I tried drawing everyday for a month, this is what I learned (Jan 2024)

Head to squarespace.com/sketchesofshay to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code SKETCHESOFSHAY
Thank you all so much for watching! I learned so much by developing this new habit and routine for my art practice, I am looking forward to growing throughout 2024 and sharing more of my journey with you! You can follow me on Instagram for more frequent art posts and what I've been up to, if you're reading this have an amazing day!
Figure Drawing Prompt Generator: LifeDrawing.me/random pose
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @sketchesofshay
Socials:
✿Website: shannonnichols.artstation.com/
✿Instagram: / sketches.of.shay
✿Shop: ko-fi.com/sketchesofshay/shop
✿Sign Up for My Email Newsletter: 2e065ac8.sibforms.com/serve/M...
✿Business Inquiries: [e-mail]
Equipment
✿Camera: iPhone 13 Pro
✿Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Pro
✿OBS Screen Recorder
Music:
Chillpeach - Dreamy Mode : • [no copyright music] '...
Chillpeach - Don't Quite : • Video
Chillpeach - In Dreamland : • [no copyright music] '...
Chillpeach - Daisy : • Video
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro: Drawing Everyday for January!
0:22 Why I started this challenge
2:18 A Better Creative Routine
7:54 Thank you to Squarespace!
9:09 Art Improvement
11:12 Self-Critique Session
14:30 Building my Portfolio
16:50 Finding Who I Am as an Artist and My Focus
18:33 Outro- Thank you for watching!

[@sketchesofshay]

BTW GUYS i finished the week four redraw! it is now up on my Instagram instagram.com/sketches.of.shay/ Still not entirely content with how it turned out but I enjoyed the process and still learned so much. I wish anyone who is also in a rough patch with their art journey or feeling lost to keep going, you got this!

[@scrunchi5016]

I draw every day cause it's routine now. I saw a video at 14 that said it would make my art improve faster to draw every day so I did that and now 10 years later it just stuck. I have a "goal" of one sketchbook spread a day, but of course this doesn't mean every one is of high quality, I just see it as stress relief and having fun, making up characters and stories and I don't take it as seriously as I did 10 years ago.

[@sketchesofshay]

Wow 10 years of daily drawing!! That’s amazing, and it sounds super sustainable, so happy for you 💖

[@ashamedegg]

Idk you but I’m actually genuinely proud of you that’s so impressive and amazing and you made it work and healthy for you. Thats awesome😊

[@scrunchi5016]

@@ashamedegg you are so kind, thank you! 🥺💕

[@scrunchi5016]

@@sketchesofshay thank you so much!! I think my main goal is just to do something everyday to keep the habit, I kind of think I could be better if I had focused more on quality practice instead of just doing whatever but this way I think it was more fun and I avoided burnout? Anyways, thank you so much for your videos and art, it's so motivational and beautiful!!💕

[@bxwieknxfe]

Drawing everyday is a skill I haven’t achieved since early high school 😭 maybe one day soon I can try it out!!

[@sketchesofshay]

Definitely try out for a little bit and see if it works for you!! or maybe just a couple times a week 💖

[@speckledblender5495]

I draw basically every day. That's mostly because I get all my work done earlier in my classes so I usually have 10 minutes to draw something. My friends tell me that I'm a art printer because I just pump out art work after art work. But most of the time it's sloppy doodles but hey sloppy doodles are still art and I honestly love them more than my finished pieces. Surprisingly I don't get art block that often I have to thank my squirrel brain for that. Art is just so much fun. I'm super excited for your concept oc video I always get super excited when I see Saul in your videos he is just such a cutie. Bill is a very lucky man. Love your art and I hope you have a fabulous weekend.

