook as a travel journal
Some of my favorite journal pages from last year will have to be my travel pages from Italy! It was so much fun to recreate and reconnect with the landscapes, buildings, people, and all the stunning details of Italy through art journaling or sketching (whatever you want to call it). I also add notes and memories, which makes the pages even more personal and unique to look back on.
4. Make a collage
You can make collages about basically anything and everything. Go ahead and combine images, textures, texts, quotes, and patterns. Cut out interesting elements from magazines, newspapers, or printed materials (aka Pinterest) and make an interesting or aesthetically pleasing composition in your sketchbook.
Here are some pictures for inspiration:
5. Illustrate your favorite quotes
You can write down your favorite quotes and illustrate them or what they mean to you in your sketchbook. Use typography, doodles, or images to bring the words to life visually. You can also do the same for a scene from a movie or a section of your favorite book or novel. There’s just something very challenging and creative about turning what you have in mind into a visual representation.
6. use your sketchbook to Storyboard
And you might be wondering: What the hell is a storyboard? Storyboarding is simply storytelling, but through visuals. If you enjoy storytelling, use your sketchbook for storyboarding. Plan out sequences of events, explore character designs, and visualize key scenes.
Inspirational images for what storyboarding is:
7. Use your sketchbook to experiment with different mediums
I know it feels so wrong to experiment with random entries, especially if you’re using a new sketchbook, but believe me, it doesn’t matter that much. It’s just a sketchbook, and I would rather use it for something that would help me get more creative than keep it stored. Try out different art techniques and materials. Use watercolors, pencils, markers, and mixed media. This is an excellent way to discover new artistic styles and try something new.
8. Gratitude Journal
If it’s your first time doing it, I know you’ll cringe. But being grateful is about opening up our spirit and feeling the present moment with all the little gifts and insignificant things that usually go unnoticed. Waking up in shape deserves to be grateful for; having a mind that keeps you going and striving for the life you deserve is a blessing; and having yourself able to do things for yourself and others is another thing to be grateful for. Combine the practice of gratitude with art by creating a gratitude journal. Sketch or write about the things you’re grateful for each day.
9. Pattern Design
This is a very fun and carefree activity that you can add to your creative ways of using a sketchbook. Create patterns by repeating shapes, lines, or motifs. This can be a relaxing and meditative process, and you can later apply these patterns to various projects.
10. Character Design
Develop and explore characters by sketching them in different poses, expressions, and settings. This is particularly useful for artists interested in animation or storytelling.
11. A sketchbook could serve as a visual diary
Treat your sketchbook as a visual diary. Include personal thoughts, mementos, and drawings that represent your daily life and experiences.
12. Artistic Challenges and exercises
Set artistic challenges for yourself, like drawing with your non-dominant hand, using a limited color palette, or creating a drawing within a specific time frame.
You can check out the following art exercises on my blog:
- 10 Useful Art Therapy Exercises to Help Improve Your Mood
- Abstract Art Exercises you will love as a beginner
- Intuitive art exercises to connect with your inner artist
- 5 Art Exercises to Boost Your Creativity (even if you’re non-artistic)
- Fun Art Exercise to Find Your Art Style
- 5 Color Practice Exercises that Will Change Your Perception
13. Texture Studies
Focus on exploring and capturing different textures. Whether it’s the bark of a tree, the surface of a fabric, or the ripples in water, practicing textures can enhance your observational skills.
14. Dream Journal/vision board
Illustrate your dreams or create surreal and imaginative scenes inspired by your dreams. This can be a unique and personal way to express your subconscious thoughts.
15. Transformation Pages
Create pages where objects or shapes transform into something entirely different. This can be a fun and creative exercise in metamorphosis.
Conclusion
I hope you found this list of creative ways to use a sketchbook helpful. Make sure you create your sketchbook pages in a way that speaks to you. Remember that your sketchbook is for you to experiment and get creative; others do not need to see what is personal to you. But if you decide to share your sketchbook pages online, make sure to tag me through my social media handles and enjoy creating <3
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