how to actually finish your sketchbook this year (at any level)

[@sketchesofshay]

you can use your sketchbook however you want! these are just some tips that can help jumpstart your own journey if you're feeling lost. wishing you all the best

[@Mira-117]

Thanks!!

[@Niles_VLX]

What sketchbook do you use? It’s really nice

[@sketchesofshay]

I talk about all of my favorite brands in this video

[@bidgongue420]

SHAY WHAT R UR PRONOUNS???

[@sketchesofshay]

👁👄👁they're in my channel bio@@bidgongue420

[@ChantelleArts]

One of the best things that's helped me finish my sketchbooks is to not leave any gaps or empty pages. I used to do this before or roughly sketch things out and found it so difficult to go back and finish off those pieces ❤❤

[@sketchesofshay]

this is such a great tip chantelle! thank you for sharing

[@ontune1715]

the environment where you draw is also an important factor.

[@melissacook6083]

very true!

[@teaformiles]

something that helps me a lot is the fact that sometimes things have gotten too familiar for me, or just arent working for me and changing it usually helps! for example, i have a very large sketchbook and i realised it was making it feel too intimidating or inconvenient to draw regularly, and as soon as i bought a smaller sketchbook my artblock pretty much melted away and im having so much fun drawing more comfortably!! its also good to switch up materials every so often, using pencil so much all the time really burnt me out and now that im learning gouache (thank you shay) ive been excited to paint pretty much every day recently

[@sketchesofshay]

keeping multiple sketchbooks is such a great idea, in fact, I do the same thing! I have a big one for figure drawing, a midsize one for general sketching and thumbnailing, and a higher quality one for gouache painting. so happy this works for you as well, AND I hope you have fun with gouache! it's one of my fav mediums

[@teaformiles]

@@sketchesofshaytysm!! gouache has very quickly become my favourite medium too!

[@sourgreendolly7685]

I've been debating doing this on and off for 4 or 5 months now. I'm definitely making things harder on myself, there's no debate lol So thank you for confirming that💕

[@JustMooshie]

Lmao I had the opposite issue! I had only used small/mid sized sketchbooks for YEARS and was getting so bored, one day I decided to try a huge sketch pad and I feel so much more inspired! Switching things up is great for creativity!

[@dashakuzmina23]

OMG 60+ sketchbooks?? That's amazing, I've only been able to fill out 14 and you have motivated me to continue working on more :)) I'd love to see a video of you going through your art progress over the years!

[@itshamstertime2709]

14?! Dude im still working on my second! (I think) 😭 ive been drawing for years tho- i didn’t even finish my first!

[@Diarrheagod]

Same! I have never finished a sketchbook and I’ve been drawing since I was 4 😂 I’m making it a habit to do that now tho

[@GlitchGalaxyEXE]

Only?! Don't put yourself down! I'm on my second and while I am proud of my progress I don't think I'll be catching up to you anytime soon :) Well done!

[@AnneKitkat-ix3mb]

I'm on my 16th! About to go on my 17th. It hard but I'm getting there.

[@ufoesferico1050]

It feels really good to hear from an artist that you admire say the same things you have thought of in your creative journey. I noticed that taking things with calm, setting small goals and just enjoying sketching has made me discover new things about myself as an artist, I even realized that the ocs and stories I was developing wasn’t really something I truly enjoyed, so back to the drawing board! I used to think I wanted to be a character designer, but I feel much happier when I quickly sketch scenes or other characters, I think I might be into storyboarding. Anyways, I love your videos, they give me hope and inspire me to be a better artist ❤

[@sketchesofshay]

so happy this video helped you and made you feel comforted in your journey!

[@imaneseddiki8532]

As of right now I am using 2 sketchbooks. One is my main sketchbook where I'm focusing a lot on anatomy and faces. And my other one is this teeny tiny sketchbook I got from Walmart for like 5 bucks that helps me get my creative juices flowing. There's just a bunch of random and OKAY drawings in there but it really helps me and my artist block, and I have zero pressure trying to finish it because there's not really a goal in it, it's really freeing. I highly recommend artist keeping another little sketchbook on the side :)

[@sketchesofshay]

that's such a great tip! I kind of do a similar thing, where I have my ideas/messy sketchbook, and then I have a sketchbook for painting studies and more finished illustration work. It's the best of both worlds

[@brownie_barnie]

Actually, I'm bad at compliments, but I need to say that your style is SOOO TASTY , I LOVE IT SM🙏

[@Isabella.a.458]

One thing that really helps me is drawing on different pieces of paper and then gluing it into my actual sketchbook, might be unnecessary but it takes alot of the pressure away and my current sketchbook has been the easiest to finish. I also wanna try drawing on both sides of my pages in my next sketchbook (My current one is from the dollar tree so pages are too thin and the spiral bind is tiny) 3rd thing that helped me is covering it in stickers, also nothing necessary but it makes the outside of my sketchbook feel more personal for me. Last thing I've been trying out is adding color, got 100 acrylic markers for my birthday this year (Mom knew i wanted to experiment) and I also started using various colored pens, as someone who is usually just a pencil sketch type of person giving my art color makes my sketchbook feel worthwhile, whereas the grey throughout made it boring to look through. I have 6 pages left of my current sketchbook after 8 months and you can definitely see me improve just by flipping the pages. (Sorry for all the yapping)

[@djan71]

Good yapping

[@rockomundo]

I'm an older artist, will be turning 30 this year, and have drawn basically all my life, but have also been struggling with trying to make my art not look amateurish and am always trying to develop myself into a better artist. All your videos, including all these sketchbook tours and tips have helped me tremendously, and i have learned to learn more from the younger generation of artists rather than be jealous of them, so thank you. ( Y'all are getting better and better at art tho, ngl! )

