Are Sketchbook tours lying to you? Beginner artists honest sketchbook tour + Bonus sketchbook tips

[@Blick_Art]

There's a lot of truth here. We worry sometimes about people new to art who don't realize that it's 100% valid to consider your sketchbook a private rehearsal, a mad scientist's laboratory, and whatever other safe space you need to push the limits of your abilities without concern over the finished product. We do know artists whose sketchbooks authentically look perfect and composed, but those are rare exceptions, and that has everything to do with the individual, and where they are in their career. Thanks for sharing this explanation for everyone who might be feeling discouraged before they even get started!

[@louisecreatesart]

Thanks for the thoughtful comment. 😊

[@oilonpaper]

I agree with what you said and almost thought it was "obvious", but it's gotten to a point where those artbook tours are all you ever see anymore, so to a beginner it might look like that's what your own sketchbook needs to be, so I'm glad you pointed it out. I would like to add that having ugly pages in your sketchbook is so much more helpful to your growth than trying to cover it up with pretty stickers or whatnot. I have always spent a significant part of practicing by looking at what I have created. Looking at and studying unsuccessful sketches teaches a lot more than looking at what's worked out. Every time I flip through my sketchbook, I am reminded of the lessons learned or lessons yet to learn.

[@ArtWorkOfDR]

Yes agreed 💯 learning fromw what we create in it's entirety like the basic of doodles and sketches to unfinished messes we scribble all over or the ones that look super polished, and paintings all the stages and the ugly stages I mean we learn so much from each experience I wish younger or newer artists wouldn't put so much pressure on themselves to look perfect and only the amazing can be shown, no show is everything I know I try to post and share different stages and its just so refreshing

[@marilynhjohnson9458]

Thanks for explaining with the difference I looked at some of the sketchbook tours, and I was starting to feel inferior, so I appreciate your definition really help me😊

[@Hazeleyes_JJs]

Literally that’s why I would always get discouraged. I mean I still do but now I know my sketchbook doesn’t have to look like those fake sketchbooks

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Yes, I definitely have an empty sketchbook collection, but I have been better at using them lately, thank goodness. I just love sketchbooks. And apparently I have a few "art books" as well, lol. I also love them. ♥ Really great message - I'm glad you put it out there!

[@MrsBarnabas]

I think that both have their place in our art, and that it's good for us, the art-viewer, to see both from the artists we watch. I think yours are are a bit of a mixture of both, Miranda, but your channel doesn't only show the art that goes right. It shows the tussles you have at times, and that's also important.😊

[@gretaricciolini9387]

Finally somebody says it! This video is very important for discouraged beginners out there! 💚 Internet is too much about appearence and people can confuse what influencer put on social media for authenticity, but most of the time everithing is scheduled and intentional. It's just a show.

[@VisualMind]

I'm deeply passionate about this topic so forgive me for this long comment! 😅 You have a valid message here! As a professional art KZbinr who has reached quite a few people over the years with my mostly polished sketchbooks I have definitely played a role in this issue. In my 5 years on KZbin I have actually never really had "ugly" or loose sketchbooks. I did a challenge here and there and did some unfinished pieces. But at least 90% of my art is at least somewhat polished. The sketchbooks I show in my tours are my only sketchbooks, they're all what you'd call "art books". I'm sure there's lots of people who ONLY have these polished art books. My art wasn't always good or professional but it was always finished. I usually added colors and refined the vast majority of pages. BUT. After all these years of doing KZbin and after making this my job I have to admit that there's a lot of pressure. My polished sketchbooks bring me so much joy and I love painting and finishing pieces. But I'm at this point now where I feel a bit stuck so I have started a dedicated "ugly" sketchbook. I'm filling it off camera mostly. Not showing most pages. And it's incredibly freeing. It's so fun, I'm generating so many ideas that I now want to transfer into my "better" sketchbooks and turn into actual pieces. 😊 There's a lot of joy to be found in creating without any external pressure. And I believe there's a time for both approaches. It's been a joy for me to share my process and to try to polish my work. My skills have improved and my sketchbooks have as well. And that even though I never had the intention to practice, but the intention to create finished pages. Sketching never brought me joy (until recently) but painting and making pretty things did! I also needed the accountability of people watching me create. 😁 The point is, a sketchbook, art journal, whatever you want to call it - it is YOURS. You can do whatever you please in it. You can share it or keep it secret like a diary. There's no rules and that's what I love about sketchbooks and art ❤ Good luck on your journey, glad I found your channel 😊

[@ikonographics]

I discovered your channel a few weeks ago and I’ve literally been binge watching your videos. What I love about your channel is that you provide so many ideas for finished pieces that we can do in a sketchbook and your process. I have found it such an inspiration that I have just bought gouache and I can’t wait to experiment. I don’t think your channel is part of the problem😊

[@louisecreatesart]

Thanks for your detailed reply. Very insightful from someone alot further down the line! So lovley to hear your finding joy in your own private 'ugly' sketchbook. I think it's important to have something thats just ours sometimes. So there is minimal pressure. I must admit the accountability side can be a good thing in moderation! I'm hoping my youtube channel will keep me on my journey despite lots of life changes ahead (work commitments, producing another little human etc). I really think you can have the best of both worlds with a sketchbook AND an artbook on the go! Glad you liked the vid from my teeny channel ☺️. Your artwork is very beautiful and I'll be sure to watch some more of your vids (and probably learn alot about both art and youtube!!)

[@dianemurphy5307]

I like how you frame the difference between art books and sketchbooks. As a rank beginner I enjoyed sketching more when I was using up notebooks leftover from work... I retired several years ago. Now that I'm in actual sketchbooks, in particular watercolor sketchbooks, I'm more hesitant when starting new pages. I suppose I've had an artbook mindset. Thanks so much for this video, I think it will help pull me back from that cliff.....

