The 50 Cent Purchase That’s Improving My Art

And Confidence And...More

A new sketchbook is intimidating. If you every purchased one, you know what I mean.

They’re fun to buy; we love picking them out. In the store, we have to have another one. Our minds are full of ideas—things we’d like to draw and paint. We visualize them full of amazing art.

But the first mark isn’t easy.

Instead of viewing sketchbooks as places to explore, we expect to make art. I think this is the first cause of our trepidation.

If we were to use our sketchbooks, the way we use journals, perhaps the result would be art—heartfelt and genuine. If we allowed ourselves to play, to just put lines and color on the paper with no regard to the outcome, perhaps we would learn something about ourselves and the art we were born to make.

We are a mother-and-son illustration team. Our drawings are hand-drawn and traced in the computer. Our goal is to help Substackers illustrate their publications with fun and simple drawings. We’re trying to restore the human creativity that is being lost from the progression of technology and AI.

A Memo Notebook: My New Approach

This past March, I bought myself a memo pad. In my Substack notes, I have called it a sketchbook, but really, it isn’t. It’s a 50 cent memo pad, spiral bound, with cheap paper.

My “Sketchbook” doesn’t have lines, which is what attracted me to it. It doesn’t have a fancy cover, just the words “MEMO NOTEBOOK” and “A5” in big lettering. “Made in P.R.C”—People’s Republic of China. The cover indicates 50 sheets of paper, 60 GSM, 148X210 mm. You get the picture, this notebook is nothing special.

The poor quality of this product combined with my pocket change was a game changer for me. It liberated me. Instead of viewing it as a “sketchbook” to make art, I viewed it as something with which to play. Some place where I could get things out of my head and onto paper.

The first page of my sketchbook. It’s the sum of 4 days of drawing and coloring practice.

My Sketchbook Rules

When I started the first page, I didn’t feel the need to show off what I was drawing. I approached my new sketchbook as practice, something to improve my drawing skills. Like a journal, no one would ever have to see what’s in it.

I set some “rules” for myself.

1. No pencils and no erasers.

2. Color, take risks, don’t be afraid.

3. Draw something everyday if possible.

4. Have fun with the process.

5. Don’t worry about the results.

1. No Pencils and No Erasers

As I have followed other artists on YouTube and whatnot, there’s a common talking point—“Don’t erase.” The idea is to go with your first mark, to learn from it, and grow. Some artists explain it as a way to grow in confidence. Some say it saves time. For years, I have heard this advise, and for years, I have ignored it.

But not with my cheap, little memo pad. I decided I wasn’t going to use any erasers in this notebook. If I made a line I didn’t like, I could color over it, ignore it, or redraw it.

Page 2—I used a red pen. And purple and green in the poppies. I wasn’t too crazy about the results. Since this page, I have only used my trusted black pen.

Putting down the pencil and eraser has been easier and more rewarding than I could have imagined. When I leave lines that I don’t like, I learn from them, and my drawings have improved.

2. Color and Take Risks

I suppose it’s impossible to talk about a sketchbook without being vulnerable. So here it goes...

For me, I have more confidence with my drawing and line making, than I do with adding the colors. I love color and seeing beautiful combinations, but I have had fear using color. What if I choose the wrong colors? The wrong color could completely ruin a drawing or piece of art.

So, in my sketchbook, I set out to use color—without fear.

I used a thin black pen for the lines and colored with colored pencils.

Consistent with my minimalist approach, I did not purchase new markers or special pens. The idea was to use what I had. I had some cruddy colored pencils and a limited set of quality ones that sat unused most of the time. Believing that I already have what I need to make good art, I have not purchased any extra supplies.

What I’m finding…

• Color is fun.

• It can cover “mistakes” from drawing.

• It’s nothing to fear.

I mean what’s the worst that can happen? You go to draw a yellow apple and it turns out looking more like a peach? That’s okay, I now have practice when I go to draw a peach.

3. Draw Something Every Day

My drawing and coloring practice takes me approximately 20 minutes most days. Some days, I draw longer, and other days I do not draw at all.

If I miss it, I let go of it and try again the next day.

Consistency with leeway works for me.

I purchased myself 4 pretty Turkish Delights. I drew them on 4 different days. Didn’t take long. When I was done with each, I rewarded myself.😊

4. Have Fun with the Process

I draw for my mental health.
I draw to become a better artist.
I draw because it makes me happy.
I draw to learn.
I draw to remember.
I draw to connect with others.
I draw to surprise myself.

But mostly, I draw for fun.

I like it. It’s pretty much a guaranteed good time in my day.

5. Don’t Worry about the Results

Even though I have fun with art, I do take it seriously.

I want to enjoy the process, and I want to create something that I feel proud to share. After all, what is art that is hiding in a closed sketchbook? Been there, done that. I’m over it.

Not worrying about the results is a commitment to myself. I don’t need to share everything. Some drawings, even if they are good, can be for private reflection. Some can be for one special person.

I choose when and to whom I open my sketchbook.

And today, my friends, I’m happy to share my sketchbook with you…

My sketchbook isn’t finished. There’s still plenty of pages to fill. If you would like to follow along and watch as I update my sketchbook, be sure to follow me on Substack.

Thank you for reading and sharing this journey with me.

Do you have a sketchbook? I would love to hear about it in the comments below.