[@sketchesofshay]

you got this! there is no certain skill level to be at for a certain age! that is totally a myth, and there have been many a professional artist that started later in their lives. I wish you the best in your journey, I am honored that you watch my videos

[@mspooner]

Yo, an older artist is like 70-80 lol

[@mattogie]

one of the best things that happened to me lately was implementing daily sketching into my routine! i only missed two days and i'm so proud of myself for using my sketchbook more... i used to draw once every two weeks, or i'd draw for a few days and then stop for months. and to be fair, drawing isn't my only hobby, but i do wish i could go back to my beginner days where i just drew for the fun of it lol. i find that daily sketching really works for me, so i hope this year i can finish this sketchbook without the pressure of doing anything too complicated or focusing too much on improving all the time :)

[@sketchesofshay]

that's an awesome habit to have! I also have a daily sketching habit and the low pressure casualness has also really helped in my creativity and keeping creative blocks away. wishing you the best in your improvement journey!

[@speckledblender5495]

I've never really struggled with finishing a sketch book. Normally it takes me half of a year to finish one. The short amount of time that I finished one had to be three months while the longest its taken me to finish a sketch book is still going (its a sketch book for a comic that has been taken me 4 years now and I haven't finished drawing chapter 2 lol) I usually draw every day unless it's the summer time I don't really draw then. But during the winter or school season that's when I'm drawing like crazy. Even though I don't struggle with finishing sketch books these tips are very helpful for even like projects. Thank you for the tips Shay! Your an amazing artist/teacher an I'm very grateful that I found your channel last year. I can't wait for more of your tips, tricks and most importantly your amazing personality and art. I hope you have a fabulous week.

[@sketchesofshay]

so happy you've already found something that works for you ember! that's awesome, and I am so happy you like my content too, it means a lot. hope you have a fabulous day as well!

[@sorthstudios]

Something that helped me finish my sketchbook was bringing it EVERYWHERE. Waiting times where I'd usually scroll my phone, became sketching sessions. Waiting for appointments, sitting on the bus, coffee breaks ect. Turns into many hours of drawing!

[@sketchesofshay]

YES love this habit! and yeah all that time adds up and leads to more development in the long term

[@KetchupCanvas]

This was a really good video and inspires me to draw today! I struggle with drawing in a sketchbook and then losing steam and being like "oh look! Another sketchbook!" 😂 I have this idea in my head that THIS will be the one that I'll do good work in, and then the art just doesn't turn out and I change books in the hopes that a fresh start will re-inspire and make me better somehow? So my solution was to keep two sketchbooks at a time: one, my mess book, for making a creative mess and exploring, and the other to do more specific work (lately I've been doing contour sketches based on Pinterest images) It's been helping a lot!

[@sketchesofshay]

DUDE i literally do the same thing! a messy sketchbook and a more concentrated sketchbook (typically my gouache paintings). so cool to know another artist does that. and I love the idea of switching between them when things aren't working out, so smart

[@TheBlackHatOutlaw]

Shay, this video was a breath of fresh air! So many artists here on youtube talk about their habits and what they have found useful, but that's it. You are the first I've seen to point out that EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT and that there is no one-size-fits-all way to be a successful artist. Everyone has to find their own way in what makes them happy to create even if that means a "common practice" isn't meant for them. It was also wonderful to hear some suggestions on how to do it differently in the same video. It seems many people thing they're failing because they can't do it the way their favourite artists do when that's just plain not the case. To borrow an analogy from Alpay Effe, it's like a recipe for pancakes. The single recipe isn't going to work for everyone as everyone has different tastes. You're not going to call yourself a failed chef by a single recipe not working for you, so why are you a failed artist if the common way is not for you?

[@sketchesofshay]

LOVE THE CHEF ANALOGY!! I think you hit the nail on the head! Sketchbooks are so personal to everyone (that’s why it’s more difficult to give advice or tips) and we all need to experiment and find what works for us and not try to change ourselves to match the style or standards of others. Thank you so much for your insight!💖

[@TheBlackHatOutlaw]

@@sketchesofshay You're quite welcome. ^_^

[@lisayad3765]

i had a big problem with sketchbooks because if i didn't like what i drew i would just rip up the paper so i was left with less and less pages and for my new sketchbook i said like "no ripping up. collage, redraw with acrylic, DO NOT RIP" and its so nice to see how much pages is there to draw something new!!!

[@slaywhachuwannaslay]

Up until December, I’ve only ever had A4 sketchbooks, but I decided to buy a smaller one just for fun. I can now safely say that I am NEVER. GOING. BACK. (I only keep one A4 sketchbook for when I want to do elaborate illustrations that need strong paper) Edit: forgot to mention, but great video as always :D

[@sketchesofshay]

loveeee using smaller sketchbooks! happy that you found something that works for you!!

[@A.CPostigo]

Your art is absolutely beutiful, everything the expressions, the colours, the anatomy... everything is just: wow

[@whoopsidc1750]

I can’t believe that one time I set and completed a goal to finish sketchbook in a month. Like 4 pages a day. I boosted my art skills so much

[@eransome1288]

forgive any spelling errors I always LOVE your videos I would often draw while listening to them and after watching this video and drawing my oc I have a sketchbook (still on going) from 2022. and I left some pages not filled completely and other pages I'm not to pound of. I'm going back and filling/finishing some pages. and I'm learning a lot from your videos! and I'm taking my time with my current sketchbook I have another only for ideas!!!

[@sketchesofshay]

that is amazing!! I am so happy for you and I am so honored that you love my videos. and yes! I am here for us taking our time with our sketchbooks and truly using them to help us in our art goals. good on you, and best wishes in your journey!

