HOW TO FILL YOUR SKETCHBOOK✍️ (aka how to chunkify and fill your sketchbook to the max!)

How to Fill Your Sketchbooks: Tips and Tricks

Introduction to Sketchbook Filling

• The creator introduces a tutorial on filling sketchbooks, mentioning their last three sketchbooks from the past few years.

• They express a desire to share personal tips and tricks for filling sketchbooks, emphasizing that this is not a perfect tutorial but rather guidance for when one feels uninspired.

• The creator acknowledges that their spreads take time to complete, often spanning 1 to 2 days.

Importance of Sketchbook Freedom

• The current sketchbook being used is number 13, which has also seen significant use.

• A reminder is given that sketchbooks are not meant to be perfect; they should serve as a space for creativity without stress or pressure.

• The speaker shares personal experiences of feeling overwhelmed by perfectionism in earlier sketchbooks and encourages viewers not to worry about making them aesthetically pleasing.

Recommendations for Multiple Sketchbooks

• Keeping multiple sketchbooks is suggested; one can be dedicated to beauty while another can serve as a "junk journal" for free expression.

• This approach allows artists the freedom to experiment without the fear of judgment or failure.

Finding Inspiration

• The first tip involves using Pinterest for references, which can help overcome creative blocks by providing poses and color schemes.

• Caution is advised against comparing oneself with other artists on Pinterest, as it may lead to discouragement.

Creating Original Characters (OCs)

• Drawing original characters (OCs), or creating new ones, serves as both inspiration and an imaginative exercise.

• Having established OCs allows artists to explore character development and storytelling through art.

Color Schemes in Art

• Limiting color choices helps create cohesive spreads; sticking to fewer than five colors can enhance creativity.

• Experimenting with different color combinations fosters growth in understanding color theory and composition.

Collaging Techniques

• Collaging is highlighted as an effective way to fill space in sketches; using found objects like wrappers or printed images adds texture and interest.

• Artists are encouraged to think creatively about what materials they incorporate into their collages.

Exploring Different Mediums

• Trying out various mediums beyond traditional tools (like watercolors or pencils), such as pastels or even unconventional items like leaves, broadens artistic skills.

• Using highlighters was suggested as a fun challenge for creating art with non-traditional materials.

Drawing from Life

• Observational drawing from life—such as food—can yield satisfying results despite challenges faced by those who spend much time online instead of outdoors.

Embracing Imperfection

• Making intentionally "bad" pages helps alleviate pressure around perfectionism in art.

• Keeping a separate junk sketchbook allows artists the freedom to create without concern over aesthetics.

Additional Tips

• Writing poems or thoughts can serve as effective fillers when lacking ideas.

• Redrawing old artwork shows progress over time and reinforces skill development.