Sketchbooks: What I Wish I’d Known as a Beginner

[@annavanes_art]

The same thing happened to me over years. When I didn't want to mess up so I didn't paint at all. Now I just don't care and I grew, thank you for your reminder ❤

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Thank you for sharing this Anna. It’s so true - letting go of that fear can make such a difference. I’m so glad the reminder resonated with you.

[@PaulaScardamalia]

Overthinking is definitely one of the challenges. Thank you.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

I can completely relate - overthinking can be such a hurdle! Sometimes letting go and just enjoying the process, even if it feels messy, can make all the difference. You’re not alone in this, and you’re doing great by continuing to create!

[@GretaWargh]

Thank you! 🙏

[@conkrotwife]

Terrific video! Thank you for sharing what you’ve learned. The biggest thing for me is to not try and capture things in a photo realistic manner. I’m trying to capture the memories.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Great tip! Capturing memories rather than striving for photo realism is such a wonderful approach-it keeps things personal and full of meaning.

[@denwijaya]

Thanks for the encouragement Ohnmar.. For me is to embrace the ugly phase. I am starting to draw again and trying to be consistent at it, but finding my arts ugly made me doubt if this for me.. I'm gonna try again. Thanks for sharing this!

[@OhnMarWinArt]

I’m really glad you’re giving it another go. Embracing the ugly phase is such an important part of the process. I think it’s where the magic of learning and growth happens. Keep going, and be kind to yourself along the way.

[@cherylchamberlain838]

Wow! Just what I needed to hear today. I've been overwhelmed with over thinking everything. It's stopping me from actually creating what I love to do. Thank you for your motivational and positive encouragement tips 😊 I have subscribed and look forward to watching more of your lessons.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

I’m so glad the video resonated with you! Overthinking can be such a challenge, but it’s great that you’re recognizing it and taking steps to get back to what you love. 😊 Thank you so much for subscribing-I’m excited to have you here

[@BreAnneNesbit]

I needed this so much. Thank you.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

You're so welcome!

[@eileengoldenberg270]

Perfection is a death trap.. it does not EXIST! Nothing is “perfect” and “ mistakes don’t exit either, there is only EVOLUTION! Keep drawing!,,

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Absolutely! Perfection is such a trap, and I love your perspective on mistakes being part of evolution. Thank you for sharing this reminder.

[@oficinacaracolinho]

You always have the right words Ohn Mar ❤

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Thank you so much for your kind words! It means a lot to know that my videos resonate with you.

[@hannapowell-hr2oc]

Just start, don't oberthink it - that's definitely the one that resonates most with me. Thanks for sharing your tips Ohn Mar ❤

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Yes, exactly-just starting is such a game-changer! Overthinking can really hold us back, but once we begin, the creativity flows.

[@jesscherry404]

Same here! I actually spend so much time watching videos and not doing it.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

I totally get that - it’s so easy to fall into the habit of watching instead of doing! Maybe try setting a small goal to create something right after watching a video, even if it’s just a quick sketch. Taking that first step can really help!

[@zenaidaportalino9016]

Eres auténtica, hablas con sencillez y claridad. Compartes tu experiencia paso a paso. Me alegra haberte ubicado. Bravo!😊

[@leighrogers1383]

All of your tips are great Ohn Mar😊…we’ve had a watercolour exhibition on here for the past couple of days…all local artists, the theme was ‘landscapes’. I found it so inspiring to see just how different the artist’s work was…it was a good reminder that there is something wonderful in the differences.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Sounds great! It’s great we are wonderful and unique in our own ways

[@rebeccapage4411]

Thank you. Your videos are treasures 😊

[@OhnMarWinArt]

So nice of you to say - thank you

[@khewish1173]

You're artwork is so beautiful and inspiring! 😍

[@reginamalm6263]

Great tips now if I can just follow them!! I will overthink things . If I spent the time painting that I spent the time thinking about painting …🤪my goal this year is to think less well as it come to art . Great video . Thank you for being direct

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Overthinking can definitely get in the way, but it’s great that you’re setting a goal to think less and just paint more. Every little step counts-just pick up the brush and see where it takes you! You’ve got this

[@MooLeeArt]

Thank you❤ you are so inspiring. I m doing the 100 days sketch challenge now ...

[@midoann]

❤ from 🇯🇵

[@bonniemurphy1057]

Love your work and your vulnerability and willingness to share. I just ordered your book.🥀🥀🥀

[@Elizabeth-he7hx]

Thank you For your Tips and Knowledge

[@FranceM-yj6nz]

Merci, ce sont de précieux conseils 🙂

[@salvaagulha]

É tão incrível ter este conteúdo em Português.. ❤❤❤😮

[@diannesurine9068]

This is such encouraging advice. Brilliant. Thank you

[@impish22]

great ideas, thanks for sharing

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Glad you like them!

[@pitamarisa1851]

thank you for this video, I had wanted to paint but my perfectionism got in the way and I did not paint or I paint to sell which as stolen my creativity to just be myself. Thank you for sharing your insight in this video. You got yourself a new subscriber

[@kathyT7545]

Embrace the stages! And have a few simple materials

[@JackieWolven]

Such great advice. Thank you Ohn Mar.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@twisteddyekitchenmyfiberjo4577]

Gosh, did you hear my rant the other day? lol How often I look at my sketchbook and think what the he..! I will tag this to listen to this over and over to keep me going and not give up. Thank you!