[@louisecreatesart]

Glad you found it helpful. I started making my own watercolour sketchbooks to help get over that hurdle! They work out MUCH cheaper than buying pre-made sketchbooks with watercolour paper in. I buy Arches and Fabriano in big sheets then cut them down to make the sketchbooks. As it costs me much less i find it reduces than fear of starting a new page!

[@alphashanahan4323]

Sketchbook use is very varied nowadays, most especially due to the fact that there are now sketchbooks available made of quality fine art papers. And that is why there are “sketchbook artists” now. These are mostly professional artists who choose quality sketchbooks as their surface of choice. So if you want to use your sketchbook for practice as a beginner, go ahead. No need to negate other people’s way of using their sketchbooks. It all depends on the person’s level of skill and progress in their artistic journey or career. Who are you to say what a sketchbook is supposed to be used for? Honestly, as a professional painter, i have cheap sketchbooks to scribble out ideas, but i also have expensive sketchbooks i do finished paintings just because i can. I call them sketchbooks just the same. It’s just that is how i use sketchbooks now in the level of skills i have gained through the years. If you feel discouraged seeing sketchbook tours filled with pages of fantastic drawings and paintings, then skip watching these kinds of sketchbook tours. Just look for something on your level which can be useful for you.

[@louisecreatesart]

Despite your negative language choices 'no need to negate' and 'who are you to', we are actually saying the same thing. There are different ways of using a sketchbook, most notably for practice or for finished art peices. I've just taken to calling them different things here to highlight the differences. I'm not trying to negate other people's use, infact I say people should try both! Have both. And I'm sorry you interpreted it that way. Not my intent. The take home of this video Is meant to be not to compare your own artwork to other peoples (especially much more advanced) if it is hindering personal progress and growth. You say you are experienced so maybe it's a little harder for you to see it from a beginners perspective. But that's a genuine issue some people face. Which is why I'm highlighting it in this video. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@BeckyTregear]

It was fun seeing a flip through of your books! Mine usually end up being hybrids of scribbles to fully rendered pieces, so I just call them all sketchbooks, lol. Best of luck with your art journey. 😊

[@louisecreatesart]

Thank you! I think I will have the same approach as well for my next sketchbooks, a real mix of the planning phases and messy peices, as well as the actual 'finished' drawings or paintings. ...as well as having more than one sketchbook for different topics maybe...like one for figure and people for example. Not sure yet 🤔!

[@recoveringsoul755]

Great points. For anyone struggling to hear the volume, turn on the captions.

[@Decopainterandtea]

It's very low. Thanks for the idea.

[@SuzyNuyos]

I decided to test my creativity this year with an "art journal" and stumbled upon this video whilst looking for flipthroughs/tours. Love how straightforward you are. I think I needed this. Thank you.

[@louisecreatesart]

glad to be of help ☺

[@Loqque2k]

I know I'm probably going to show my sketchbooks at some point, which as you said makes it harder to ignore the pressure. So my way of getting around this is to make my sketchbook look absolutely insane, collages, sketches, drawings, color swatches, lyrics, or just paint splatter. Highly recommend, it is a lot of fun, it takes away pressure of perfection, and it looks very cool!

[@louisecreatesart]

Sounds like a really fun way to use a sketchbook!!

[@therealkathytincler]

Hi Loqque - Doesn't that make your sketchbook more of a journal? I'm such a newbie at art what do I know so please don't feel offended....not throwing you shade it's just that I've seen some journals that look like what you described so I feel it's a legit question. Like I said newbie here....what do I know?!?!?! Maybe you can educate me? (us) Thanks😀

[@loati94]

Yes I agree about the artbook vs sketchbook phenomenon in youtube. It is always refreshing watching people show sketchbooks that are just that instead of portfolios in sketchbook format. What happens to me, as opposed to people afraid of using sketchbooks for practicing because of those sketchbook tours, is that I can only bring myself to use the sketchbook. I feel like if I try to do a study or something in a single piece of paper it has to be a masterpiece so I end up doing everything in sketchbooks. I am aware that it is stopping me from improving too, because my sketchbook paper is not very good so I am missing the quality I need for pretty much every medium.

[@louisecreatesart]

You could try making your own sketchbooks with good paper? I make most of my sketchbooks (watercolour paper) as it's a lot cheaper than buying ready-made sketchbooks and I find it really relaxing to do!

[@loati94]

@@louisecreatesart I've seen some videos about it but I don't think I have the patience hahah

[@chrislora8895]

It helps to be reminded occasionally that what we see on youtube and elsewhere online is most often the result of sketches, practice, and goofs, so thank you for this video. I try very hard not to compare my creations with other works I see because I have a degree in art history and that could keep me (just started watercoloring at age 69!) from NEVER trying. Your advice to look at one’s own work and try to evaluate what was done well, and what could be better, is what all of us can do to not only keep enjoying art but to keep creating it. Thank you for this video!

[@sketchbookscheming]

Interesting. I guess I'm in the middle. I'm still a beginner, so it's all practice and experimenting and fun for me, but I do post a lot of my finished pieces on Instagram. I like it as a way to share and to document my progress. For sketchbooks, I like the advice that you can't do it wrong -- some like them messy and some like them refined 😃.

[@louisecreatesart]

Honestly having fun is the most important part! I'll check our your channel and insta if it's on your channel page 😃

[@sketchbookscheming]

@@louisecreatesart Thanks so much! 😃

[@deejcarter2003]

I really enjoyed this video because it points out the truth about social media. All we normally get to see is the best of the best not the struggles or learning that got them to their current Art book. Yes I too have lots of sketchbooks and really want to stop feeling like I might ruin it.