[@sketchesofshay]

I think we’re very similar!! The squirrel brain, yes, I always have something I want to work on, art block is a rarity because of that AND YAYYY so excited for share the Saul video !! thank you so much for watching 💖

[@nazalways4eva]

i love your positive attitude on improvement, its so contagious!! also so glad we got to see a glimpse of saul!! so cute 🥺

[@sketchesofshay]

a growth mindset is always helpful with learning ! 💖

[@EvoWatches]

I draw to take notes. Adds a bit of sparkle to boring professors. I do recommend

[@mr.smilecat9139]

10:13, YES!!! I find it so hard to draw with no imagine in my head that's why I don't really find my doodles that pleasing bc theyre not my characters, they're random ppl that came to be with half assed decisions on my part. I find it more fun to redraw some old concepts if I can't get anything out of my brain alone. Amazing vid :)) I watched this while drawing lol

[@KetchupCanvas]

This is so awesome! I know what you mean by obsession, though in a slightly different way. I was recently diagnosed with OCD and one of my symptoms is hypergraphia, which is a literal compulsion to draw and write. I feel so frustrated when I can't draw!

[@sketchesofshay]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I never knew that was a thing, I hope it’s not too invasive to your routine for you 💖

[@KetchupCanvas]

@@sketchesofshay it isn't! I've found ways to work around it and keep my creative light from going out due to overcreating, as I call it 😊

[@puccarts]

Holy snap I can see massive improvement from now versus 3 months ago. I wish I had the energy to draw every day like this! I try to start after a period of being super rusty and I just get frustrated and it's not helpful when I already spend like 9 hours at a desk. I definitely want to at least draw more often to help my creativity as a whole.

[@sketchesofshay]

I would really reccommend starting small and building your way up to drawing everyday! it can seem really overwhelming and be creatively draining at first because you're not used to stretching those creative muscles! Take it slow and over time it'll become easier and easier

[@dumbashh]

I’m currently in art school, it’s a lot :,), and seeing your work gets me really excited to be able to continue pursuing more personalized art over the summer! It also keeps me motivated to keep improving. We are using gouache this semester, which I’m both nervous and excited about, but your pieces really inspire me :)!

[@sketchesofshay]

gouache is so much fun! I hope you enjoy it, and I hope classes get a bit easier. Always make sure to take breaks!

[@justacrazyhuman]

WAKE UP EVERYONE!!!The queen posted !😘❤️

[@sketchesofshay]

💖💖💖💖💖

[@critiqueofthegothgf]

woahmg you made the character sheet!! looks so good! it's awesome that youve been able to draw so much lately, i think it's so cool that you're able to fit in actual art time, considering how busy you were last year. i don't consider myself an artist, in the sense that i don't aspire to draw/make art as a career, but i do it as a fun hobby, and i draw almost everyday, at night, around the same time; either along to one of your videos, or i'll put some barista asmr or bakery asmr videos in the background for about 40 minutes. i've been doing this consistently for a full year now and genuinely, i can say i have improved so much. i think being consistent is truly the most impactful 'strategy' one can use to improve their art. i'm so excited for next week's video; you've been talking about a character sheet for bill & saul for so long now!

[@sketchesofshay]

that is so true critique! consistency is key, you hit the nail on the head. (also very honored that you draw a long with my videos! I really appreciate it

[@TheBlackHatOutlaw]

I'm so happy to hear you found something that works for you! I'm currently trying to ... take back my art, in a way. I was following a bunch of unconscious rules and trying to fit standards of social media when my art is for ME and me only right now. I don't even post it anymore. Once I stopped doing that, I actually started sketching again and got back into digital painting. Finishing one thing a week might be a good goal for me to try too now that I'm back in the swing of things. And finally, I look forward to more art of your characters, especially Strawberry Saul, who seems to be my favourite, lol! Don't worry, I'm not just here for your berry cowboys. I love your other works too!

[@sketchesofshay]

Glad you were able to find something that works better for you and make the art you want to make regardless of any rules!

[@diaryofaclementine]

bit of a personal question you don't have to answer: how do you have so much time to draw? or how do you manage your time? Do you have a job or anything outside of drawing? would love to see a vid on how you manage your time with personal life, drawing and your professional life!

