10 tips for starting your sketchbook - and keeping it going!

[@KathleenPedro-kp4kk]

I am 81. I bought a sketchbook,a few pencils and an eraser. I am having fun and feeling at peace. Thank u so much.😂❤

[@WatercolorKari]

I love this. I've never bought a sketchbook but have been thinking about it lately. I think I was meant to see this video and your comment. 🥰

[@from_spb]

Nice, good luck with your hobby!

[@Randy_Batswinger]

Have a wonderful time, Kathleen! 🎨

[@manjiabanti]

❤

[@PaintingOutYourEmotions]

What a beautiful comment!

[@AmateurHour1111]

I am not an artist. I am a kickboxer. I did not search for this video this video found me. And it is extremely relevant to me. I learned. Thanks stranger.

[@karincivit2231]

Five years ago I found your book "Draw before breakfast" and I started a passion that changed my life completely❤🎉🎉

[@SketchBookSkool]

Wow, thank you!

[@patjones467]

Excellent teaching manner. I'm starting this sketchbook journey as soon as I get home from the hospital. Just had a stroke. Hands in tact so here we go!

[@manjiabanti]

God bless

[@Coffeecup.0110]

I hope you’re doing well! 😊😊😊❤

[@hfarms5779]

My takeaway is that the drawing skill is the last of the benefits. Being in the moment, hand/eye/brain exercise, observing the world closely, putting down creative impulses, a journal of your daily experiences which creates memories instead of a blur of weeks and months slipping away. Also a legacy of your time on this planet.

[@LindseyDietz]

I am sharing this comment w my friends, because I hope they will not be intimidated by drawing, I want them to enjoy all the benefits you said and really get to be themselves!

[@lindathaxton1994]

I’m 80 & took up sketching & watercolor about 3 years ago - so enjoyable no matter how good or not so good. This is the 2nd time I have watched this video - you help keep me on track & not discouraged - I’ve learned a lot AND it gives more quality to my life! Thank you

[@Aleatoire9]

We used to have to hand in our sketchbook monthly and we were graded on completely finished pieces - no room for unfinished, risky, wonky anything! You made me realize that being graded in the sketchbook has actually made me terrified to take risks and make mistakes in it now. Will work on this, thank you!

[@gabby8720]

Thanks for the motivation, Danny. Just fixed my breakfast to eat as I listen to your video, but then stopped myself from eating it right away. Instead, I grabbed one of my least intimidating sketchbook and sketched that yogurt and fruit bowl. Now, that was even more satisfying than my breakie!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Perfect!

[@johnmoyes1744]

lol

[@Randy_Batswinger]

I come back to this video every now and again for a confidence boost when the doubts creep in. It never fails to make me feel much better. 😊 Thanks, Danny! 🙏

[@melusine826]

Am trying to build a "frankenplanner ", part bullet journal, part deep thinking , part commonnplace book, part schedule AND part sketching book- so I'm trying a mix of different papers and templates in my ring binder/ disc binder. Blending all the different ways of capturing information and experimenting about what works for me 😁

[@wangwang1488]

Never heard of a frankenplanner until i’ve read your comment. This sounds good for aspiring multipotentiolite/polymaths to organize their various interests and their life!

[@kristinebrousseau8626]

I agree, having my multiple subject journals got heavy. Now my inserts serve as the FRANKEN inventory. I can put them in their perspective journals at later date. I just love his videos

[@jerrygill4828]

You are a great motivational speaker. After I’ve listened to, or read, your thoughts on drawing/painting, I can’t wait to get started.

[@theresapalmer7892]

I don't worry about my bad art anymore. I use to want to throw it away, now I start again and fogure out whay I liked or didnt like snout it. It really lets you see your progress

[@shreevas6160]

I follow all these points! Especially agree about drawing from life... once you start you can never go back to drawing from photos. The sketch from real life just has so much more emotional charge!

