How to Start a Daily Sketchbook + 100 Things to Draw When You’re Stuck

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Last Updated on September 26, 2025 by Dee

Staring at a blank sketchbook page again?

I get it. You want to start a daily sketchbook habit, but every time you sit down to draw, your mind goes completely blank. What should you sketch? Where do you even begin?

The good news? Starting a consistent sketch-a-day practice is easier than you think. And I’m about to give you 100 things to draw in your sketchbook so you’ll never run out of ideas again.

Why a Daily Sketchbook Changes Everything

Think of it like brushing your teeth, but way more fun. It’s just a small creative moment you carve out each day. Some people sketch for 5 minutes, others for an hour. The magic isn’t in perfection—it’s in showing up.

I’ve been doing this for years now, and honestly? Some of my sketches are terrible. But that’s not the point. The point is building the muscle of creating something every single day.

17 Ways to Make Your Daily Sketchbook Habit Stick

1. Start Ridiculously Small

Forget buying expensive supplies right away. Grab literally any paper and whatever pen is lying around. I started with gas station receipt paper and a Bic pen. Seriously.

The goal is to remove every possible excuse before you begin your daily sketchbook journey.

2. Commit to Just 30 Days

Don’t think about sketching for the rest of your life—that’s overwhelming. Just commit to 30 days of sketch a day practice. If you hate it after a month, stop. But most people find it becomes automatic by then.

3. Have an End Goal in Mind

What do you want to get out of this daily sketchbook habit? Better observation skills? Stress relief? Instagram content? Having a clear “why” makes it easier when motivation dips.

I post my sketches on social media because the tiny bit of accountability helps. Find what works for your daily sketchbook practice.

4. Invest in a Sketchbook You Actually Like

Once you’re past the initial “will I stick to this?” phase, get a sketchbook that feels good to use. Cheap paper that bleeds through is frustrating. You don’t need expensive, but get something that won’t fight you during your sketch a day sessions.

Need help choosing? Check out the best drawing kits that include quality sketchbooks.

5. Pick Your Time and Stick to It

Morning person? Sketch with your coffee. Night owl? Draw before bed. The key is consistency, not perfection.

I sketch at 7 AM because that’s when my brain is quiet and I’m less likely to make excuses.

6. Start Small, Then Build

Begin with 5-10 minutes. Once that feels natural, add more time if you want. But honestly? Some of my favorite sketches happened in under 5 minutes.

7. Carry It Everywhere

This changed everything for me. Waiting for coffee? Sketch the person in line. Stuck in traffic? Draw your steering wheel. Having your sketchbook always available removes the “I don’t have time” excuse.

8. Create a Creative Corner

If you’re sketching at home, designate a spot. It doesn’t need to be fancy—just a corner with good light and your supplies within reach.

9. Turn Off Your Phone

This one’s tough but necessary. Put your phone in airplane mode or another room. Social media and sketching don’t mix well.

10. Draw What You See

The world is packed with interesting stuff to draw. Your coffee mug. The weird tree outside your window. Your messy desk. Stop looking for the “perfect” subject—it’s right in front of you.

11. Study Other Artists

Not to copy them, but to get inspired. See how they handle shadows, or how they simplify complex shapes. Instagram and Pinterest are goldmines for this.

12. Experiment Like Crazy

Try different pens, pencils, markers. Draw with your non-dominant hand. Try not lifting your pen from the paper. Break your own rules.

For gift ideas if you want to expand your supplies, check out these awesome gifts for artists who draw.

13. Use Color for Mood

Having a rough day? Maybe stick to grays and blues. Feeling energetic? Go wild with oranges and reds. Let your art reflect how you’re feeling.

14. Try Continuous Line Drawing

This is where you don’t lift your pen off the paper at all. It forces you to really look at your subject and creates interesting, loose drawings.

15. Switch Hands

Draw with your non-dominant hand occasionally. It’s frustrating but forces you to slow down and really observe.

16. Use Prompts When You’re Stuck

Sometimes you’ll sit down and have zero ideas. That’s where prompt lists come in handy. “Draw something round,” “sketch your breakfast,” “draw how you feel today.”

17. Remember: It’s About the Process

Some days you’ll create something you love. Other days, not so much. Both are valuable. The goal is building the habit, not creating masterpieces.

Daily Sketchbook Supplies: What You Actually Need

Honestly? Not much:

• A sketchbook (or loose paper)
• Pencils or pens
• Maybe some colored pencils or markers
• An eraser

That’s it. You can add watercolors, fancy brushes, and specialty papers later if you want. But don’t let not having the “right” supplies stop you from starting your daily sketchbook practice.