[@sketchesofshay]

This would make a great video topic! Here is my quick answer: I am a full time artist/content creator, so part of my job is drawing, but this doesn’t mean I’m drawing all the time (I wish!). Most of my work besides drawing is working with companies, sponsors, writing, filming videos, editing, managing online shop, making products, and other business management stuff that isn’t that fun lol. So lots of admin, organization work, and shop and social media management. I do get to schedule time in my week for art sessions, but most of my art gets done in my downtime I’d say! I just love doing it so I do it a lot in my free time lol

[@Anjerz]

Oh my gosh! I just bought some prints from you at EastEnd. I didn't realise I followed you on YT. I think i followed you based on your Cowboy drawing on Tumblr. Thats so awesome❤

[@sketchesofshay]

I don’t have a tumblr and I haven’t been selling prints, so hopefully that’s a different artist and not somehow who stole my work lol but thank you for watching!!

[@critiqueofthegothgf]

ive been staring at day 13's page for too long. i love the colors you used for the 'self' drawing

[@sketchesofshay]

Thank you so much !!

[@kellsliving3220]

I want to get back into drawing 😢 I took a art class last year and I got a b for it but I slowly lost interest because having depression and anxiety is not fun so I want to try to get back into it slowly ❤

[@sketchesofshay]

you got this! I agree, getting back into slowly is the best option, it'll help you get used to it again and gain back some confidence. you can do it

[@kellsliving3220]

@@sketchesofshay thanks

[@TangomelonArt]

Kind of binging all of your videos because I find your voice and drawings just super relaxing. I have a hard time finding people I enjoy watching because when I hear too much of a "content creator voice" I can't deal with it but, you are very genuine. You've been helping me feel motivated to do art as well.

[@sketchesofshay]

so happy that you enjoy my videos! I really try and make it like I'm talking to a friend casually so I am glad it's coming across like that

[@dia5131]

I'm really trying to change my mindset this year to be more positive and to procrastinate less, and your videos really help with that! I get a lot of motivation from you and I hope to one day make great art like you do!! This year is going to be great and I can't wait to see what you have in store for the future!!!!! :D

[@sketchesofshay]

you got this! don't stop creating and just enjoy the process, it's all about the journey fr

[@gulsosan]

Loved this video! I’m starting to get back into creating for the sake of expression and story telling so this was inspiring to see and I really enjoyed watching your process too! 😊

[@sublimegrey]

Thank you for uploading your videos and just giving a young artist, like me, some good tips to keep going. You’ve helped me explore my art style and finally getting the inspiration and drive to sketch and create more art. Just saying how much I appreciate this. :)

[@finchwilkins1330]

im so excited to watch thissss 💖

[@pulka_kapulka2887]

Yay! New Shay's video!!💞 Thank you so much! I've been following you since december 2023 and i have already watched all your videos ahah) You inspire me SO MUCH!! i also have been drawing almost daily since January and your sketches inspire me to continue! :) Also, for years, i have had a love-hate relationship with gouache and never really gave it a try. But again, your videos and art motivated me to try, (i am a watercolor lover aha) and I'VE BEEN OBSESSED i love the process sooo much, i literally daydream about drawing something new with it ( I have drawn a strawberry and a blueberry for practice yesterday, decided to name that page "cowboys" ahha)))! And your videos are always a good company :) I love your bake and draw videos (they are literally my therapy ahah), i love listening about your character and watch how they grow, i love hearing your thoughts about art, i love watching you draw whatever, new painting or new sketchbook page, and i fell like home on your channel. So THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting your art, you inspired my to start posting my own, and now I'm thinking about making youtube videos myself, and for making me (and i bet not only me) comfy, inspired, understood and creative on your channel. ❤ I hope you have a wonderful week! Can't wait to watch this (and next) video while i draw 💞 (I am very sorry for any mistakes🙏 English is not my native language)) 💞

[@sketchesofshay]

thank you so much for this super sweet and supportive comment !! I hope my videos continue to find you and give you the comfort and encouragement you need 💖

[@CreativeKristenTaylor]

You inspired me to crack open my sketchbook today

[@mileslandrus2942]

i love your channel so, much!

