how to keep a sketchbook (and not feel lost) ✿ 5 simple sketchbook tips!

HIYA GUYS! I really enjoyed making this video. I'm super passionate about my own sketchbook habit and I really want you all to share the same love I have for making art and drawing in your sketchbook. I have been getting some questions in the past couple sketchbook tours about how to use a sketchbook, feeling lost, or not feeling motivated to fill a sketchbook. In this video, I discuss sketchbook tips and sketchbook ideas that will help ease these issues and get you more comfortable with drawing in your sketchbook and level-up your art skills and art process!
Sketchbooks are a huge part of my art process, and I think it's vital for any beginner artist to develop a consistent habit of drawing and creating to improve their skills and truly fall in love with art. I talk about setting art goals to work towards in this video, along with some tips and tricks to fill out those blank pages! I wish you all the best in your art journey's and budding art careers
The sketchbooks featured in this video range from 2018- the present, and every single one of them has helped me reach my art goals and build my career as an artist. I hope that these excerpts, tips, and advice inspire you to start a sketchbook, or to keep going if you're currently working in one! I wish you all the best in your art journey's and budding art careers. Now... go draw!!
About Me:
Hi! I'm Shay, an artist and illustrator based in Central Florida. I make goofy drawings, digital art, and traditional paintings of my favorite characters, along with my own personal series of characters and universes. My art practice is fueled by my passion to create, entertain, and my crippling caffeine addiction.
Socials:
Koji: koji.to/@shannonnicholsart
Website: shannonnichols.artstation.com/
Instagram: / sketches.of.shay
Studio: / studio.of.shay
Business Inquiries: [e-mail]
Support My Art:
Kofi: ko-fi.com/sketchesofshay
Figure Drawing Database:
Croquis Cafe (warning: nudity)
Sketchbook: Talens Art Creations Sketchbook
Camera: iPhone 13 Pro
Camera Stand: Viozon Extendable Selfie Stand
Music:
Aces High - Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. [creativecommons.org/licenses/...](creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Hep Cats by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. [creativecommons.org/licenses/...](creativecommons.org/licenses/...)

[@latinasawntop]

I just had a massive panic attack and I’m on my own, and they’re really hard to deal with when I’m alone, but to help them I watch KZbin videos, so I decided to watch yours. Your art is amazing. I’m so grateful for the existence of you and your channel.

[@kristygibson2469]

I hope you’re feeling better now ❤ I hate attacks

[@sketchesofshay]

I’m so glad to be of help, and I hope my videos continue to give you that comfort💖thank you so much, I hope things get easier for you💕

[@cupcakepineapple7340]

im so sorry that is really shitty but i just want you to know that everything will pass❤

[@julesm9081]

I hope you’re feeling better now. 🙏🏻

[@athenagonzalez5054]

Thank you this video really help and I’m starting to make one and FINISH IT because I usually start one and then give up but this video really help!!!

[@bowuh]

time stamps !! 0:52 have a goal 1:52 writing is your bestie 3:08 experiment with supplies 4:35 take on a challenge 7:25 draw your life

[@Vegetaimpregnator]

I LOVE writing in my sketchbooks!!! Ive become so much happier with art when i started treating it more like a journal and getting messy with it! Honestly ive never liked making finished pieces... i only sketch and allowing myself that makes it feel so much better

[@Angelo-fw1bh]

You make it look easier to fill a page with complete imagination. THANK YOU , you gave more inspiration to your supporters, gonna head straight to the book rn!

[@sketchesofshay]

it’s def sometimes a struggle for me too but I remember that it’s just my sketchbook and I’m just exploring! I hope you have fun, and I’m happy this video inspired you!💖

[@rockinrobin2200]

Already I’ve had so much fun with my new sketchbook because of you, I did the pausing a movie and doodling the composition exercise with pens which I hardly ever use and found I enjoyed the movie even more because of it!

[@sketchesofshay]

OMG yay!! I love that exercise and I’m glad you enjoyed it !! 🥹💕

[@baffledbrandon3132]

0:30 LOVE your pony artwork! So cute!

[@_TSC_46]

Currently trying to make a sketchbook habit so I can make one that I could send off for applications. Thank you so much this helps Aton!