[@cat6022]

I sketch on subways. People are engrossed in their phones and don't notice me

[@joyannesloan8384]

This is really pure genius worth listening to again and again. I only wish somebody had taught me this 30 years ago in art school. You're making a huge difference and I thank you ❤️

[@SketchBookSkool]

Wow, thank you!

[@sanjayatanaya1]

yeahhhhh I agree with you, i wish i know this or at least somebody told me this maybe when i was a kid, but even i now not a kid anymore, i will start to do thiss. oh one more thing, and it is FREE lesson. :)

[@ManikaSingh-u6k]

I started drawing a few days ago and my drawings are the trash I am about to quit but today I watched your video and now I am motivated. thank you.

[@TheJoyfulEye]

never give up :)

[@pearlsandmanna]

Amazing that some of us need reminders not to be afraid to make mistakes when it comes to art, but we do! I need that encouragement just to get started. Thanks, Danny! I’m glad to be here.

[@SketchBookSkool]

I’m glad you are!

[@Babyjohn8170]

Same 💯

[@Dirty_Hamble]

Hi Danny. Thank you so much for your content. I've been in a kind of drawing hibernation for a few years, and full of self doubt. You're gradually breaking that down. It's like you're in my head. Got a couple of your books on the way, too. Both yourself and Koosje Koene have got me looking at the world with fresher eyes. I'm in my late 50s, and in a bit of a rut, so that means a lot! There's so much more than drawing to be taken from these videos. 😊

[@antoniocarlosrodriguescamp1497]

I haven't drawn for years ! I'd like to feel better...

[@borderless.living]

You sir, just made art much less intimidating. I would get so frustrated with ‘bad’ sketches (even though I literally just started lol), but your analogy about old photographs inspired me to not be so harsh on myself and see them as a part of my journey. I can’t wait to have a library of art journals like you do

[@elizabethwareing8818]

Me too!

[@SandyBanks-vk5dl]

I started a sketchbook habit four years ago and it gives me such delight to look back on the journey… it’s funny how each year is so very different from the years before… first one was more or less weekly, now it’s calling me daily. And the first one was very cartoony but colorful while this year is more writing and drawing. Who knows how I will see the world next?

[@maddyw2983]

So glad I found you… I used to sketch at faculty meetings, mostly feet, legs, hands rather than faces as that felt too obvious. I’ve sketched at church, sitting in the back row & drawing profiles, backs of heads and people on the stage preaching, singing, praying. I’ve sketched musicians at small local events. I’m retired now and this reminded me how much I love to sketch people just doing their thing and wondering why I stopped. It just seems I got out of the habit. I started sketching people’s faces during zoom meetings a while ago, also just a few things around my home. Now I’m feeling a pull to sketch out in the world more. I take daily walks - next time I want to remember to bring my sketchbook and sit a bit before heading home. Instead of taking photos with my cell phone, sketch what I see. And I agree - I’ve told my students the more you draw the better you get at drawing (wasn’t an art teacher, but I always encouraged illustrating their work). It’s so true. Thank you, great appreciation for you!

[@pritsanghvi1949]

"Ideas are out there - floating in the Universe. And the people who use them get to own them"... these area truly profound words. People should just keep a sketchbook / notebook for this very reason. Thank you sir, much love from India :)

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thanks for the kind words and love from India!

[@CamperGirl03]

I love to listen to you talk about sketching. You make it alive and exciting. Thanks!!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@susanjames8134]

Throughout your teaching, you have a wonderful manner with people. Much appreciated.

[@rockmoussealt7764]

Very inspiring. A newbie says "thanks."

[@romain_goetz]

I do sketchbook since I'm a child. I'm in my 30s now but every year, I find a new way, a new purpose in sketchbooking. Thanks for the video, it's inspiring and good to hear.

[@robbieslater1951]

Love your channel. Awesome tips, I've returned to Art after a long hiatus and I'm loving it Been getting back into my pencil drawings, and enjoying the process of learning again. Thanks for sharing and keep creating and inspiring us. Have a fantastic day 🙏🌈📕🎨📜

[@Randy_Batswinger]

This would make a great illustrated booklet to keep tucked away in a bag.