[@kellydierick1590]

THANK YOU!!! For this very realistic and honest video about sketch/artbooks! I love how you tell it like it is. So many videos are to show off perfect art books and journals and don't show the process. And it makes a lot of people feel frustrated with their progress and their sketches. While it should really be a journey instead of a goal. You've really motivated me now to keep a sketchbook and not worry about how something turns out. I'm actually looking forward to being able to compare the first and the last page to see if I've improved and how much :-) Keep doing what you do here on youtube! Love your content.

[@MrsBarnabas]

I am seriously impressed and happy with this video, Louise, and I like your quiet style. I agree entirely with Kimberly Jeffries - more people need to see this! I spend a lot of time replying to comments from others, expressing their longing for their sketchbooks to be like the one they've just seen, and their fear of messing up, to try and encourage them, but it's hard work and an uphill battle when so many 'sketchbook tours' are not within the dictionary definition of 'sketchbook' at all. I'm glad that my group of ArtTube friends , also, relative newcomers (within the last couple of years) to ArtTube, are showing the Real Thing - simply because it's what is natural to them. Please, do keep up this very real type of video! You may like to see some of Miranda Watson's videos, Creating Cute Art's, and Becky Tregear's, too. Really down to earth folk who encourage each other, and consequently encourage us. Two Americans and an Australian, and I'm English, but living in France! If it's ok with you, I'd like to send them this link to your video? Looking forward to what comes next! 😊

[@louisecreatesart]

Thanks so much for your detailed comment. I really hope people take away the message that they can't 'mess up' in their sketchbooks and they are for practice and playing! I think people would enjoy using them a lot more if we didn't have this pressure to make something 'good' in it! I will definitely be showing real 'beginner' stuff, warts and all! I'll check out those videos thanks for the recommendations. I'd love for you to share the link, thanks :)

[@CreatingCuteArt]

Always so well said, B!❤❤❤

[@CreatingCuteArt]

This is exactly why I share the ugly stuff, too! I do get equal parts inspired and demotivated by the amazingly perfect stuff.

[@MrsBarnabas]

@@CreatingCuteArt Thanks, Maggie! 😊

[@Tigers_and_Tarot]

I use sketchbooks for testing supplies, brainstorming ideas or practicing drawing and painting techniques. Then I have artbooks for my good and final pieces.

[@stephaniecorbett5356]

Thanks so much for this, I’ll look at my homemade sketchbooks with different eyes.

[@louisecreatesart]

I LOVE a homemade sketchbook 😊

[@weekend_art]

We need more of such videos, thank you!

[@louisecreatesart]

Glad you liked it ❤️

[@michelletyler9161]

Thanks for posting and making us aware. I always thought my sketchbooks were heinous compared to online. It’s nice to see a genuine sketchbook, thanks for posting. :)

[@louisecreatesart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@obxwildcat1]

It seems obvious but when you put it as art book vs sketchbook, it makes so much more sense! Thank you!

[@louisecreatesart]

Thanks for watching and commenting 😊

[@Luma994]

Yup, I have several empty sketchbooks just waiting for me to pick them up and draw and paint in them. I will, in the future, I just want to Finnish the three I'm using at the moment first. 😆 My sketchbook have pencil drawings, pen drawings, ink drawings and colour blobs from playing with colour mixing and some really bad paintings too. Experiments, fails and all. It is progress in learning. I am proud of having one almost filled up. Very very proud. I made all that.

[@louisecreatesart]

Wonderful! Sounds like your sketchbook is serving its purpose for you!

[@kathryndohring5481]

I’m glad you’re pointing this out. I’m also self taught and really enjoyed watching all of the videos you’ve made so far. I’ve subscribed and look forward to seeing more of your journey.

[@louisecreatesart]

Thank so much ☺️ glad you've enjoyed them so far!

[@julemadita1159]

I love honest sketchbook tours 😊 and it’s so interesting to see your progress in just a few days!

[@louisecreatesart]

Glad you enjoyed ☺️

[@Adouglasses]

Thank you so much for this. when I watch sketchbook tours I think im terrible but I remember I started it when I was younger, and there can be perfection in imperfection. making mistakes, trying and failing are a part of this.

[@louisecreatesart]

Glad you liked it! I'm sure your not terrible! We are all our own worse critics! Practice makes progress!

[@BirdwithaBrush]

Thank you for sharing your genuine workaday sketchbooks! You're absolutely right that those pretty sketchbook tours can be very disheartening. As someone who hops around constantly between topics and mediums, it's nice just to see a similar sort of chaos, as well as books that aren't completely finished. I don't know how big your paper collection is, but I've got dozens of sketchbooks and paper pads. There are so many different kinds of colours and finishes and so on of paper that it's hard to resist another one...

[@loati94]

Just a heads up, I usually watch youtube with my pc audio at 20% volume and for this video I had to crank it up to 100% and still was a bit low.

[@erniecelindsey8418]

Same here

[@ninjasteph9561]

I never really felt discouraged by sketchbook tours, more inspired-but I definitely wasn’t going to post mine, lol. I recently started what I call an “Art Journal.” I realized last year I was so focused on studying that I didn’t play as much as I used to, so I got myself a really nice Moleskine I’ve always wanted to try but been afraid to “ruin.” I do warmups and practice in a sketchbook and then use my journal to experiment with mediums and make more polished pieces about whatever interests me that week (a Broadway show I saw, a game I played, a restaurant etc.). So I do less polished pieces than an art book and also get to document my life a bit. It’s working really well and is a fun middle ground to play in between practice and serious work.