[@SpiralAnimationssssss]

ive had sketchbooks since i was about 6 and i have always just used them for random drawing when i feel like it, this is a good new perspective especially now that im going to do art in college

[@shadowabrami485]

Seeing your sketches is doing something to my brain- I go: how draw???? How draw big??? How draw nice??? Your work is good wish you the best- I’m gonna go draw TwT

[@sketchesofshay]

YES GO DRAW!! you got this, I believe in you!! have fun and enjoy the process!

[@Mr.ArtisticSketcher]

I can see that this tips are indeed quite good for someone who is starting their art journey. I personally draw daily atleast 1 complete sketch if it's weekend or I get some free time this may be 2 sketches per day but on average it's a sketch a day. Due to this I completes about 4 sketch books each year.... and I wanna say that it's ok to love art and do sketch each and every day but it's should not be forcing yourself to draw at some times it's just you need a little break it's not art block it's just exhaustion and it happens don't worry go outside touch some grass it will go away! :)

[@rosieinwonderland8132]

I thought this video was gonna be like "just stick stuff in and put circles all over" but you actually gave good advice which is rare in these videos as far as ive seen so thank you! It helped a lot

[@mothburst]

this was a great video for sketchbook advice, thank you!! it helped me reflect on what i prefer to do in my sketchbook; primarily for my current one, I've been sticking with less full artworks and more expressive, planning work because I want to dive more into creating more digital illustrations and comics this year. What a sketchbook means to everyone is certainly subjective as you say, I prefer sketching plans and concepts, as well as warm-up for bigger work! I love sketching as part of my morning routine and while travelling on shuttle, it gives great moments to observe and study around me and create icebreaker conversations with others. But I've definitely got new ideas for some goals on consistent weekly habits of art studies and creating occasional full illustrations ^^

[@likhitadevadiga32]

i've been struggling with using my sketch book for a little while now and this video is just what i needed. thank you!!! :')

[@sketchesofshay]

so happy I could help! I hope you enjoy the video!

[@critiqueofthegothgf]

as someone who sketches purely for enjoyment, as a hobby, i managed to integrate sketching into my daily/weekly routine. i'm not sure how realistic or easy it'd be for others, but i draw every day or every other day, with the occasionall breaks in between when i simply don't feel like it, or don't have the time. my case is a bit specific, however, because i find it really easy to establish habits/routine and that's in part because i love routines and structure. sketching windows for me are usually from 6-8pm, after i've done everything i need/want to during the day. i'll turn youtube on, open up a sketches of shay or draw with me video, and get to drawing. after sketching, i eat supper and go to bed. i've done this for about a full year now and i seriously love it so much.

[@sketchesofshay]

I'm right there with you critique, I thrive off of routine structure as well! and that sounds like such a good cozy evening routine, and I am honored that you include me in it. happy drawing

[@SECRETGRAVlTY]

Thank god you made this video, I never finish the last few pages of my sketchbook before abandoning it 😭😭😭😭 thank you!

[@sketchesofshay]

I hope these tips helps you! best of luck in your own journey, you got this!

[@bacon_ART.]

HOW DID YOU KNOW WHAT I WAS THINKING?? your always there when we need, and i love your content shay!!❤

[@sketchesofshay]

heheh so happy to see another comment from you bacon! enjoy the video and enjoy using your sketchbook!

[@bacon_ART.]

@@sketchesofshay ive also followed your insta for a really long time! but i still regret not finding out about you sooner!❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

[@bacon_ART.]

@@sketchesofshayThanks shay! Love drawing with your videos on, and I have really enjoyed seeing your channel grow. Never stop being amazing! ❤

[@sendwings8474]

DUDE, THE HOMESTUCK JUMPSCARE DAMN NEAR GAVE ME A HEART ATTACK LMAO

[@unicornpupart]

thank you i have so much art block 😭😭😭 and i um dont even use my sketchbooks rlly mostly digital art but i'll try :3

[@amberj8206]

I find bigger sketchbooks to be intimidating to work with, so I find myself gravitating towards smaller sketchbooks--and it's so fun! It's easier to develop a habit with a smaller space while also being able to finish it faster. I never thought of worldbuilding in a sketchbook, and I definitely think I'll be implementing more of that in the future ✨

[@reeses_nixed_peices]

Honestly, I don't really want to use my sketchbook as a way to plan projects, but rather, as the project. Having a handheld collection of my favorite work that I don't have to dig out of a folder or box makes me feel really good. And being able to knock out small pages and spreads that I love just in an hour or two, and then seeing the new crinkly bit of paper in my sketchbook makes me so happy.

[@sharirvekineorzea]

Thank you for publishing this video! It comes at exactly the right time and the tips are spot-on as I've just discovered that the way I prefer to use my sketchbook is to explore illustration ideas and facial expressions. So I can absolutely vouch for the value of having a goal in mind for your sketchbook practice! It helps a lot especially if you're like me and struggle with feeling lost if you don't have some sort of guidance in your mind to start from.

[@voramaisnest]

I've been drawing for most of my life, but just started completing sketchbooks starting in 2018. I'm on my 10th sketchbook right now, and I'm getting so close to finishing it!!! I only have 37 pages left. I'd like to finish it by the 29th this month! I mostly use my sketchbooks for character design and illustrations.

[@sketchesofshay]

That’s awesome!! It’s great to have a deadline, but don’t force it if you don’t have to, you’ve already come so far and have done so much! You got this 💖

[@nikolettatuzko5223]

I like this video and I'm not gonna lie, I agree with that, you can build a good habit. My psychologist told me last time I should try to creat a 20 minute habit for only my art (if I not feeling to draw that day, I can make notes or other creative activity in that time), but that 20 minute will be made for that only. What I can move if my day is a bit busy, so I can do it later or early). But that 20 minute will be my safe place for draw and creat. Of course I can make it bigger like more than 20 min, but at first is not a bad thing if you start small when you creating a habit. ^^

[@toodles_doodles]

Thank you! I have a struggle with this very topic. Your previous sketchbook prompt video was also super helpful. ❤

[@sketchesofshay]

so happy I could help you out a little, you got this! keep on drawing

[@amylichtenberger2965]

I used to fill sketchbooks twice annually and I even was able to fill 4 or 5 a year for a good period of time. Now I have a dozen sketchbooks that I’m working through to have different palettes to create on. They are all different papers, colors, shapes, and sizes I want to personally promote trying to cut out and paste in old art to compare and improve! I’m super personal and almost using my art as a diary and comparing my art helps me want to make more!