[@curlywhirlyred9613]

Thank you for all the reminders not to aim for perfection and to embrace the mistakes. Recovering perfectionist over here and I’ve been feeling the creative itch for so long, but every time I sit down to make something, I just go blank…and then get in my head about it and don’t end up doing anything. I started watching some videos for beginners because I thought it might help kick me in the booty and I found your video very motivating. Thank you!

[@treenaknelson2623]

Here's another tip: set the stove timer while sketching and cooking! I keep burning/over cooking meals! Ah haha or better yet, maybe I should sketch the thing I'm cooking 😅 Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration Danny, always look forward to your posts 😊

[@SketchBookSkool]

Love that!

[@wesleydouglas5278]

Danny, I could not agree more. I always have some kind of notebook or sketchbook with me…”just in case.” Just in case an idea hits me. Just in case I want to scribble down a fragment of a scene or jot down a reminder. Just in case I have to wait around for an appointment or my plane or the rest of my friends haven’t yet arrived. And just in case I have to do something that drains my energy-I pull out my sketchbook (blank pages or lined notebook) and I entertain myself. All of your advice is spot on.

[@darmarferi]

Luv looking at your sketchbooks Danny! Thanks for all the inspiration ❤👏

[@saraipersua4450]

Hi, thanks so much for your videos. I have a middleage crisis and drawing is bringing me so much peace and also like a pathway to move on. Does this makes sense? I recently found your videos, thanks so much it’s really inspiring 😊❤ sending you love from Mexico City

[@arlenepadden1243]

I love this video so much I've watched it several times as a reminder. What Danny says is true. Sketching can change your life, I know,...I've been sketching and painting for more than half a century.

[@elahepaydar-vl5xu]

I love watching your drawings during the video

[@anchovyal3606]

I just wanted to say thank you for talking the time to make this video your are an inspiration. I wish I would of had you as an instructor if I would have taken an art class or learned drawing when I was younger. Thanks again for your great ideas. My problem is I have so much art supplies media watercolors, graphite color pencils color, markers, oil paints, acrylic, piles of blank sketchbooks, watercolor paper, but I honestly struggle to start or lack motivation. I never have thought about carrying a sketchbook with me, I don't know how I found your video but thank you so much again for your help in getting me started I will give it a try.

[@ShivaJalali1149]

Thank you so much Danny🫶🏻🙏🏻 I love your videos and watch each of them many times! They inspire me and help me act whenever I lose my confidence! Thank you again and again …😍🙏🏻🍃🌸

[@Babyjohn8170]

Absolutely agree

[@dormitria]

Thanks, your words comforted me, I'm having a creative crisis related to finances and insecurity. Greetings from Poland!🏵

[@lost_she]

I’ve always been interested in drawing but gave up in an early age. Now I want to start again and this time I’m more serious about it. While searching for videos about drawing I found your channel and wow it’s absolutely what I needed, your videos are wonderful and I enjoy watching them one by one Thanks Danny

[@SketchBookSkool]

You can do it!

[@kittycodding4183]

I used to draw people from on the bus to wandering through the mall. I don't know why I got out of the habit. I still people watch. Maybe it's time I start sketching them again. I've learned so many things from people interacting and speaking to each other, like matching facial expressions and posture to moods.

[@elinannestad5320]

That's amazing! People don't stand still. It's so hard when they move. I'd love to be bale to do that.

[@marina-hermione]

I am guilty of ripping out pages. I was just tempted to do it in my current and only sketchbook. I have not kept any sketchbooks or journals through out the years. My creative outlets like writing and drawing had ceased but I am trying to get into painting and the current sketchbook was intended to practice and play with paint but I notice I am so quick to judge and again, wanting to rip things out. Thank you for the encouragement!