[@coyoteclockworkstudios3140]

I really want to have your structural ease in my work! I've been working on more structure for the last few years. This was a delight to watch.

[@lusciousmilk13]

Just found your channel as I started my very first sketchbook this year and made it a mission to draw in it everyday! I’m surprised at how fast it’s filling up! Even painted the cover of it! Thanks for the inspiration!☺️

[@abnormalarts5557]

Congrats on being successful ❤🎉

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Another great video!

[@sketchesofshay]

thank you Kelsey!! so happy you liked it !! 💖

[@BookofKatTales]

I'm loving the rework of your current piece! It feels more hopeful. I can't wait to see the final work.

[@sketchesofshay]

Thank you so much!! The finished version is up on my instagram now (link in the pinned comment )💖

[@Clericspaladin]

Yay!! I am abt to be at my lunch break and I saw u posted, and I watch your videos everyday at my lunch break:)!!

[@sketchesofshay]

YIPPEEE I hope you enjoy your lunch and the video 💖

[@ChantelleArts]

this is brilliant shay, so good ☺☺☺

[@sketchesofshay]

Thank you so much Chantelle!!

[@RuzgarAras-kj3vu]

Yayy! You explaining your experiences made me want to do this challenge! Great video, thanks for posting! ❤

[@sketchesofshay]

I hope you enjoy it!! Make sure to start small so that you’re not too overwhelmed 💖

[@captainaru943]

Thank you so much for explaining your routine and mindset so clearly, it‘s very inspiring !! It encourages me to try the same challenge, I’m’sure it’ll be very beneficial for me!! Thanks for your hardwork and very cool videos, I follow since the first video but never took time to comment ✨can’t wait to know more about your OCs also !!

[@sketchesofshay]

So happy I could help you! Thank you so much for watching my channel, can’t wait to share the OC content hehe

[@tabbystabs]

This video was put together so well! The illustrations and sketches (of shay, ba dum tss) look awesome, especially the last one and the character sheet left me quite speechless. Keep it up :D

[@sketchesofshay]

LOLL thank you so much!! As for the character sheet, you’ll definitely like next week’s video!! It’s the entire process of that project hehe

[@tabbystabs]

That's so awesome! Can't wait \o/

[@leolune_art]

I'm stil trying to find a creative practice that I enjoy and I never succeed to draw everyday but this motives me to try and see if I can progress better. This year I want to prioritise learning at the moment i'm trying to draw three time a week :3 and I can't wait to see your next video on Strawberry Saul

[@sketchesofshay]

that's awesome! I wish you the best in your studies, and yay! can't wait to share the saul video!

[@nebulonicc]

damn i wish i had that much time to devote to art, but i have a few other hobbies that take priority sometimes and i dont want to fall behind on them either. i feel like a month long challenge might be fun but i'd have to accept giving up my other hobbies for a month too :[ since i only have a limited amount of time each week for fun and relaxation. such is the life of a full time worker. so happy for you that you get to do art full time! i dream about it lol

[@sorensnowhere]

the way you do gesture and pose in your sketchbook inspired me a lot to maybe try it with a thin pen, since graphite has been driving me insane 💀 where do you find your references? awesome video 💕💕

[@sketchesofshay]

I talk about a lot of my references in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ-7m3qYfqishLcsi=oann4chrmv-F190_ 💖

[@pinkinkNZ]

1:26 omg yes strawberry saullll 3:41 yeah i love drawing people as well :]

[@dapperdog5264]

love your vids!! i always tell myself i dont have time to draw every day, when i very much do. rotting on my phone definitely eats up my time and i've been trying to be more disciplined in how i use my time to do the things i actually enjoy. do you have any advice for how to improve art skills alongside taking classes at college? like learning efficiently instead of going through the motions and pumping out assignments.