[@sketchesofshay]

That’s awesome and sounds so much fun !! So happy for you💖💖💖

[@Leo-the-frog]

I can’t even focus on the advice because I’m too blown away by all the cool art 😭

[@caelan0D]

Very funny timing of this video, I really needed it seeing as I am nearly done with a Sketchbook I've been working on for 3 years! and just bought a new one to motivate me to be excited to start a new one when I finish this one and maybe make a sketchbook tour video haha. I loved how all of your tips were about learning and connecting with art rather than just random stuff you can fill your pages with!

[@sketchesofshay]

YAY!! that is so exciting caelan, you should be proud! I am so happy for you and I’m glad to provide some of my own tips to keep your sketchbook habit going. Best wishes in your journey 💖

[@DSh1105]

Love your channel! I wanted to comment some ways I fill out my sketchbook In all my sketchbooks I do one page where I put pictures of my dog (and some of her fur) you could draw your pet instead of this, have a theme for the whole page (for an example page with mushrooms), put drawings you did outside of your sketchbook in your sketchbook, use collage paper or news paper as a background of a page or as a way to fill space, use dried plants, stickers, washi tape, movie tickets (reciets), print out art you like an stick it in your sketchbook, print out poses (or other stuff) you want to draw, write down oc/world lore, write down ideas to draw, draw art from artists you like (try drawing stuff you like from their work and incorporate it into your art), do parts that move, to fill out space on a page write quoats or song lyrics, draw your oc in clothes they would wear or outfits you like, draw stuff from your room or from some other space, cut out stuff from magazines and newspaper and use them in your sketchbook, try out different materials to use I might add more if I remember, I would love if people could comments some other ideas of how to fill a sketchbook (Sorry for any grammar mistakes I'm not a native English speaker)

[@DSh1105]

You can also draw your fav characters in an au, as animals..., draw witches, mermaids...inspired by random objects/animals/plants (pricklyalpacha on youtube draws this alot), practice how to draw weapons

[@DSh1105]

You can use transparents plastic bags with watercolor or a more liquedy felt pen and make stamps (You can also draw something than put the plastic with another drawing on it and have it be able to be flipped, having a cool interactive piece)

[@elizabethallen7193]

Wow, I love these ideas, I definitely will try some! 😄 One thing I've done and seen mentioned before is the exercise where you draw abstract blobs of color with markers or paint, and go over the top with pens or other markers to draw what you imagine the shape to be. When I've done it I drew things like weirdly shaped faces and animals and other objects. Always important to remember you can flip your sketchbook around for different angles to help imagining. Another thing I've done is the month-long art challenges and drawing prompts. Ones I've done before were inktober, witchtober, fairyary, mermay, swordtember, miku100, 50/100 heads challenge, and many more. So many great artists come up with inspiring prompt lists. Last year I made my own personal one where I tried to draw fanart of characters, because I don't draw much fanart. Another tip I have for these challenges is to add an additional guideline or challenge like last year I also drew the final illustrations in only red and blue bic pens. Or the year before I challenged myself to using many references, and used colored pens and highlighters. Additionally, in these challenges its very helpful to make tons of thumbnail sketches or notes about your ideas. Finally, don't be afraid to start and stop these challenges whenever. Start in the middle of any month. And its okay to take breaks (even really long ones) and come back to the challenge later. Another thought I have is that if one of your sketchbook goals is to have a sketchbook with every page drawn on, even if you skip pages give yourself permission to come back later and add in new drawings. It may help to just paste in sketches or pictures or whatever else. And something I always do is date all of my sketches with the format of (Tue. Feb. 27. 24.) I just got always frustrated I didn't write dates when I was younger, so personally tracking my progress with including dates helps me. (1/2)

[@elizabethallen7193]

Another idea is to try doing drawings upside down. Like trying to draw a face upside down, but when you flip it you try to make it look like how you draw normally. Or flipping your sketchbook upside down to give yourself a new perspective on how you make your drawings. You could also do a challenge or use a generator to draw new characters or mash up animals to create a fantasy creature. There was one challenge I did a few times where you shuffled your playlist and used each song to inspire their appearance, personality, backstory, relationships. Or I've seen a lot of trends on tiktok or youtube shorts where you use certain aspects of yourself or life to help inspire a character with certain traits too. Something else I like to do with sketchbooks is with the first page, use it for the start-end dates of the sketchbook, use it to draw a in-my-style current self portrait of what I look like and am wearing, make a little section for goals, and I like to write a letter to myself that includes things about current life circumstances and I try to be positive and optimistic in case my future self ever needs to read those words. To every artist, I love you, you've got this, have fun and I wish you well in all of your creative endeavors!! ❤ ❤ ❤ (2/2)

[@elizabethallen7193]

Oh! And one more idea I've had that I want to try is making DIY stickers. When I was a kid, I would make stickers using packaging tape on the front of a drawing, cut it out and put a round circle of tape (like the sticky part faces outwards and you stick it together in a circle) and use it as a sticker. You could probably use double sided tape for the back too, or even glue depending on what you want to put it on. I've wanted to do this again at some point and I plan on making stickers that are fan art of different things I like or really whatever one could want. Hope this helps! ^-^