[@phillipstroll7385]

Agreed, there are very few honest trustworthy youtubers. I think people forget youtube is infomercials. Nothing more.

[@marymess454]

Amen sister!!!! I have been trying to get the word out there about these differences. These ‘art books’ are discouraging to young kids wanting to getting into art and to older individuals wanting to start creating. As an artist and advocate, the last few years I have had to reeducate people on what they’re seeing. Thank you. Please make more of these!!!!❤❤❤❤🎨🎨❤️🎨❤️

[@louisecreatesart]

Thanks for the comment. Glad you enjoyed. I hope It encourages people to show more of their rough work and creative process! I think that is so value to beginners to see and honestly it's amazing seeing people's development over time! I really beleive there is so much value in the journey not just the final result!

[@nobuen0]

I appreciate you showing us your real sketch books

[@Hazeleyes_JJs]

Finally someone who gets me, I’m sick of people using the term sketchbook tour in their videos when they know damn right it’s an art book. They are completely different things

[@louisecreatesart]

thanks for the comment! I still watch sketchbook tours and think...nope...ARTBOOK!!

[@robertadrsvensson]

Thanks for being this real! So true and inspiring.

[@Laura-rr6ef]

As a chronic perfectionist I really appreciated this video - thank you so much ❤ I’ve recently started a sketchbook after years of not drawing for fear of not being good enough, and have found it hard not to compare myself with others. Your point about only comparing with your past self really helps!

[@louisecreatesart]

How are you getting on with your sketchbook?

[@KleinesB]

As someone who has been noticing the same trend in "sketchbook tours" on YT, I'm happy to see someone speaking about it openly. I have a variety of sketchbooks and artbooks (none of them completely filled, of course) and the mindset with which I'm using either is very different each time. I enjoy doing lose doodles, quick ink sketches, comic storyboards in my fav sketchbook, and this boy looks like it's about to fall apart anytime, and I LOVE that. But I would also never show it online. My artbooks are much more refined, I invest so much time in each drawing, but my main intend here is not practice, but collecting (semi)finished art. I really enjoyed looking at your sketchbook and could feel the fun that you had filling them. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@louisecreatesart]

I'm going down the same route as you and will have both a sketchbook for those doodles and sketches alongside an artbook. But I'll be commiting to showing people my sketchbooks (with planning/value studies etc/concepts) ALONGSIDE the artbook. A little daunting but hopefully it will help encourage people to pick up a pen and get creative without the need for it to be 'Insta worthy'. It will also hopefully help keep me accountable and progressing 😊 Thanks for commenting!

[@KleinesB]

@@louisecreatesart I certainly find tours through actual sketchbooks much more inspiring and motivating than artbook tours. I'm looking forward to see more of your art.

[@Teti_K]

You are so right! A couple of days ago my friend told me that my sketchbook tour shows a little artbouk instead. I argued that "paintings" there are not good enough to call them Art, plus I hadn't made sketches in other place before I drew in that album. But after watching this video I've understood her. And I want to share how I solved the problem of accumulating empty albums. I just don't buy more than one album until I finish the previous one. So at some moment I just don't have any paper to draw and I have to get this new sketchbook despite I'm afraid I'll screw it up 😆

[@louisecreatesart]

that's a handy tip! I definitely think there is merit in using up what you have before buying new supplies! Especially for sketchbooks and paints in particular! I'm on a no-spend limit at the moment with art supplies so i use up some of what i have!

[@user-bk8qn9rh5k]

Thank you for your showing your true sketchbooks and helping us understand that it’s OK that our sketchbooks don’t look like artist’s “sketchbooks”! It’s encouraging to see your improvement in drawing over a short period of time. It helps me believe it is possible. Thank you.

[@louisecreatesart]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting. I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@mardicheriex291]

I call mine an art journal , as i make it my goal to Finnish one a month, and now i do sometimes more, over the last two years i can really see an improvement , my art journal is smaller than my newer art book that i transfer my favourite sketches to for water colours, it was a good way to use a heap of sketch books , page 1, is a dedication to my niece , then a doodle of what’s on my desk, I’m fine then, but your spot on, it can be a challenge, to get started, that blank book! Lol

[@bacolotl9234]

I do agree with you on some points, but certainly not all. It's true that many artists make their sketchbooks with social media in mind and try to make them as aesthetically pleasing as possible. However, that does not mean you can't have a sketchbook that you use to practice and try around without making it nice and fun and pleasing to look at. The way I keep sketchbooks is a good example, I use them for practice, studying, everything you mentioned but i still try to make it look nice. I decorate pages with colors, washi tape or just random things i found, sometimes i add a more finished illustrations on otherwise very messy pages and I draw attention to my favorite sketches. That does mean that it's not in any way neat and tidy but I think the messiness of it all both looks pleasing and takes the pressure away even more because I kow that even if something doesnt turn out right, i can just draw attention to a different part of the page or even just tape another sketch over it if i want. I feel like keeping a sketchbook is almost another skill in and of itself. For many artists it isnt just focused on the art itself, its more about framing even your 'bad' art in a way that looks nice

[@sar7719]

As a beginner, this was so wonderful! Thank you! I have great intentions and even a few started books, but I watch sketchbook tours and do find myself discouraged. The way you explained the artbook vs. sketchbook is something I will keep in mind.

[@louisecreatesart]

So glad to hear you found it helpful 😊 ☺️

[@arctangentart]

I love this! You are absolutely correct. On my channel I post videos of all the mistakes I make while sketching, and it is scary sometimes. The temptation to only show my best work is there, but I think being honest with other beginner artists is extremely important.