[@sketchesofshay]

I’m so happy it was helpful to you! good luck!💕💖💖

[@doodler-dabbler8469]

I loved all the peeks into your sketchbooks and your voice is so soothing and inspiring in a gentle way..

[@sketchesofshay]

thank you, and thank you for watching!!💖

[@soph_sketxhes]

Thank you for the tips😊. I had always struggle on maintaining a consistent habit of opening and using my sketchbook(s). So, this has helped me realize I should focus more on my goals for my art and not to let deadlines get into my head. So, April is a new start.😊 THANK YOU!!

[@sketchesofshay]

exactly! here’s to new beginnings, you got this!! And thank you for watching!!💖💕

[@LeoLindgren-xl1yb]

This made me so much comfortable to let my sketchbook look like a SKETCH book which means it doesnt has to be perfect

[@vivibest5282]

Your art motivates me to draw so much omgg 😭😭😭

[@ElifYlmaz-zb8kq]

Jerma on the wall is so relatable

[@joanjung915]

Your drawings are just…so good!!!!! It’s crazy how every page of your sketchbook is a piece of art, I love your style SO MUCH. Thank you for all these videos, they help so much!! you are my favorite artist❤

[@sketchesofshay]

omg thank you so much!!💕💖 and thank you for watching!

[@shru2884]

❤thank you excited for part 2

[@andysartz]

So inspiring! I just discovered your channel and your art and it's made me feel really inspired in a lot of different ways. Funny enough, I'm trying to push through and finish my second sketchbook right now, so this video was just the type of peep talk I needed, haha! Thank you for sharing! =)

[@sketchesofshay]

I’m so glad this video has helped you to continue workin in that sketchbook! Don’t give up!! 💖💕💕

[@itscharru]

ur sketchbooks gen inspire me sm this is an amazing video thank you :]

[@sketchesofshay]

I’m so happy that it has inspired you!! thank you so much for watching 🥹💕

[@BananaSoSo]

I really enjoyed your video, very helpful. And your sketch book is amazing

[@rat-aisle4406]

Amazing advice! All of the examples are inspiring and your work always gets me excited to create art!

[@sketchesofshay]

I’m so glad you are inspired to create! thank you so much for watching 🥹💖💕

[@funkymonkey8777]

Such a cool video! Thank you 🙏🏻 ❤

[@gamingwithanimal1952]

Your sketchbooks are always so authentic and natural I love it

[@sketchesofshay]

thank you!!

[@adarfrida]

Very nice video! Ever since I started filming and posting my work on KZbin I stopped casually drawing. It’s videos like this that make you remember just how fun casual sketching can be. Thanks!

[@sketchesofshay]

exactly! I’m happy my video was a reminder!!💖💕

[@LadyLaddy]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. What I enjoy most about your channel is your natural and honest nature. It's always fun to watch, and of course, I like that you also share many of your sketchbook pages and not "only" final drawings or challenges like others. Greetings from Berlin

[@sketchesofshay]

this comment means a lot to me, thank you so much!! and thank you for watching!

[@beezeisacommunist8205]

thanks for the tips! love your work!

[@sketchesofshay]

you’re welcome, and thank you for watching!

[@emmys.8323]

Me, an artist of 8 years, currently working on my 18th sketchbook, seeing the title and thumbnail: interesting, click.

[@SpottedJournal]

Yes!! I needed to hear these tips! Thank you!

[@sketchesofshay]

I’m so happy it helped! thank you for watching!!💕💖

[@gizmo7588]

Ur artstyle is so pretty

[@KetchupCanvas]

Thanks for this awesome video! I feel inspired and now I'm drawing in my own sketchbook 😊😊 You are very cool! 🎉❤

[@sketchesofshay]

thank you so much! I’m so happy you feel inspired to draw in your own sketchbook, have fun!!

[@merqurymike3117]

i love you so much shay!!

[@Curegirl0023]

You're inspire me a lot. Love your videos ♡

[@sketchesofshay]

I’m glad your find my video’s inspirational!! thank you so much for watching!!💖💖

[@TheYoshi3579]

“That’s where I live…in” is my new favorite phrase 😂 I’ve been following you on insta for years and never realized you had a KZbin channel!! What a treat!