[@silverstewart2936]

i want to attempt starting to use my sketchbook for more complete creations, like at the moment theres a lot of unfinished concepts and designs that ive been meaning to go back too, like as an example right now i am trying to create a cyberpunk alternative design for one of my ocs and i keep getting stuck, and i just want to be able to have my drafts and ONE finished (with atleast lineart) drawing of him in my sketchbook, as well as going back and finishing doing a reference sheet of his main design

[@grrrmie]

My problem was being a perfectionist even in my sketch book where I would be down on myself or ashamed of not creating something "good" when the entire point of a sketch book IS to practice and learn. Another thing for me is "jumping right in" without a warm up. Im trying to look at it like working out, u wouldnt jump in to ur biggest set with out a few warmup rounds first. Thanks for the tips and looking forward to future videos

[@sketchesofshay]

I love the working out analogy! that makes a perfect sense. Also, like working out, you gotta consistently work to make those gains and see results.

[@kelseyzeller1759]

This was a great video ❤ I’d love to see a breakdown of how you set and achieve your art goals, as someone who is very new to having a regular art practice

[@rosezy755]

I've always struggled with keeping up with any project, especially dozens and dozens of sketchbooks over the years. But, the sketchbook I have started this year is already my favorite. I found out on my own how beneficial having a goal in mind is, and my goal has been to document my life and my internal world through art. Sometimes it's simply decorated lists, things I want to practice drawing, drawings I'm proud of and glued in, or memories I want to keep. The most recent thing I've drawn is a dog I fell in love with while volunteering at the shelter one day. Some pages I'll come back and perfect, and some are a mess, but I got rid of the anxiety of it needing to be perfect. Even if it's not pretty, it has meaning, and that's what matters. I think this video is probably one of the best I've seen about sketchbooks too, art included. I love the creativity

[@mspooner]

For the last several years, I've never really gotten into sketchbook-ing. But personally, I want a bigger sketchbook (8x5 lol 😂 huge, I know) for like, sculpture planning, as well as going out and doing stuff I want to visually journal. I have these small 5x3 sketchbooks for my graphic novel and my graphic novel is how I personally draw consistently.

[@artisticomens]

Almost finished my 7th sketchbook, and looking forward to using this when i start my next one! My sketchbook is progressing at a pace that seems to be lining up with a pretty big change in my life, and probably a big change in my art too, so i look forward to setting goals like this soon ^^

[@eshadrawz]

One goal i've kept this year is that i wanna finish my sketchbook sooner and start a new one aswell. I'm hoping it'll help me out in the long sun, so this video is perfectly timed

[@sketchesofshay]

I am excited for you! seems like a great goal. you got this, remember to have fun and enjoy the process

[@eshadrawz]

@@sketchesofshay Thank you! I'll sure try!

[@soour_eye11]

I ran to watch this video when i saw it!!1 Currently i have two sketchbooks, one really small and one "normal". I try to take the small one with me everywhere I go to save memories in it and draw everyday. Its really helping me with perspective and I try to draw in it as much as I can. The other one is for scribbles, ocs, basically anything I want and its nice to draw in it from time to time. That works for me but i started to catch myself not wanting to touch the daily one- but its okay since i won't force myself to work in it!

[@sketchesofshay]

That’s great! I love that you’re not forcing yourself to use one, that’s really awesome 💖

[@pulka_kapulka2887]

Thank you so much Shay! I was SO excited for this video! I can't finish a sketchbook for 3 years now.. So I'm gonna try everything!) ❤ You're art always motivates me! Thank you for putting so much effort in every video!💞

[@sketchesofshay]

YOU GOT THIS! this will be your year, and I really hope my tips help you reach the goal of finishing a sketchbook! enjoy the process

[@pulka_kapulka2887]

​@@sketchesofshay Thank you!! ❤❤❤

[@foxygrin]

I adore everything about this video but that last sketchbook you showed really blew me away in terms of how inspiring it all looks. Do you have a full tour of that that I missed? I don't mean to be greedy- you already shared so much, but I'd love to hear you talk about it! : )

[@sketchesofshay]

i do have a tour! sorry if you missed it, here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3m1eKmgh9OYhtksi=aTQH3V2ipPsuqAkh

[@foxygrin]

Thank you so much!! And let me take this opportunity to wish you all the luck on your art career/journey, Shay, you deserve it and more 🍀

[@akofoxs5647]

Hey,sincerely I never put comment but your video is SO good that I needed to ! I have put your video in my list of “video to watch..one day ?” Because I was too lazy and tired to have that feeling of “I am so bad and other are better” after seeing sketch of artists more experienced but I knew it would be useful so I watched it today anyway lol But now that I have watched this I got so much determination!! I want so much to improve and I thanks you for that ! Your art is really inspiring me and your tips are really good. Hope you have a good days buddy ! (Sorry my English is messy LMAO)

[@spaguetti_rat]

Have you ever considered making an video checking out your old sketchbooks/showing old art?? Maeby as you show them you could give some advice on how to make it better or find stuff that you've carried to your current art

[@sketchesofshay]

That’s a good idea! But idk if I want to share the older sketchbooks, they are really personal to me (especially since I filled them when I was younger) and I’m not sure if I’m totally comfy with that 😅

[@spaguetti_rat]

@@sketchesofshay that's completely reasonable! Honestly I was also somewhat trying to get my Homestuck brainrotted some content cuz I love finding other people's old fanart

[@sketchesofshay]

I haven't told anyone online yet... but I may be planning something special for 4/13... I might be redrawing some of the characters heheh@@spaguetti_rat

[@YourFavoriteJugg4lo]

i thought you were me for a second

[@spaguetti_rat]

@@YourFavoriteJugg4lo NO WAYYY!!! I've had this pfp for like two years and I've never even seen the pic reposted what a coincidence

[@bchraelabasi8769]

I find your artstyle so absolutely gorgeous

[@c10udyday]

Ive been using sketchbooks for a few years now but i only started getting serious last year and im still trying to find my way of using one. I think itd be so cool to write ideas and do character designs but so far ive only been doing anatomy and silly lil doodles. The way you had all those things taped into your sketchbook was really cool i wanna do sum like that.

