A sketchbook is a great way to express your creativity. Sketchbooks can be used for drawing, writing, and even just brainstorming how to solve problems. They are also a great place for creative minds to put their thoughts down on paper.
But have you ever sat down at your table and opened the sketchbook but had no idea what to write down?
For anyone who’s asking, “What do you do on the first page of a sketchbook?, read below how to start a sketchbook.
Contents
Steps to Start your Sketchbook Habit
Choosing the Right Sketchbook for you and your Needs
The first thing that you need to do when starting up your sketchbook is decide why you’re doing it in the first place. Are you going to use this as an outlet for creativity? Do you want to write down interesting ideas or thoughts? Or maybe just put pen-to-paper (or thereabouts) whenever inspiration strikes?
Once you know what purpose your new book has, getting started will be much easier.
Saddle Paper
One of the most popular paper styles for drawing/sketching is called ‘Saddle’. This paper comes from Italy, where cows often have saddles on their backs. The name comes from the fact that their milk would drip onto the paper when the cows were milked and create a beautiful pattern.
If you’re looking for high-quality sketchbooks, there are many different types to choose from. You can find them with blank pages, lined pages, grid pages, or even comic pages.
If you know how to draw/sketch and want to improve your skill set, I recommend picking up a sketchbook with some excellent quality drawing paper!
There’s nothing worse than trying to take delicate pencil sketches on cheap copy paper – trust me, I’ve been there.
As for what type of pen or pencil to use? That all depends on personal preference!
- Some people like to use felt-tips, others like fine liners or brush pens
- If you’re just starting out, I recommend using a regular pencil and an eraser until you get used to how the sketchbook works
How do I Start my First Sketching?
Once you have your materials ready, it’s time to start sketching! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s how you learn and improve. Just relax, take some deep breaths and let the creative juices flow.
Write down ANYTHING!
When you’re not drawing, write down your thoughts and ideas in the book! I know how hard it can be to think of what to draw/say next when on a creative streak – but this is where your sketchbook comes into its own.
Even if all that’s written down are complete rubbish statements (and there will probably be quite a few), at least they will get you thinking about how to move forward with whatever project or subject matter that was going through your mind before writing them down.
Do it Everyday!
The best way to get better at something is by practicing as often as possible, so make sure you use your sketchbook every day (or as often as you can).
Have Fun with it!
Most importantly, ENJOY IT! Sketching and doodling are supposed to be fun. If it isn’t, then how can we expect anyone else to enjoy our work? So go out there, start a sketchbook today and show everyone how great you are at drawing/creativity/whatever other things come up in your sketches!
Experiment with different techniques, styles, and mediums. The more variety you put into your sketches, the more interesting they will be.
How to Make a Good Sketchbook?
Here are some tips on how to make a good sketchbook:
Start with a blank sketchbook: This will allow you to be creative and customize the sketchbook however you want.
Choose paper that is thick enough so that ink doesn’t bleed through: This will ensure your sketches stay neat and clean.
Make sure the pages are also wide enough so that you have plenty of room to work on your sketches.
Start with basic shapes: When you’re first starting, it’s best to stick with basic shapes like rectangles, circles, and triangles. This will help you develop your drawing skills.
Use different types of pencils: A variety of pencils can create multiple effects in your sketches. Try using lead pencils, charcoal pencils, and colored pencils.
Try a variety of drawing tools and techniques: When sketching, try using different types of pens or markers to create interesting effects in your sketches. Also, experiment with how thick you draw each line and how dark it is for a more vivid effect.
Use reference photos when necessary: Reference photos can be great for creating realistic drawings that look exactly like the subject matter you want to portray within your sketchbook pages!
Don’t forget to share what you’ve made on social media so others can see how good they are getting at making their own awesome sketchbooks.
Conclusion
Sketchbooks are a great way to unleash your creativity and get those creative juices flowing. You never know how many ideas you could end up writing down or how good they might be.
I hope this article has been helpful. If so, feel free to share it with others who may find it helpful. If there’s anything else I can do for you, let me know in the comments below.