[@sketchesofshay]

I was in a similar state a couple years ago while I was in school, so much of my time felt like I was spending it on art assignments that weren't really improving my skills. I would recommend working on a personal art project along with you school work. This will help you build a portfolio AND you can apply art skills as soon as you learn them, which is the best way to cement your knowledge and grow your skills.

[@dapperdog5264]

@@sketchesofshay awesome, thank you!!

[@xx_zelda_scene_rat_xx3433]

After a rough week with a confusing ex boyfriend, school stuff, etc, it’s wonderful to come and watch a video and paint and I really want to thank you.

[@sketchesofshay]

so happy my videos gave you a little comfort, hope you are doing better 💖

[@BunNessa_Art]

This is really interesting! Would you be able to do a video on writing a youtube script? I'm curious to see your process, I just do bullet points or wing it 😂😅

[@sketchesofshay]

I did a whole video about it! how I film my art videos ✿ my tips and equipment for starting an art youtube channel kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6SUpaekf9iibNk

[@BunNessa_Art]

@@sketchesofshay oh! Thank you so much! I'll definitely check it out!

[@oliibomb]

have you ever made a figure drawing video? I would love to see your process, lately ive been struggling with remembering where to start (I used to start with the head but have been trying to stop since thats apparently wrong, but starting on the ribcage always makes it look weird for me)

[@sketchesofshay]

I made a video about anatomy a couple months ago, hope it helps

[@oliibomb]

@@sketchesofshay thank you so much!!!

[@Katearto]

Will you do figure February? Im trying to use that to better my anatomy!

[@sketchesofshay]

I might !! I’ve done it in previous years, it definitely always helps to improve my figure skills!!

[@Angelo-fw1bh]

I def should try to challenge myself more

[@sketchesofshay]

Make sure to be kind to yourself and don’t set too strict or high of expectations!! Enjoy the process 😅

[@Wildjeo]

I’m a big perfectionist about my sketchbook and if it doesn’t look good then I get rid of it. I’ve tried to keep another sketchbook but I view it as lesser and not worth the effort. I want my sketchbook to be a work of art altogether

[@sketchesofshay]

that's perfectly okay to use your sketchbook as an "art book" for finished work, but it's also okay to not always like what you make. I would keep those drawings, and keep on filling that sketchbook. You will see how much more you have improved and keep track of ideas that you can always go back to when you are feeling better about your skills. Perfectionism can kill a lot of your creativity and exploration as an artist. I would recommend letting go of a bit of that perfectionism and just create and enjoy the process.

[@pinkinkNZ]

7:31 saaaaaaaame

[@iibas5408]

Cant wait for More of Saul and Bill >:) maybe after the pirate era they should be mermaids aswell😂 thatd be silly

[@sketchesofshay]

OMG mermaid Saul and Bill!! Sounds fun!!

[@user-rd9cv7nw8p]

[@m-luvr]

man i wish shay was real😢

[@sketchesofshay]

me too 😔

[@luxiolooma]

I'm sorry, but an artist mispronouncing the word "drawing" drives me nuts, and I'm not sure I can watch more 😭

[@sketchesofshay]

so sorry! I’m still working on my speaking skills, I will work on my pronunciation for future videos. thank you for the feedback.

[@barr521]

My generation's attention span is pathetically low. If only they're all self-aware just about enough, they'd realize it's actually the only enemy they have all this long. The truly unfortunate mammal allows himself to be succumbed from head to toe.

[@icarus._]

hello friend, what are your pronouns, please?

[@chimkinwaffles]

really needed this video amazing as always 🩷

[@h0zi3r]

this was actually so helpful, i was in a sort of art slump and january wasnt really my month in terms of art 🫶🫶

[@sketchesofshay]

so happy this video helped you!

[@koisbdo]

i want to absorb ur brain via osmosis 🫶 amazing art