[@ninji1394]

I got into the habit a while ago of sketching every day, but the problem is it ended up becoming a chore. Since then, I've been trying to find ways to find joy in my art again and I think these tips will help with that. Thank you! :D

[@lazy_lady14]

The way I screamed when I saw this ❤ i have not finished a sketchbook in almost two years thank you 🙏

[@sketchesofshay]

you got this!! I really hope my tips help you, I am wishing you the best in your journey getting back on track

[@princelujan]

Thank you so much for this! When started painting digitally I used my sketchbook less and less, and really wanted to start drawing traditionally again this year so this helped me a lot💕

[@sketchesofshay]

that's such a great goal to have! i love digital drawing and painting, but there's still something so tactile and magical in doing traditional art that can't be replicated

[@princelujan]

@@sketchesofshay yes, and more challenging You don't have ctr+z in traditional art xD

[@sketchesofshay]

omg true! there have been too many times where I do the finger motions to undo and I remember its traditional💀 @@princelujan

[@princelujan]

@@sketchesofshay hahaha yes!!! And zoom in or zoom out, that's one I do all the time😂

[@Whodafizkm]

I found your channel a few days ago, and omg you are so inspiring! For months, I was away from drawing even though I always had an itch to do something creative. After I saw your videos, I took my little sketchbook out from my shelf and started sketching. Also, I always used iPad but I’m thinking about trying traditional paint since I saw your pretty cowboy paint! Thank you very much for the amazing contents and looking forward to it from now on too :3 Sending love from Japan! ❤

[@Xaxa_IsTired]

You are my new motivation artist I love you and your art

[@katrinakatrebova4354]

This is ACTUALLY helpfull

[@Popipopipoppopipo]

This is so helpful and encouraging man I’ve been having such a harsh love hate relationship with art because of seeing it as schoolwork for my art course but this video genuinely makes me so excited to get into art for personal enjoyment again 😭 thank you for making this video!

[@sketchesofshay]

that makes me so happy !! i am excited for you! I also have a specific video about being an art student and finding your purpose with making art coming out this week on Thursday so make sure to check back on the channel

[@sakichan0248]

yknow what this is the best advice ive ever heard. gave me a light of hope for creating artworks in my sketchbook which would potentially and hopefully go into my portfolio. thank you so much, your help is really really appreciated and I hope with all my sincere heart that you meet your goals and will discover many things in the future :)

[@Michelle.M35]

Dude I was literally thinking about my year old unfinished sketchbook when I saw this video!

[@ArouselApe]

This is really helping me improve on myself with my own art! I really appreciate the writing down part, writing what I want to work on or explore is a great help, it gives me less art block as I can now have different subjects to discover :)

[@sketchesofshay]

that's amazing! so happy my video has helped you! writing is such a hidden super power for artists

[@TaylorKaye-v5l]

Shay, I love your videos!! They are always a relaxing and inspiring start to my mornings. Have you ever done sketchbook tours for your older sketchbooks - and if not, would you consider doing one? I love seeing the mix of note-taking, study, and original sketches. I am currently using my sketchbook as a "training" sketchbook but I am struggling to balance original work with text/notes/studies. I would LOVE to hear you talk through one of sketchbooks you showed in this video!

[@sketchesofshay]

A lot of them are pretty personal, so possibly not, but I have showed all of my sketchbooks that are featured in this video on my channel, here is a playlist 💖kzbin.info/aero/PLfqJlOQ4oCuoYwy0olIOx3qDOc8P6F-nF&si=j3lIRhJBEcRUCRcx

[@TaylorKaye-v5l]

@@sketchesofshay ooh thank you so much for replying

[@ohhhhdear]

dang man 😭 i just finished a sketchbook but i think it took me like… 4 years? maybe 2, but still! i think it’s because i have a focus on digital artwork, but it feels like the pages in that sketchbook are decades apart. maybe i’ll start actually using a sketchbook again soon.

[@Splat654]

Let me just share how greatly the first tip in this video helped me so far. I was in the longest artblock due to heavy burnout, but every day, I wanted to draw. I tried forcing myself. Tried switching the place and the way i draw. Started drawing outside. It worked, but only for a short time, and then back into the artblock. Then i set a goal for myself. I realized I need to just start drawing a lot, not matter how. I got the worst, most thicc sketchbook I could find. When I realized that my thinking distracts me from doodling, I changed my drawing sessions to copying. I would just open pinterest every evening and redraw whatever art i liked. So i wouldn't think, but just do the drawing. I did it this year from November to January. In December I had motivation and inspiration to draw for the first time in maybe, 6 years. I stopped making copy art and switched to full original. I constantly actively want to draw now and am able to do it. And starting February, I switched to not just drawing but also research and study of art alongside. I have finished 60-70% of this thicc sketchbook and i am quite sure that I'll finish it completely in the upcoming 3 months. So, basically, JUST HAVING THE GOAL was a massive game changer. I also actively switch goals inside of my sketchbook. Like, starting January, I decided i wanted to do figure drawings to improve my character poses. To my shock, I started filling up to 3-4 pages in one evening, drawing from references. And enjoying it. It's the first time in my life I was able to draw so much, so often, so productive. I have been drawing for 12 years and never had smth like this. I never filled the sketchbook so quickly. Also, me quitting posting online helped because i was too anxious about not having any success online.

[@sketchesofshay]

So happy you found something that works for you! Finding a goal and working towards it can be completely life changing and I’m so happy you are drawing more!