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Your comment made me smile! I think we all have those moments with our sketchbooks. I’m so glad this could resonate with you-keep going, and remember that every page is part of your creative journey

[@desireeescobero473]

Gracias. Ahora estoy en el punto de necesitar ser creativa y dejar de copiar.... Tú video me ha inspirado thank you

[@petrusgandamana]

Thanks Mar...so motivational for me

[@MarcasAndrews]

Great advice!

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Thanks for watching!

[@9liveslisa]

Yes

[@annaz.9076]

I feel like the ugly phase happens with (almost) every piece, sometimes I am able to fix it and sometimes not. 😀 And what I realized is that on social media the sketchbooking isn't treated as it should be - people create finished and polished compositions (which are definitely carefully planned), they just do it in their sketchbooks and try to make it look like it is just some really casual sketchbooking. I think it is a bit misleading, especially for beginner artists and it feeds into the anxiety and perfectionism.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

I completely agree with you about social media. It can be tricky when sketchbooks are presented as effortlessly perfect-it sets such unrealistic expectations, especially for beginners. Sketchbooks should be about exploration, experimentation, and sometimes a little mess, not polished masterpieces. You’re so right-almost every piece goes through that “ugly phase”! 😀 It’s all part of the process, and I love that you’re embracing it, whether it turns out as planned or not.

[@annaz.9076]

@OhnMarWinArt Thank you, yes, absolutely. I learned to embrace it but I struggled A LOT (and still do). 😆

[@Aquarelamore]

So good to hear it and realize it that we need to make crap art in order to grow. I just started a sketchbook because of luggage reasons and I needed to hear this. Thank you.

[@libellula3313]

Overthinking and not wanting to mess up in my new sketchbook, things i've battled for 55 years!

[@OhnMarWinArt]

I hear you-starting a new sketchbook can feel so daunting! But remember, it’s your space to play, explore, and grow. Mistakes are just part of the journey, and they can lead to the most unexpected discoveries.

[@jademail77]

The idea of Progress over Perfection! I think it can feel paralyzing to think I have to do perfect art.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Absolutely! Focusing on progress over perfection is so freeing. Art is about growth and enjoyment, not about being perfect. Just keep creating!

[@jademail77]

@@OhnMarWinArt yes!!

[@jodycourt]

All of these are reminders that I need. I was thinking about what you said about keeping your supplies simple....quality over quantity. I get overwhelmed when I have too many supplies on my table and I always think I want more stuff when I see a good "supplies haul." I've decided I will use up what I have and then think about other supplies later. I did find a great white pen that I'm loving: Artistro extra fine tip. God bless you in 2025.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Thank you for sharing! Keeping things simple can really make such a difference, and it’s great that you’re focusing on using what you already have. It’s so easy to get caught up in wanting more supplies, but it sounds like you’ve found a great balance.

[@britendarkk8337]

I don't see a link for your supply recommendations.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

I've just added the art supplies and links in the description - please take a look

[@2152133]

Thank you so much. I bought a really nice sketchbook and I feel like I would waste good paper if my drawing is good. What paper or sketch book do you recommend for beginner?

[@conkrotwife]

I’ve been reluctant to use the good paper and sketchbooks. I’ve found through trial and error that good paper makes the biggest difference in my art practice. I also learned the hard way, that paper can go bad. I had a really nice watercolor sketchbook I refused to use. When I finally got brave enough to use I found the paper had lost its sizing making it unusable 😢

[@conkrotwife]

Look for paper that is 100% cotton. There are cheap brands you can find.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Thank you for sharing this! It’s such a good reminder to use and enjoy the good paper while we have it. I agree-good paper really does make such a difference, and it’s such a shame when it goes to waste

[@OhnMarWinArt]

I’ll put my supplies in the description ASAP

[@kathrynburton626]

Thank you​@@OhnMarWinArt

[@niangocnguyen]

I keep hearing “unrealistic expectations” mentioned in art advice, and yet nobody has actually elaborate on it. Can you help? There must be a method to the madness 🙂 What questions should one asks when setting and assessing their expectations?

[@conkrotwife]

For me I’ve decided to not try for photo realism. I can take a photo for that😊. I’m trying to capture memories of places I’ve visited. I have found that coming back to a piece (after getting frustrated) I like my work better.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

That’s such a great question! Unrealistic expectations often come from comparing ourselves to others or expecting fast results. When setting and assessing your expectations, ask yourself: ‘Is this goal achievable with the time and energy I have right now?’ and ‘Am I focusing on progress rather than perfection?’ And breaking things into smaller, manageable steps can make all the difference!

[@OhnMarWinArt]

That’s such a wonderful perspective! Capturing the memory and feeling of a place is so special and personal. Taking a break and coming back to a piece with fresh eyes can really help you appreciate your own work more

[@jezza_wut]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@bluewren65]

Ohn Mar, I've never noticed you using music behind your dialogue before. I can't watch this video. The music coming in and out is just too distracting. I know it's gentle, I know it's not loud, but I find it almost impossible to concentrate on what you are saying and I really WANT to hear what you are saying.

[@OhnMarWinArt]

Thank you for the feedback-I really appreciate it! I was trying out adding music to see how it worked, but I completely understand how it can be distracting. I’ll definitely keep this in mind for future videos because I want the focus to stay on the message.

[@bluewren65]

Thank you. I love your videos and want to keep watching. This morning I started watching a new-ish channel. It seemed the content might be good, but there was super distracting music through the whole thing (I checked by fast forwarding through the whole video). I couldn't click "do not recommend channel" fast enough.