[@cecie3137]

Your channel made me slowly break my habbit of perfectionism that would hold me back from drawing. Thank you so much for these tips

[@ryancurry1457]

I love listening to you and your advice. You are an excellent speaker. I look forward to restarting my drawing again. Thank you.

[@kerry4987]

You are such a great coach! Thank you for the pep-talk! 😊

[@Yaya7773]

Thank you! I’m trying to draw every day and I find it relaxing!

[@cherylwhetung3170]

This helped me so much. Getting ready for a trip across country. Excited about using my sketchbook when I go. Thank you Danny

[@SketchBookSkool]

That's great! I hope you'll share your sketches later.

[@marie2513]

I love this channel. Danny always makes me smile.

[@Rohvannyn]

Thank you for this. It can be so easy to become intimidated whan many popular artists have these picture perfect sketchbooks. I have some for sharing but others specifically for learning and being messy.

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

Thank you Danny. I have to tell myself that my art is first, for me. If someone sees it, thats fine. But it is a journey for me. I am expressing myself.

[@paulettecui2650]

Thank you so much for this great reminder! 💕Have piles of all sizes of sketchbooks, pads and asstd blank paper which I intend to use for sketching whatever artworks……but they have remained blank all these years, except for a few pages. Listening to you has motivated me to move and finally fill up those pages . “ God bless you”! 🌸🌿🔥

[@ednalama4244]

Thank you Danny, you are such a great support, your enthusiasm and tips are very helpful! 😊

[@circeshoei]

You got me with the cat sketch compilation! Thanks!

[@LuanaCupcake]

Great tips. So inspiring. I love using sketchbooks.

[@Logpet09]

4:07 Message is inline with The Artist's Way workbook and messaging from Rick Rubin. Certainly something I've been focused on implementing. Gotta take action on those ideas as they come or they'll find another vessel to be materialized.

[@toshabeans]

Liz Gilbert has a similar belief. Very inspiring

[@Logpet09]

@@toshabeans I will look her up. Thanks for the reply!

[@RaraRemi_312]

Beautiful sentiments. Love the way you expressed this

[@TheWorldOfCreaturix]

Thank you so much for your effort and time to put together and share with us these videos 🙏❤️

[@euisuny]

Thanks as always Danny for the useful tips!

[@larysacherner312]

It's very helpful, thank you very much for sharing!

[@ildaenoch8629]

I’m so thankful I watched your video ☺️ I needed to be reminded to just art . So encouraged getting a smaller sketchbook no excuses. Thank you

[@SketchBookSkool]

I'm so glad!

[@mondayrabbits4119]

I was basically punishing myself by marking ALL the unfinished pages of my sketchbook and i got so stressed about it that i couldn’t even finish my sketchbook until the last page (even if not everything was finished). I decided to get a fresh start and just get a new sketchbook. And immediately i was stressing out about what the heck do I draw?! Especially since i hate using images and pinterest because i compare it too much and end up hating my own work. This video motivated me so much to just do that fresh start and take the first steps in that new sketchbook without my own pressure. Thank you so much! (by the way i’m sorry if you don’t understand what i’m rambling about)

[@eliettydevesa]

I also compare myself, My drawings look like a child's when I look at pinterest 😢

[@jonr6680]

14:38 ...THERE'S NO !!!! Thanks, that takes the pressure off, I think. Going back to childhood, a kid will produce the most abstract scrawl and present it to a parent as a gift... Absorbed in the moment & beaming with pride of the magic of expression & creation, of mastering the tools (in their perception). Not a flicker of performance anxiety or shame of failure or competitive anguish... Then 5mins later they are doing something totally different, moved on to new experiences & sensations. Art should feel like that.

[@jmk1962]

Totally. All kids are born artists but criticism kills that talent as we get older

[@gracelion]

Thank you 💕 Tomorrow morning m'y sketchbook Will be in my bag😊

[@tkikpar4882]

Danny Do you have a sketchbook that you gravitate to the most? And why? I’m also curious how often you refer back to them. You have so many.