100 Things to Draw in Your Sketchbook: The Ultimate What to Draw Prompts List

Never wonder “what should I draw today?” again. Here’s your go-to list of sketch a day ideas:

Everyday Objects (Perfect for Beginners)

1. Your coffee mug from different angles
2. A houseplant
3. Your favorite pen or pencil
4. Kitchen utensils scattered on the counter
5. Your phone or laptop
6. A pile of books
7. Your keys
8. A single flower in a vase
9. Your breakfast before you eat it
10. A crumpled piece of paper

Self & People Drawing Prompts

11. Your reflection in a spoon
12. Your hands in different positions
13. Self-portrait without looking at the paper
14. Someone reading in a coffee shop
15. Your pet sleeping
16. A friend’s profile while they’re distracted
17. Your feet
18. Someone waiting for the bus
19. A child playing
20. Your reflection in a window

Nature & Outdoor Sketch Ideas

21. A single leaf with all its details
22. Clouds in different formations
23. Tree bark texture
24. A rock or stone
25. Your view from a park bench
26. Birds at a feeder
27. Waves or water movement
28. A sunset/sunrise
29. Mountain silhouettes
30. Rain on a window

Home & Interior Daily Sketchbook Ideas

31. Your unmade bed
32. Kitchen sink with dishes
33. A corner of your room
34. Light streaming through curtains
35. Your desk setup
36. Bathroom mirror reflection
37. Clothes hanging in your closet
38. A doorway perspective
39. Your bookshelf
40. Light switches and outlets

Food & Drink Drawing Prompts

41. An apple (classic for a reason)
42. Your lunch before eating
43. A glass of water with ice
44. Fresh vegetables from different angles
45. A sandwich cut in half
46. Spilled coffee beans
47. A wine bottle and glass
48. Fresh bread
49. Eggs in a carton
50. Your favorite snack

Transportation & Urban Sketching

51. Your car keys
52. A bicycle wheel
53. Street signs
54. Your view from a car window
55. A parking meter
56. Train tracks
57. A bus stop
58. Traffic lights
59. Your steering wheel
60. A bridge

Abstract & Emotional Sketch a Day Ideas

61. How you feel today (abstract shapes)
62. Your favorite song as lines and shapes
63. Anger as scribbles
64. Joy as swirls
65. Stress as jagged lines
66. Peace as flowing curves
67. Energy as explosive marks
68. Sadness as drips
69. Excitement as sharp angles
70. Calm as smooth waves

Objects & Still Life What to Draw Prompts

71. A pair of shoes
72. Jewelry scattered on a table
73. Old photographs
74. A candle and matches
75. Makeup brushes
76. Tools from a toolbox
77. Stationery supplies
78. A hat
79. Sunglasses
80. Your wallet contents

Challenge Drawing Prompts

81. Draw without lifting your pen (pen and ink drawing ideas work great for this)
82. Use only geometric shapes
83. Draw with your non-dominant hand
84. 30-second gesture drawing
85. Draw the same object 5 different ways
86. Use only lines, no shading
87. Draw something upside down
88. Blind contour drawing
89. Draw using only dots
90. Negative space drawing

Memory & Imagination Daily Sketchbook Prompts

91. Your childhood home from memory
92. A made-up creature
93. Your dream vacation spot
94. An imaginary landscape
95. What you had for dinner last night
96. Your ideal creative space
97. A character from your favorite book
98. Your future self
99. An impossible object
100. Whatever comes to mind right now

Bonus Sketch Ideas for Your Daily Sketchbook Practice

• Combine two random objects from this list
• Pick a number and draw that many of something
• Choose a color and draw only things that are that color
• Set a 5-minute timer and see how many small sketches you can do
• Draw the story of your day in 4 panels
• Try some easy cute drawings for a fun twist
• Explore aesthetic things to draw for Instagram-worthy sketches
• Practice cute easy doodles to fill margins

Common Questions

“How long before I get good?” Define “good.” If you mean “better than when you started,” that happens pretty quickly—maybe a few weeks. If you mean “Instagram-worthy,” that depends on your starting point and how much you practice.

“What if I miss a day?” Start again the next day. Don’t let perfectionism kill your habit.

“Should I use a lined notebook?” God, no. Blank pages only. Lines will make you feel constrained.

“What if my drawings are terrible?” They probably are at first—mine were! That’s completely normal and expected. The point isn’t to create museum-worthy art on day one. Check out these fun drawing ideas for low-pressure inspiration.

“What if I want to draw something special?” Looking for themed ideas? Try happy birthday drawing ideas for celebrations, or mushroom drawing ideas for something nature-inspired but unique.

Start Your Daily Sketchbook Practice Today

Pick up whatever’s nearby and draw something from the 100 things to draw list above. Anything. A pen. Your shoe. The corner of your room. Spend 5 minutes. That’s it.

Tomorrow, use another one of these sketch a day ideas and do it again.

The hardest part isn’t learning to draw—it’s just beginning. But with these what to draw prompts, you’ll never run out of daily sketchbook inspiration again.

Grab the Free Printable List of “100 Things to Draw in your Sketchbook” here (below)!

Ready to start? Save this list of 100 things to draw in your sketchbook and refer back to it whenever you need sketch ideas. Your future artist self will thank you!

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