[@louisecreatesart]

Totally agree with you. I'm going to post the good the bad and the ugly 👍

[@sylviabailey831]

Thank you so much for posting this! Yes, I forget that the sketchbooks that people post are really part books. They are not anyone’s play and practice space. I have a huge unused sketchbook collection. Also, I have started making my own sketchbooks with premium watercolor paper. You have courage to post your real beginner sketchbooks. You did a great service.

[@AreEia]

Hey Louise, cool project😊 Liking the info, lighting and editing, GG👍

[@JonescalypsoASMR]

I thought I was running low on paper, but I ended up going through my whole messy art room and collecting every scrap of paper/notebook/sketchbook/lined/construction/printer paper I could find, and it turned out I had a whole SHELF of paper. Now it's all in one place. And much of it is in fact empty sketchbooks, or ones that only have one or two pages used. I'm working on changing that though :) Thanks for the encouraging video!

[@louisecreatesart]

I have so much paper it's almost embarrassing 😳! Saved yourself money as well by sorting! Glad you found it helpful 😊

[@valeriebarnett7956]

Thank you for enlightening me and making me feel better. Am a wonky perfectionist but now a relieved perfecttionist..it does not have to be "dead right". Ta xx

[@louisecreatesart]

Wonky perfectionist. I like that phrase! Definatly doesn't have to be dead right. It's really freeing when I try to stick to that. Practice makes progress, not perfection 😊

[@PHeMoX]

I don't _fully_ agree with the distinction made. Many artists, especially oil painters, often want to do 'paintings for fun or learning' in sketchbooks. Or copies of famous works. Or high quality art on the go. Depending on their skill level and the time spend on those works, it can look insanely professional. Add to this doing such high quality studies in that sketchbook exclusively and you'd end up with what may as well be confused with an art book. I personally do agree a 'real' sketchbook should be more about honing drawing skills and experimenting with techniques or focusing on specific subject matter (like drawing 20 eyes on a page, 10 mouths and 30 ears etc.). But there truly is no "rule" that says you have to. Quite the contrary. And I do still learn a lot from doing full page oil paintings in a sketchbook. I don't think artists are 'dishonest' in showing their works in a sketchbook or art book at all. I mean, where are the artists that tore out pages they didn't want us to see?? If anything, people underestimate the skill level of certain artists.

[@beckybeckyblahblah]

You are so good at explaining things, thanks for making such an informative video :)

[@louisecreatesart]

Thank you! So glad you found it helpful 😊

[@lindathaxton1994]

LOL - are all artists addicted to art supplies? Sketchbooks included? I sure am! Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@michaelhartman4813]

My sketchbook is a hybrid. My pages look finished, but each is an experiment. I've only been drawing about 4 years. To make sure I draw every day, I post every day. Whatever technique or body part I'm focusing on I make sure it is part of the drawing. It gets posted no matter how it looks. It also keeps it fun for me. And gives a solid record of progress, or lack there of. Shading spheres for days on end would kill my passion very quickly.

[@shawanalulu]

Thanks for making the difference between a sketchbook and an art book clearer. The word sketchbook is so generic. I’ve been working on art in my sketchbook and it now dawned on me after watching your video that it’s an art book! Clarity is key.🥳

[@louisecreatesart]

Glad you found it helpful 😊

[@C7557]

I give you credit for working through the teaching books. I am too impatient and I just work intuitively. I do have sketchbooks but most of my art is in my A5 Leuchtturm journal of which I go through at least two a year. Most pages have drawings and sketches, sometimes stickers and of course a lot of writing which is why I cannot show them publicly. I am a messy artist and prefer to see other art like that. I do appreciate art that is more precise. I used to be that way but after developing a chronic illness I threw it all out the window. I don't have time for that anymore. 🤣

[@louisecreatesart]

I too appriciate some good ol' messy art! A little bit of chaos can be really appealing. I did enjoy the teaching books but more so as a relaxing exercise than so much a learning exercise, as it was more following instructions I could zone out and just 'paint along' a bit like following along to a Bob Ross! I have a seperate lined journey for all my writing. I will take most of that to my grave though! I tend to destroy them after 5 years or so! I have a few that I'm considering reading from alongside painting videos if I ever get to be so bold!!

[@diannekaroly8125]

Oh, THANK YOU for this video! I Needed it!

[@AnnamoonFineArt]

I have one untouched sketchbook as a backup. And I have sketchbooks for every medium. And just the one where I practice portraits and live ink drawings I could call a sketchbook. All the others you would say are artbooks. I paint in books because then I don't have to store and mess with single papers. It sounds egoistic but I rarely do paintings and drawings that fail. Even in the real sketchbook the most pages are kinda pretty. If something is in an ugly state I keep on working until I am happy. So I paint finished artworks in bounded books but just because I like books and it's nice to go through for myself and my son loves it too to flip through.

[@louisecreatesart]

Having only one sketchbook as backup sounds like amazing self control to me! Not like the stack i have! I really like the idea of having sketchbooks for different mediums, and I suppose with the large range of papers available you can really tailer them to what medium your using. I must admit having a sketchbook for finished pieces is far easier storage than lots of loose papers flapping around! I hope to get to stage where i feel all of my pages are kinda pretty! Art goals!

[@micheleleech8128]

I was offered a brand new sketchbook by my daughter as a Xmas gift and it took at least a year to pluck the courage to start using it. So what you say resonates with me. There is nothing more intimidating than a blank page. But as you say, it is the learning which counts, and also having fun along the way. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@louisecreatesart]

Thanks for the comment. Well done for starting that new sketchbook!

[@NikoGandNicNac]

This was beautiful and very eye-opening. I never really understood why I felt like i needed to rip pages out of my sketchbook. Thank you. (Also yes i have a pile of unused/one-page-used art books lol)

[@gingerbuchanan2795]

You have an incredibly personable way about you. Genuine. Thank you for being so candid and sharing your lovely artwork.