[@sketchesofshay]

lolll thank you for watching 💖

[@patrickubales3526]

Love all the tips it's very helpful thanks 😊☺️

[@sketchesofshay]

you’re very welcome!! thank you for watching 🥹💖

[@Ratswithshivs]

This is awesome!!! I needed a few… ok- all of these reminders.

[@sketchesofshay]

I’m so happy I could help you, wishing you the best with your art!

[@SpenceyJay]

I have been watching your videos for awhile actually and love how the drawings are and I just love it 😊

[@sketchesofshay]

thank you so much 🥹💕💖

[@SpenceyJay]

@@sketchesofshay Your very welcome

[@fayecandraw]

loving the chuckle sandwhich shirt!

[@sketchesofshay]

thank you!! happy you noticed! 😂💖

[@sabaatz7223]

Greattt.

[@rachel.faye__]

Love your work!!

[@sketchesofshay]

thank you! Im so happy you were inspired by my video, and I hope you enjoy getting back into using your sketchbook 💖

[@lilredpen]

Thanks for sharing!

[@sketchesofshay]

you’re welcome! I hope it helps you💖💕

[@user-gd4cv7dk7r]

my sketchbooks are so bad ;000 lmao. Keep on going!

[@nisaerdogan3183]

I like your advice very nice and effective video I wish you success in this job Greetings from Türkiye ❤

[@yourlocalartstore4520]

I wouls lovee love lovee if you could make a video on tips and tutorial on how u deaw ur figure drawings or ur anatomy for your character!! Im amazed by ur talent and i wish u could share some tips and trixks on how to improve on figure drawings and anatomy!!

[@jellynotgetsy]

This is a really helpful video,, we appreciate it! I think what my problem is (personal observation) is not being comfortable or satisfied with how “aesthetically pleasing” a drawing or spread looks. Like how some artists will decorate their pages and such. That’s where I find keeping and continuing a sketchbook,, very difficult.

[@sketchesofshay]

I think I’m gonna make a video about this, because I also have recently struggled with the same thing! In the meantime, just enjoy drawing and doodling without worrying how it’ll look. I do that a lot of the time when I get too much in my head about a final product 😞💖

[@neil_thehobbit]

Omg are you wearing Chuckle Sandwich merch? Also good video I love using my sketchbook as a kind of diary it's just nice being able to look through them and remember everything😊

[@sketchesofshay]

LOL YES!! you are the only one that has noticed lol buT yeah I love using my sketchbook as just part of my daily life and make records of what happens in my life 💕

[@katsmith8263]

1. Have a goal-pick 2 or 3 to have motivation 2. Write in it - notes, selfcritique, figuring out ideas, for design 3. Experiment with new supplies 5. Make observstional drawing

[@cupcakepineapple7340]

well my goals are if i draw everyday i can progress more, im trying to improve certain things like drawing bodies, animals, poses without using references or not being fully dependent on them, and doing more gestural drawings which kinda ties into the reference thing

[@ThatRandomPerson43343]

Thank you so much for the tips lately I’ve had a huge art block and I can’t get rid of it could you maybe do some tips to over come art block

[@sketchesofshay]

I’ll add it to my video list! hope things get better💕💖

[@ivylives559]

Just writing out the tips for personal reference! 1. Have a goal/multiple goals 2. Write notes 3. Try/test new supplies 4. Do a challenge (as long as it Align with your goals) 5. Draw from your life

[@chuchu7688]

😍😍😍

[@pr0bablychl0e]

I love the chuckle sammie shirt!! ദ്ദി ˉ͈̀꒳ˉ͈́ )✧

[@erica9341]

My mistake is tha i use like 2 or 3 sketchbook's at the same time. And sometimes i feel lost because i don't know where to draw, you know? Love your tips, your channel, your drawing's! You're really sweet.

[@sketchesofshay]

thank you so much!! I would say designate a certain type of art or practice for each one! (ie travel, figure drawing, illustration ideas) hope it helps, thank you for watching!!💖

[@hehecuentaclientes3636]

i love you:-)

[@xlili8]

Im in love with u 😢❤

[@b_ry516]

Unrelated but I love the jerma pic on your wall

[@sketchesofshay]

lol thank you!!