[@Splat654]

​@sketchesofshay, thank you for your channel and videos as well! You are a big inspiration, and you make great videos with great, working advices.

[@Lyra-u8u]

You're art style and painting is so pretty, thank you for the inspiration to really start using my sketchbook more :D

[@saalunu6534]

oml this video is such a great refresher, im actually getting back into art after about a year or so without creating as much and watching this helped bring back some motivation lol. i was also wondering what sketchbook youre using in the vid, or just any recommendations for mixed media as i really want to start using more color in my sketches!! :))

[@kaijah.zinester.kjmart]

I want to fall in love with my sketchbook and work on ideas

[@oatcaw5965]

happy to see another vid!

[@sketchesofshay]

hehe happy to post again! thank you for watching

[@kalientedraws]

This is motivating me to finish my sketchbooks!

[@AriShroom]

I am trying to get back into drawing and I keep getting stuck!!! I hope this will help me do it more asap

[@observershroom]

god damn having a purpose for a sketchbook is something that never crossed my mind. I always had them because i just wanted a space to draw in but since i prefer digital art i would rarely use mine

[@sketchesofshay]

then you're already on the right track! using it without even thinking is so intuitive. And you can always keep a digital sketchbook too.

[@mag3ntaP]

My sketchbooks became a more like a visual diary from time to time (is not my diary) other times is a planner but lately became a character design journal, trying to figure out what fits best my characters and their stories I’m building two stories right now so make sense I want to practice the basics, light and anatomy again I kinda procrastinate it for very very long time

[@sketchesofshay]

that's really cool! For practicing the basics, maybe you could use your stories and characters to practice them! one of the best ways to learn and remember something is to apply those skills, especially if it is something you are passionate about. So an example could be, you learn arm anatomy, then do I bunch of different poses of your characters focusing on their arms ! I hope this helps

[@ShrimpieNoodles]

Look. Each yeah I start some sketchbooks, and each time, I’m like, “this is going to be one.” And now ten year later I still haven’t achieved a perfect sketchbook. But I do enjoy laugh crying looking back at my work though.

[@therandom9008]

Watching this was just so relaxing. I was mainly just looking and admiring the art and your art style, don’t mind me (it’s very nice) and listening to what you were saying in the background. I enjoyed the video very much, and it also inspired me to go draw now. >:> Before this I saw for the first time your channel with the video of Strawberry Saul’s reference sheet, I loved the painting and how you coloured it so much! Love the little flower on his hat and just his character. For mainly my whole life I’ve drawn animals such as foxes, cats and dragons, but now I’ve been kinda inspired and drawing humans, and I think I might pursue it further, though I’m definitely not going to stop drawing cats and other animals, it’s a strong part of me. I absolutely loved how your sketch books were filled, it’s very inspiring, humans, then cats and chihuahuas, not only sketches but paintings too, the way you colour it is just so nice. And somehow how I found Strawberry Saul and then you was by watching assassin creed odyssey then seeing a nicely coloured drawing of a cowboy at the corner of the screen! 🤠

[@appelSAMp]

This video is soo so helpful. Actual good practical tips in stead of the ‘u just gotta practice more and trust the proces’. So thanks for making this video! :)

[@sketchesofshay]

so happy it was helpful !

[@bubblylaneen8201]

ohmygoodness i just found your channel it i love your art SO MUCH its the exact style i've been looking to study‼️‼️‼️ God bless 🫶

[@laureldreams4108]

I'm going to try this tips out, since it's been already a LONG time since I've started my sketchbook and I'm not even half there yet. Mostly its life and class keeping me away from sketching (i dont seem to find the time for it) but maybe some of this stuff will help me out. Thanks!

[@Splat654]

The exercise that consistently helps me to get back at drawing is just practicing figure drawings or character poses. Its quite fast, and very fun, it will also greatly i.prove your illustrations with human characters. The point is that they really shouldn't take you more than 2-5 minutes up to one pose, because you shouldn't draw details..but rather focus on the general flow of the posture. If you interested you should give it a shot

[@sketchesofshay]

I really hope it helps! Best wishes in your journey 💖

[@ssfourr]

This is honestly so helpful, +sub!

[@sketchesofshay]

thank you so much for subscribing! I really appreciate it

[@xlavi_xd]

Thank you so much for this video! It really inspired me. Also, may I ask what sketchbook you are using here? It looks like you can work with many different art supplies there! ;D

[@sketchesofshay]

here are the sketchbooks I use! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZ3RlqGgetRrl9E

[@shyannejesse9954]

ok off topic, your sketch books look so intresting!

[@mirtehuigen1235]

my first official skrtchbook lasted me feom 2021 to 2023😅 but tbf i barely drew in it in 2022, because i was so focused on digital art! im now more of a traditional person again, and am hoping to finish this sketchbook a bit quicker than last time shshshshsh

[@mellechemy]

Another inspiring video ! I love watching your videos during my morning routine- you never fail to motivate me 🎉 (time to draw)

[@pinkinkNZ]

agggg i love ur art sm! and like ur vids make me so happy! and dang that's a lot of sketchbooks lol

[@sketchesofshay]

so happy you like the videos! thank you for watching!

[@pinkinkNZ]

@@sketchesofshay np! :D

[@MeloneKitty1432]

I love the ghost costume with the silly hat😂

[@taniaqe246]

Amazing video, tips and art!! Thank you, your tips are so based and helpful!