[@louisecreatesart]

Thank you for the kind compliment. Glad you enjoyed it

[@crisalidathomassie1811]

Amazing eye opener video. You are absolutely right and I thank you for making this video to encourage beginners and all artists with so much inspiration. Over the years, I realized I have some sketchbooks, some finished some not, some with blank pages and some with meaningful subjects. I just purchased more sketchbooks with other ideas in mind. Thanks again for your videos filled with real life experience. Congratulations on your pregnancy and I wish you the best. Each video is filled with so much inspiration! You are an awesome human being. Blessings and take care.❤❤❤

[@leahcain2426]

Hey, I completed the same book "You can draw in 30 days" I understand being your worst critic but honestly your 1st sketch book looks way better then mine. I couldn't even do a cube before doing the work book. I learned to love the journey. Your beginner art looks really good!!!

[@louisecreatesart]

I did like that book i must admit! I remember at the time thinking this is tougher than i thought it would be 😅 and thanks 😊

[@meetwilma7220]

I just clicked your video because the topic sounds interesting and while watching it halfway through I saw that you only have 147 subscribers?! Your video looks so professional there should be at least one or two zeros more to your subs! Now you have one more *waves*! Looking forward to seeing more of your content, thanks for this honest sketchbook tour.

[@louisecreatesart]

Oh thanks so much! I have only just started making videos a few weeks ago so really glad to hear people are enjoying them 😊 I'm really happy with the subs already, i know alot of people can see it as just numbers but I always see it as every single one of those subs is a person who liked my vid enough to check in with me again at a later point. Which is really humbling! Thanks for the sub 😊!

[@nobuen0]

Amazing! Im scared to even sketch in my sketchbook because i had this idea that every piece and page was supposed to be finished and good. I only ever see finished products and not practice sketches. Thank you for this

[@louisecreatesart]

So glad you found it useful! Pages definetly dont have to be good or finished, its for you. Have fun! The moment you let go and just start experimenting you will find you improve so much. Good luck! 💚

[@KitsuneHB]

Thank your for this video! I like to watch "sketchbook" tour videos on KZbin and always thought "Wow, they are so pretty, so neat!" and I'm always afraid of ruin my sketchbooks with my unprofessional sketches. But your videos helps me.

[@louisecreatesart]

Glad to hear it helped!

[@indiamarispereira6944]

This content is irrelevant to me right now, but I watched entire just because you are so friendly and peaceful and it's so good to hear you.... ❤

[@louisecreatesart]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@richvanatte3947]

I think you are right. I’m currently creating an Artbook: Knowing I’m going to show these too others. I do the test pieces separately. I will keep what you say in mind if I decide to show them.

[@louisecreatesart]

I'm sure people would actually love to see your sketchy test peices/your process to get to that finished peice! But that can feel a bit more daunting to put out there!

[@Tandibee123]

Thank you for being real❤️

[@mo-mo-p5t]

Thank you for this video. And for showing me what a sketchbook looks like vs finished art books. Initially I found these (art) books inspiring but I find myself frozen with a collection of empty sketchbooks. You made me feel connected, laugh and brightened my day.

[@louisecreatesart]

Such a lovley message. So glad I could be of help!

[@EpicLoutreEver]

Thank you so much for this video! I was always a but disappointed with my sketchbooks because they're so messy and I didn't understand how some people can get such polished sketches. Now, I have my answer and I feel better about that ^^. And I've a lot of new sketchbooks too :)

[@louisecreatesart]

So glad you found it helpful! 🧡

[@VanessaSililo]

I am about to buy my first sketchbook and I am going to quote you on the first page “you can’t ruin a sketchbook” and I think that will be motivation enough to not try to be perfect but to just learn and have fun 😂. Thank you

[@louisecreatesart]

First sketchbook! How exciting! I 100% stick by that, you can't ruin it, even the 'worst' of drawings or paintings are such valuable learning exercises. And once youve reflected on it, if you really hate it you can just stick something over it 😅!! Scrapbooky sketchbooks are just as fun. Thanks for the comment 🥰

[@phyllissmith2538]

I have a lot of unfinished sketch books. I agree that the sketchbook tours are more like art book tours, but I don't let that discourage me. I figure that these people have been doing art for years. Thank you for your honesty. I have been working on making art a habit. Every day I try to draw one or more things in my sketchbook. If I have more time, I will add some watercolor to my drawings. This has been very satisfying and I can see improvement already. It's fun to flip through my drawings and see how I'm progressing. I have plenty of bad drawings, but I like to see them because it shows where I have come from and how far I've come.

[@ArtBrain]

I have renamed the term to "scratchbooks". It's okay to scratch in them. I have one tiny Hahnemuhle watercolor book that I can't bring myself to use. So far, on one page I've made tiny paintings, the size of a quarter. I feel like such a rube to have bought it. But I'm so happy to be "over" the pristine sketchbook thing in general. Sometimes I'll go through my sketchbooks and doodle over some of the uglies to "fix them", and honestly, it helps me see how I've improved because I made a cuter thing, so it's good. I agree. I want to see people's B sketch books, ha.

[@ArtBrain]

On one of my sketchbooks, I actually wrote: "well this was supposed to be my pristine sketchbook, but you can see that ship has sailed. I write for whoever happens to read my books before tossing them when I'm gone, ha". My goal is to not leave them any unused pages to give them a reason to keep them. Wouldn't want them to have that sketchbook burden...😂.