[@skyskye4472]

This is beautiful. Thank you❤️

[@janecobb3302]

This is one of my favorites of your KZbin videos, Danny. Great content and I love your sketches.

[@TheMamaJudyJillPodcast]

Excellent and very motivational! Thank you for the great tips, Danny!

[@annetteperks]

Thank you for the advise really helpful.

[@edithtsacle5257]

Thank you so much for this inspiring talk! Everything you said is very motivating and longs to be put into practice. I learned some important mindsets that I have to adopt when I work in my sketchbooks. 💜

[@SketchBookSkool]

You got this!

[@21ruevictorhugo]

I actually find it easier to draw from life than from a photo. When I’m drawing in my town or in my garden or even if I’m drawing my dog or cats, there’s just a mental connection that makes me see things more clearly and I seem to actually feel the positions of things, whats close what’s farther away.

[@KathyBrooksArt]

I've only done one sketch, outdoors, sitting at a cafe on vacation. But, you know what?, it was one of the most memorable artistic sketchbook moments I've had. What's stopping me? Fear of not being good enough, producing a crappy drawing...who cares! Thanks for the motivation Danny, as always.

[@peggymann925]

Thank you for this Danny!

[@karim74ita]

You’re a great motivator! I’ll try. Thank you for your videos

[@komalkids6946]

Thanks so much, gave up painting… just because was not getting inspiration. Am starting again.

[@SketchBookSkool]

I'm glad you're finding your inspiration again.

[@sarahwillems3099]

Hi there:) I do feel there's a lot of depth in what you say and a lot of wisdom about life, too! That's why I really very much enjoyed listening to your explanation of each tip and how you talk from profound experience. Great thanks as well for taking so much care to give tips that will keep up the fun plus help improve one's skills at the same time. Best wishes and greetings from Germany!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@LucindaMiller-xn3eq]

I'm relatively new to drawing and watching your video has inspired me to get out that scary empty sketchbook and try some drawing. I noticed all the writing in your sketchbooks as you flipped through the pages. Do you use them as a sort of journal or do you write about the item you're drawing?

[@jeannebrinkman8889]

Awesome tips and motivation ❤

[@hetalkhatri8018]

This is my favorite video from you. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for sharing all these tips, you inspire us. ❤

[@danielbozgavisualartistwri4178]

Great tips my friend, love it❤❤❤❤as artist I sketch everyday ❤❤❤❤

[@cindycastillo5380]

Excellent ideas! And thank you for sharing this with us. It has been so encouraging and inspirational. Though I do need some help, the problem is there is too much around me and I need help focusing in on specific things. Are you able to do like a 12 month prompting video? each week you choose a prom for 52 weeks something like that? Or each month have a different prompt to focus on. That would be super helpful because I just don’t know what to choose. I get so distracted and overwhelmed by that.

[@evasamalikova335]

So much motivation. Feeling little stuck nowadays - this is exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks, Danny❤😎😃

[@ljscheible6007]

You are such an encourager ❤ Thank you.

[@SketchBookSkool]

Thank you so much!

[@karenturner-cf7vq]

Thankyou for all that inspiration, and good advice, you have encouraged me to draw in my sketchbook.

[@SylviaHowell-o3e]

I really love your lettering. That is a syle you created, right? Do you have any videos or classes on how to letter or create a similar lettering style. Thanks, Danny!

[@joearts6350]

Hello, I’ve been inspired by your podcasts, and refreshed by your relaxed demeanor for almost a year now. I live in central Wisconsin, and am an artist rediscovering the joys of drawing. Your podcasts have been invaluable to me, and I probably owe you the same dollar amount that I paid my alma-mater as an art major ; because your empathetic approach to keeping people motivated and cultivating a safe online atmosphere to explore artistic mediums is remarkable. Hats off to you for that ! Please keep doing what you're doing ; and please don’t stop, because thousands of people depend on you for the reasons mentioned above. I don’t make very much money, but I’d like to donate just a little bit. What site do I go on to do this? I don’t see a “Donate” button anywhere. Take good care, and thank you again. Joe Arts

[@ginabadeaux9319]

i have made myself so many art journals ,i just paint at my kitchen table everyday

[@susannekalejaiye4351]

REALLY helpful! Thank you!