[@critiqueofthegothgf]

do you use fixative sprays on your pages? im really interested in getting the sketchbook you use, especially if you dont use any sprays because i use pencil only and my god, the smudging is infuriating at times. i dislike having to skip pages just so two pieces dont get ruined at the same time

[@ChantalGalvan]

Does anyone know the brand of the pink sketchbook ?

[@sketchesofshay]

I don’t use fixative and my drawings still smudge in my sketchbook a lil bit, but mainly I find that using bound sketchbooks rather than spiral sketchbooks reduces the pages from moving and therefore reduces smudging! you can use a workable fixative of some sort too to spray on top if you really want to protect them 👍

[@micastae]

u and ur art damn cute

[@Heinz_Egbert]

i'm such a mess that i would end up doing 5 different things in a sketchbook lmao, i feel like i really should just try and find a goal and focus after watching this video!! im prob gonna do practice (the usual fundamentals and style studies) and some chars for a dumb story i wanna do

[@sketchesofshay]

finding a clear focus is a great idea! it makes things so much less overwhelming and helps you to really improve in one area instead of dividing your attention across many different types of art.

[@Heinz_Egbert]

​@@sketchesofshayyeah i bet! I've felt like my art wasnt really improving lately so i think ill just keep doing studies while also drawing for fun as to not burn out

[@Ron_Sensei]

Im just 😚

[@Kiraqzhq]

What color pencils do you use?

[@sketchesofshay]

prismacolor colored pencils!

[@muski7002]

From where u bought those stickers for cover

[@sketchesofshay]

from a bunch of different creators! when I do a sketchbook tour I will be Iinking all of them!

[@muski7002]

@@sketchesofshay okiii thank you so much 🥰😍....ahh u replied 😆😆

[@miguel_should_hit]

am i a beginner, no. am i still gonna use these bc of my severe arts block yes. thank you sm

[@sketchesofshay]

im so happy you have found these tips useful! I am planning on doing an art block related video soon so I hope that helps as well!

[@Bloewy_]

When I saw the thumbnail with the Montgomery gator sticker, I clicked

[@sketchesofshay]

I need to make actual fnaf art, maybe a draw with me or something

[@Bloewy_]

That would be fun! I’d definitely watch! 🙃

[@shayjayarts]

Hey Shay, my name is Shay😂

[@sketchesofshay]

hey!!😂💖

[@TomaTanaru007]

You know, I love everything about this. but every time I look at my sketchbook the only thing I can think of is just how much money I'm wasting by screwing around in it. I can't get past the money aspect, so I stopped using my sketchbook. I don't know how to stop worrying about wasting my supplies. I keep getting guilty by not making money off of what I'm using my supplies for. I don't know what to do. It sucks not to be able to play on your Sketchbook anymore.

[@sketchesofshay]

I used to struggle with the same exact thing, as someone who is very money and waste conscious. And in this economy I think we're all trying to save money! I highly recommend you to buy a super cheap sketchbook (my sketchbook right now came in a pack of 3 for about $6) This will help you make drawings and actually improve and explore your ideas instead of being to scared about wasting supplies. "Bad Drawings" (i prefer to call them attempts) will seem a lot less important, and you will fill your sketchbook without even thinking about it. So I would save those more expensive sketchbooks for further down the line when you're feeling more confident.

[@GayShakespeare]

is that jerma?

[@sketchesofshay]

yes 😎💖

[@milokennedy-xx3cl]

See my problem is that I keep messing up my drawings and I always waste pages by not being able to erase them😭😭 my sketchbook is just filled with unfinished pencil sketches

[@sketchesofshay]

just try to think of the “messed up” drawings as attempts and learning points, not as failures!! sketchbooks are a great place to learn, and I think it’s okay to have those unfinished sketches and things you are not happy with. you’re not wasting pages, every attempt is valuable and you learn something every time!! unconsciously or consciously! you got this 💖

[@ray2696]

IS THERE A PICTURE OF JERMA ON YOUR WALL

[@sketchesofshay]

hehehe yes >:)

[@pomi9459]

Omg.. Idk why I've never thought of writing things down on my sketchbook because it really does seem so helpful! I'll be using your tips from now on, thank you very much 😭🤍✨

[@sketchesofshay]

glad it could help!!💕