[@Bowserkitty]

So true

[@amberdreams_0]

Yes, I too have a stash of unused sketchbooks, many I bought for 'best'. My initial theory was to buy two of the fab 100% cotton ones so I'd be less scared of messing one up by, you know, actually using it. But that didn't really work - what's galvanised me to use them is the fact that the good paper goes off if you hoard it too long so will end up being completely wasted anyway.

[@louisecreatesart]

It goes off?! Oh dear. That doesn't bode well for my collection, It would probably take a lifetime to get through my stash of paper 😂

[@amberdreams_0]

@@louisecreatesart IKR? I've been hoarding and then buying more - I'll never live long enough to use it all anyway, I'll have to leave it to someone more youthful in my will 🤣

[@louisecreatesart]

Genuinely my partner is like...I can tell if your stressed or sad because more paper comes in the post 🤣🤣 i genuinely do NOT need more paper but it makes me happy just organising my stash and having options when I'm drawing/painting. I thought I hadnt ever been a collector of anything...until I realised I collect paper 😅

[@Heidibearca]

Interesting. I have started sketchbooking and creating tours of them. They are definitely not pristine. They are all about learning and trying new things. So, I think you can have both things, a sketchbook tour of a messy, raw sketchbook. Thanks for this, it helps me understand what I was feeling about other videos I have been watching. 🙂

[@nickdutton6218]

Great video, you cut to the heart of it so early in the art journey. I've stopped using sketchbooks and I just draw on a4 printer paper now. It's taken the stress off, saves lots of money, I actually use it to learn without stress because it's not "permanent." My goal is to fill a 500 sheet pack of printer paper.

[@louisebacon-ogden5032]

I, too, wondered about why even do art in a sketchbook. I started right off with doing art and framing the good ones. Just before the pandemic I did a few art classes for my Spiritual Center. Jumped from there to monthly ZOOM classes and now teaching at a local college (adult ed.) In between, I was able to buy a hand-me-down but never used sketchbook. So, just by the name....I sketched. Very shortly I realized it was a perfect place to plan my lessons. Yup, scribbles and quick sketches DURING a class to show a technique to a student. The good, the bad and the ugly! Louise (another artist!)

[@dea9065]

Thank you so much for this video!! ❤

[@lifemademary]

New subscriber! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for encouraging those of us who push our precious paper to the side for a time when we are “good enough”. “Good enough” is right now and better only comes with practice! 💜

[@plan4life]

When I use my sketchbook it’s only intended for my eyes only, so when my hubby occasionally asks what I have drawn today I always reluctantly show him and start immediately apologising that it’s not particularly good art. He tells me I don’t need to apologise and it’s better than he can do, but I am not really sure he understands I can do way better, I am just practicing the lines and shapes rather than trying to make a perfect work of art lol.

[@louisecreatesart]

I think putting ourselves down or lowering other peoples expectations is a bad habit of alot of people. Myself included! Now I just try to stop myself and ask what they think instead of immediatly telling them its crap 😂!

[@plan4life]

@@louisecreatesart But in my case it is crap because I am just testing lines and things, not making serious art. I wouldn’t ask him what he thinks of it because quite honestly it doesn’t matter. My goal was never to make good art, just to try things out. I think people get confused between a sketchbook and an art book.

[@llamaApples]

I love "bad" art sketchbiooks. I always enjoy watching those videos much more than the fully rendered ones. Mine are a mix of both I would say, but also I just started drawing/painting two years ago. It however does not stop me from posting on youtube lol.

[@louisecreatesart]

I love seeing the 'bad' ones as well. They are alot more relatable to a beginner like myself!

[@inneromen]

i'm so glad i stumbled on this video, it feels great, i'm improving pretty slowly because although i love art i can't make it a priority, i'm happy to go on this journey alongside you

[@louisecreatesart]

Glad to have you along the journey. I have limited time as well but am trying my best to use my time efficiently.

[@sherryfurr9115]

Thank you for this. I am self taught, started one year ago. Looking at these “sketchbooks” has been totally demoralizing.

[@louisecreatesart]

Aww, sorry to hear its been demoralising. I truly beleive its better for our mental wellbeing and motivation to compare only to previous ourselves. Its SO much more inspiring and motivating to so see how far we have come, say if you compare to yourself back to one year ago, or 6 months ago! And even if the improvement is small we can hopefully pick out what to focus on improving as we move forward!

[@sherryfurr9115]

@@louisecreatesart I quickly recovered, lol. And I actually did a comparison of recent paintings to those from last year and see vast improvement.

[@HodajuciParadoks]

I do prefer to have art books, I do have a lot of sketches , but I can not use it for portfolio. So I started doing finished art works, much more satisfying, even if I am not 100% happy with every work, I learn from it, for next time. I always learn, learning never stops and if is cool.

[@skrusha]

im scared of ruining my perfectly perfect sketchbook but i think ill go and utilize it now

[@erniecelindsey8418]

I really enjoyed your video, but I could not hear you. I had my volume up all the way and could barely hear you. I just started back using a sketchbook. Looking back at some very old sketchbooks, each page is filled with finished artworks. I paint oil on canvas usually pretty large with lots of details. I use my sketchbook to learn to loosen up, practice and continue to learn and develop my style. With that said, I finish every piece in my sketchbook. I still consider it to be a sketchbook vs an art book as I'm still learning, developing, and exploring new mediums (just not messy). All of my spreads are just polished. I paid way too much for my sketchbook, to leave a piece unfinished. One day I will share my work, but right now, my art is mostly my way of relaxing and enjoying life.

[@audunopsahl]

Great vid. Good things to know.

[@louisecreatesart]

Thanks for watching!