[@ashenmoon6322]

Lovely video, really appreciate the tips ♥ I have some A4 sketchbooks that I really enjoy and even a huge A3 one that kinda intimidates me, but I thought that if I try smaller sizes I'll finish them faster and will get a confidence boost too. And while smaller sizes work fine for certain things, I got stumped by some thin sketchbooks with very few pages (~ 20 pgs max). When I bought them I thought I'll finish them instantly, but now whenever I try to use them it's like they're giving me claustrophobia, I feel like it's not enough space to commit to any theme or goal I really dont know what to do with them, I have 4 just lying around xD

[@sketchesofshay]

I’m happy you liked the tips! Maybe just bring the smaller sketchbooks out when you’re traveling or outside and using them for quick life drawing sketches. It can easily fit in a bag and be a little less noticeable if you’re wary about drawing around people 💖

[@Noobmazter11]

Thank you for the great tips your amazing ill make sure to try them out

[@lia2697]

i am an artist and I have made like 10 sketchbooks and right now I feel like I’m forcing myself to do sketchbooks like, it’s not an enjoining for me anymore because I feel like I made so many sketchbooks, I did so many stuff. they HAVE to be good! even if maybe I think OK whatever let’s make a drawing that doesn’t have to be good. I will still want it to look good. another thing that makes me feel forced of having good drawings on my sketchbook is the fact that I am looking for a good quality sketchbook where the alcohol markers doesn’t pass-through and I bought this sketchbook. That is the one I’m using right now. that I paid quite a lot so I feel like I have to make them (thr drownings ) good because I paid this. so like the other day I asked my mom to buy me a cheap sketchbook because I think that my problem is the fact I worry too much about things like the price of the sketchbook the how many years I’m drawing and I’m making sketchbooks. it’s a big pressure and I feel like I need to slow down and get some fresh air. like my biggest goal now is probably to enjoy making drownings, like I’m good in anatomy. I’m good in character designs I have characters. I’ve made characters that I love, but I don’t enjoy drawing anymore. actually, I figure it out the like sometimes when I’m bored at school I take a random papers and a pencil and I start making drawings, doodles and with them I have like no pressure because it’s something that it’s never going to get in my sketchbook it could disappear tomorrow and I’ll never see it again. sorry this is probably like the longest comment of this video 😂😂 thanks for reading❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@namusworld]

Hiya! I was just wondering what sketchbook you use as the way your paints look on the pages look amazing!

[@jazap9327]

What a lovely video! personally i find that placing stickers/ painting a sticker cover makes me more likely to return to it!

[@sketchesofshay]

LOVE THIS TIP!! Decorating a sketchbook gives me so much joy 💖

[@jeremiahssanity]

My problem with finding motivation for art is that I don't enjoy my art style. I've grown up always wanting to be more realistic with my art style but that takes so much time and energy out of me. NOW I'm just tired of taking TWO HOURS for one pencil drawing. I want to simplify my style, but there's no videos I can find or tips on how to stop feeling as though I need to copy an image directly. I WANT a cute, simple style where I can doodle and sketch, but I can never seem to draw that line.

[@Splat654]

I know how you can get there, but you need to understand that to succeed in that, you won't do it on your first try. Instead of aiming to make a perfect drawing, you have to switch to another way of working. Believe me, it will help you achieve your goal. Think this way - to make good drawings, you will like yourself, first of all, you need to train. To make those good drawings, you need to make bad ones first. A lot. Like a lone of them. Sorry for calling, but i am seeing myself in you, i believe you have toxic perfectionism. Chroma Noma is a youtuber who recommends using a sketchbook as a place for errors and tries. As a groud for exercises. Training there will help you to learn, experiment, and find new ways and styles to make art. AND THEN and only then, you use these learned skills to do your perfect art.

[@Splat654]

Right now, i will recommend you to do these things: 1. Do ugly drawing. On purpose. Whatever you decide is ugly for yourself. Do drawings like a kid, re-learn to skribble and doddle. Dont like a drawing? Hate it? Dont erase it. You can always draw it again. You can use thin paper and make a "new layer" on top of your old sketch with a redraw. Let yourself make mistakes, let yourself draw bad. You will only learn and chieve your artistic goals IF YOU DO MANY MISTAKES! Literally. You wont learn any skills if you wont have any mistakes, we learn the best out of the worst outcomes. 2. If you want to eventually develop a cute and easy style, you can make a strategy for it, or it will just eventually come to you if you doodle enough. Either way, what you can do is - make a moodboard or a collection of artists that you want to draw like. Collect their work and analyze it. Why is it good and what would you like to take from it? The other thing you absolutely should do is yes. Redraw and copy. A lot. Open pinterest, type in cute illustrations, and redraw. Dont copy 100% if you dont like it, but use it as references. Twitter warriors won't eat you. You can do these in your sketchbook and dont post it. But if you decide to, just credit the original and say what you copied. It is actually ok to copy.

[@sketchesofshay]

Thank you so much for sharing your own tips and helping!! Wishing you both the best in your own journeys 💖

[@cristinavidalart8460]

Amazing video Shay! One of my biggest goals this year is to drop my fear of failure and draw more on my sketchbook. I wanted to ask, did you follow any course filling up this one? I kept seeing week 4, week 6 etc following different topics. I would love to know what you were studying! Thanks ❤

[@sketchesofshay]

I talk about the course I took in the tour of that sketchbook here! 💖kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3m1eKmgh9OYhtksi=jFyL8_P-g_xWP0ag

[@RuzgarAras-kj3vu]

YOU ALWAYS KNOW WHAT I NEED! LOVE YOUR VIDEOS ❤❤

[@sketchesofshay]

heheh yay!! thank you for watching!

[@critiqueofthegothgf]

ahhh, 12:45 baseball/yankee knight sighting!

[@ilpo_69]

i got so exited when i got the notification XD had to pull up my drawing stuff

[@sketchesofshay]

hehe i hope you like the video ! i know it's a little shorter than usual but my upcoming videos are my typical longer style.

[@ilpo_69]

@@sketchesofshay hehe cant wait!!! ! >:DD i really liked this nonethless!!

[@lyrixa]

omg i love ur style!