Same Subject, Many Ways | A sketchbook Challenge - Part 1
Welcome to Draw Tip Tuesday!
We all have those moments. You sit down with your sketchbook, eager to create, but suddenly, you’re stuck. The blank page stares back at you, and you think, “There’s nothing to draw.” Or maybe, you feel like your creativity has hit a wall, and you’re caught in a rut. Sound familiar? If so, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there’s a simple way to get your creative juices flowing again.
In today's video, I introduce a fun and approachable challenge designed to help you bring new life to your sketchbook. It’s all about drawing the same subject over and over again. But in a different way each time.
The Power of Drawing the Same Subject
So, why draw the same subject multiple times? It might sound counterintuitive, but by focusing on a single subject and approaching it in different ways, is a fantastic way to experiment with new tools, techniques, and styles.
I chose a simple still life of some coffee items. Since I’m a coffee lover, it's a perfect subject for repeated exploration. Each week, I’ll draw this same setup using different tools and approaches. This week, to ease into the challenge, I use my trusty fountain pen and watercolors, and the next I'll pick another approach.
Embrace the Wonkiness
None of the drawings you'll make will be the same, you'll see. By letting go of perfection and allowing yourself to make mistakes and explore, you might discover things like your style and preferences.
As I worked on my first drawing in the challenge, I noticed that my composition started to run off the page. Instead of seeing this as a mistake, I embraced it. I added a frame to the background and played with the design until it felt balanced again. This is just one example of how working through challenges in your drawing can lead to unexpected and exciting results.
Your Assignment This Week
Ready to dive in? Join this drawing challenge:
Choose Your Subject: Pick something you love and have easy access to. It could be a house plant, some cooking utensils, gardening tools, or even art supplies.
Set Up Your Still Life: Arrange your chosen objects in a way it looks interesting to you. But don't overthink it.
Draw It Again and Again: Each week, draw the same setup using different tools, techniques, or styles. Don’t worry about making each drawing perfect—focus on exploring and experimenting.
Trust the Process
I hope this video is helpful for you. Even if the takeaway is to trust the process. Even if you’re halfway through a drawing and you’re not happy with it, keep going. Push through that initial discomfort and give your drawing the attention it needs to come to life. You got this!
This challenge is all about keeping your sketchbook fresh and fun. If you’re looking for more ideas, tips, or challenges to inspire you, be sure to check out my Patreon page, where I share even more creative content.