[@SketchBookSkool]

You're welcome!

[@karent1717]

What do you use for a pen and ink? I want to be able to watercolour my sketches. Thanks.

[@carlaward1026]

Dear Danny I learn and get inspired by you so much. I do have a question. Although you mostly draw from observation of live people, things and places, do you also draw from pictures? Because I was looking at some of your drawings in your sketchbooks in this video, for instance the frogs, or faces of people that you drew really large that take the whole page and almost seems that they might be pictures of famous people, or some of your very detailed drawings of places and things. Are these sometimes from pictures? Sometimes also if you are with friends or family and you see something or someone you would like to draw but you can’t stop and do it, do you photograph that and then draw it later from the picture you took? Also does drawing people that you are looking at on your TV or some other kind of screen, is that comparable to drawing people that are around you in real time? Thanks. I am just trying to draw people from real life but sometimes there is nobody around me in the house or even outside on my street and around where I live and I don’t want to necessarily drive somewhere to do it. Thank you again for all of the inspiration you give to everyone.❤

[@SunshineLeclair]

Thanks Danny .... all your tips and suggestions are motivating!!

[@birgitblume4980]

Thank you for the motivation, inspiration and encouragement!!!!!

[@ralphherrick596]

What brand of sketch book do you recommend....I like to paint watercolor and ink

[@IamGadgetcom]

Thank you for the excellent video. I am a beginner and want to sketch with a fountain pen and watercolor paint in a loose style. Your video motivated me. I looked at many sketch books. Watercolor works best on 140lb, cold press, 100% cotton paper. I certainly would sketch and paint on another paper if I knew what would work best for me. I would think it would be a small sketchbook if I am going to have with me as much as possible. I would like to know if you could answer all my questions including the size (A5, 4 x 6, or smaller, portrait or landscape or?) I think I asked for too much, but... I hope you can guide...I am now very motivated. Than you

[@SketchBookSkool]

I have many videos on paper and different sketchbooks. I’m sure they’ll be helpful.

[@katiejaneofficially]

I completely loved this video, thank you so much. New subscriber, i just picked one of my sketch books out, wish i knew what ink pen you sketch with, is it waterproof so you can watercolor on it? Thank you 💕

[@soundaryamohan4614]

Thank you sir for this wonderful video 😊

[@bySusuko]

Always inspiring to hear you! Thank you!

[@christianejehanneravallec]

Merci beaucoup, vous êtes très motivant, chaleureux, positif, merci de partager, il faut faire face à la vie quand c’est difficile, avancer, le dessin est un moteur, merci, et belle journée à vous 😀 Christiane, de France.

[@pattymcclung3300]

Thanks for the pep talk! I needed this today!

[@SketchBookSkool]

Any time!

[@donnacross7953]

Loved the tips! Thank you!

[@jeangoza2464]

Great presentation. Loved the tips. You have inspired me to start drawing again.

[@mzondi1970]

I got all kinds of supplies I just suck at drawing I don't even write that will because I'm blind in one eye and I'm going through cancer so my hands shake constantly I drew a little bit when I was a kid and enjoyed it but it's getting harder and harder

[@Sherbear377]

My job is cleaning homes and I see a lot of art by kids. I've taken many pictures of their art for inspo because kids are all over the place, outside the lines, crazy colors BUT amazing nevertheless! You don't have to be amazing, just do what you do. If you can put pen to paper, some paint, then YOU are an artist :)

[@golden1789]

So inspirational. Thank you.

[@ShivaJalali1149]

Thanks a lot Danny 🙏🏻🙂