[@platoschauvet]

I don't watch "sketchbook" tours because I know they'll just make me feel bad for my sketchbooks always being so non-cohesive. But that's how I learn! I'm not sure how anyone else learns without real sketches and gestures and shitty thumbnails and only ever doing finished drawings. Slowly, I'd imagine. Or like you said they just do it in secret lol.

[@charlottej9772]

I watched and I thought you were brilliant 👍🏻

[@louisecreatesart]

Thanks lovely! 😊

[@cjlloyd53]

Good luck with your channel. What a brave thing to do. I have seen other artists do this and their progress has been impressive.

[@happycrafterkaren6873]

I love this... I'm on my first every sketch book and very new... I was getting worried I was the worst person ever at art as everyone elses seemed so perfect.... Thankyou for doing this. 🤩👍 You watercolour book got very good very quickly.... What is your best advice for a newbie?

[@louisecreatesart]

Honestly, I am a newbie! But I would say keep practicing and try to mix structured practice in with Just playing around and having fun! Glad you enjoyed the video 😊

[@111237999]

Very intersting. Gave me great perspective of how i use my sketchbooks. I sometimes felt bad for making 'ugly' pages. But that's ok, those pages are used to learn. p.s. your audio was very soft, other than that great video! Curious what your next ones will be.

[@louisecreatesart]

Thanks for letting me know, I've tried to improve it on my second video. Still getting used to the shotgun microphone!

[@blackbird7005]

You've got this spot on! And your plan to show your development is a great idea and will have us all routing for you and ourselves as we go. I feel re-energised, you're quite motivational with the reassurance that lots of artists professing to show us their 'sketchbooks' are actually working on more finished pieces so good on you! I've liked and sub'd and am looking forward to seeing your work develop and mine, although, no pressure right. The only pressure I need to put on myself is to try and do a piece a day. Once I'm in my studio and get started I lose hours anyway lol

[@louisecreatesart]

Thank you! Glad your feeling re-energised! I'm still motivated and eager to get back to creating. Will be a few more weeks yet as I have a newborn to snuggle but I will be able to carve out more time soon! A peice a day is a really good target. I'm going to aim for that as well in the next few months. Just getting pen to page and finding more time to be creative (as well as keeping two under two alive!) 🙃

[@ArtemisNYC]

Thank you for saying this!!

[@louisecreatesart]

Thanks for watching!

[@Danielle-ur8md]

Goodness I needed this reminder! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@janinee6733]

Thank you so much for this video! Exactly my thoughts... And when you showed your first sketchbook, I had kind of a blackflash- I used the exact same book to start and did the same drawings!

[@johnjones928]

I call mine "work books", and they range from 5x7 drugstore memo pads to dollar store sketch paper pads to 50 lb (80 gsm) sketch books from the larger companies to 100 plus lb drawing paper to bristol. The heavier papers are for finish work and the light for thumbnails and roughing out ideas. The 50 lb books are the ones i use to do the drawing before going to the final (if i get to that point at all) work, and they are complete messes with multiple pages of thumbnails and preliminary sketches torn out of the other pads falling out all over the place. My first "sketchbook was a left over multi subject notebook left over from 6th grade, it's all but falling apart but full of my cringe worthy first attempts at drawing thing that weren't traced or copies of someone else's work, it's a valued part of my art journey.

[@louisecreatesart]

Definatly a valued part of the journey! That's why I'm going to keep all my rough 'sketchbooks' so in a few years I can look back at the progress I've made. I've got a range of dirt cheap sketchbooks and more expensive (mostly hand made mind you!)

[@firelordOzai3]

I have a stash of empty sketchbooks and it’s becoming a bit ridiculous 😅😅😅 it’s my cupboard of shame but i will use them. Eventually

[@louisecreatesart]

Cupboard of potential 😉!

[@YayaValder]

I do hope you make more videos! You're adorable and absolutely correct. Thank you for this.

[@louisecreatesart]

I will be! I'm aiming for one per week but overall fortnightly (as I'm 28 weeks pregnant so might need to take it easy on myself in the next few months!)

[@YayaValder]

@@louisecreatesart Congratulations! Take care of you & be gentle with yourself.

[@annemariezammit1750]

​@@louisecreatesart congratulations and best wishes 😊 and thank you for such a great video too

[@TheCheesyInc]

Absolutely true. Thank you!

[@shirokke]

This is such a great video. I often find myself demotivated by the skill level of others, while at the same time it can be also inspiring. I also have a lot of unused sketchbooks (and materials) lying around. So now i´m just trying to use everything more and get into a regular routine of practice. And i need to a,low myself to just play around. Which is often hard, because i see myself being afraid of "bad sketches" and flaws. I do challenges on instagram because they help me to get into action, but the results of other, more skilled artists can also be intimidating. ´:D So you are right, you can´t compare yourself too much to others. i also like reading and watching content which is encouraging. Just playing around and trying out as much as possible makes progress. i read somewhere lately, that you have to walk through the "messy" states of your art. that also resonated with me. :) Last year i started an "art journal", which i dedicated to just playing around, being messy and doing a lot of drawing from imagination. The sketches in there turned out totally different than in my "normal" sketchbooks, where i mostly draw from life when i´m out and about.

[@louisecreatesart]

I think ALL artists probably have more than enough supplies hanging around 😅I know i do! What challenges do you do from Instagram? I would love to do my sketching out and about but im currently never alone when i go out! In 2-3 years i should be able to have some more trips out with pen and paper in hand! Sorry for the ancient reply, this is right at the time where a had my baby so i missed a load of messages and didn't even realise.

[@samanthaparkinson1512]

Genuinely a brilliant video. I really appreciate you taking the time to differentiating between art and sketchbooks. I am definitely a victim of this and have abandoned many a sketchbook because of this