Breaking the Curse of the Blank Page: Start with Frames
Happy New Year! While this time of year is often associated with fresh starts and resolutions, I’ll be honest—I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions. They can feel like a lot of pressure, and let’s face it, January in the winter doesn’t always bring that "fresh energy" we’re told to expect (unless you’re soaking up summer in the southern hemisphere!).
Instead, I prefer setting intentions, not tied to a specific date but woven throughout the year. No unnecessary expectations—just a gentle guide to focus on what matters most, when it feels right.
Still, if you have that feeling or pressure around “new beginnings”… We’ve all been there—staring at a blank page, unsure where to begin.
Here’s a simple trick to get started: draw frames first.
Sketch a few boxes or panels on your page. Instantly, the blank page feels less intimidating, and you’ve given yourself a fun challenge: fill those frames!
Draw Anything - even when it’s unrelated
You can draw the little things around you, capture moments from your day, or even doodle from your imagination. The beauty of using frames is that even seemingly random drawings will look cohesive—they’re all part of a bigger layout.
Limit your color palette
For extra magic, use the same materials and colors throughout. Suddenly, your scattered sketches come together as a story or a whole composition.