Last Updated on November 12, 2025 by Dee
Sometimes, it can be hard to know what to draw next in your sketchbook. You might run out of ideas or feel stuck when staring at a blank page.
Using drawing prompts can help you spark new ideas and keep your creativity flowing. These prompts are simple suggestions or challenges that give you a starting point, making it easier to fill your sketchbook with interesting and fun drawings. Grab my fun sketchbook drawing templates at the end of this post!
Table of Contents
11 Fun Drawing Prompts to Fill Your Sketchbook!
1) Draw an animal playing a musical instrument
Think of your favorite animal and picture it holding an instrument. A cat with a violin, a monkey at the drums, or maybe a rabbit strumming a tiny guitar. Let your imagination have some fun with which instrument each animal might pick.
You can sketch just one animal or draw a whole band. Try giving your animal clothes or hats to fit the music style. If you like, add a little doodle of musical notes or a cheering audience in the background.
Play with different art materials for this idea—colored pencils, markers, or even watercolor if you feel like experimenting. This drawing could make a great start for a journal page if you want to write a bit about your animal’s music tastes. Don’t worry about making it perfect. Enjoy the process and see where your ideas lead you.
2) Design a skateboard with unique patterns
Imagine your own skateboard deck as a blank canvas. Draw fun patterns, bold shapes, or lines that twist across the board. Try checkerboards, stripes, waves, or zigzags—anything that feels exciting to you.
Add a pop of color with colored pencils or watercolor. Try small doodles in corners or around your main design for extra flair. Sketching possible wheel graphics or grip tape ideas can push your creativity even further.
If you enjoy mixed media, glue some paper pieces or add textured paint for a real-life feel. Turn your finished page into a journal entry by writing about what inspired your skateboard design. Every sketch is a chance to show off your style.
3) Illustrate a scene inside a jar or envelope
Pick a jar or an envelope as the frame for your drawing. Think about what story or world could fit inside—maybe a tiny forest, a message in a bottle, or even your favorite snacks packed up for a trip.
Draw the container first, then fill it with details that tell a story. You can imagine it’s a window into another place or memory. Leave some things peeking out or attach a little note as if it’s a real letter.
Try adding a wash of color with watercolor, or sketch small doodles around the jar or envelope. If you keep a journal, this prompt can also become a page where you write a few thoughts beside your drawing. Let your imagination guide what belongs inside.
4) Create a comic strip about a funny daily event
Think about something that made you laugh today—maybe a silly moment on the bus or a pet doing something odd. Sketch the main parts as simple panels, just like in a comic strip.
You don’t need perfect stick figures or complex backgrounds. Focus on showing the story and expressions as clearly as you can.
Try adding a little doodle of a sound effect or a surprised face. If you want, color in one panel with watercolor for a pop of color.
Comics can be playful and loose. You might even turn this page into a mini journal entry by writing a short caption under each scene. Let your style shine, and enjoy telling your funny story through pictures.
5) Sketch self-portraits from different perspectives
Try drawing yourself from new points of view. You can use a mirror to sketch your face straight on, then look left, right, or tilt your head. Notice how your features change as you move.
Take a selfie from above or below to challenge yourself. Use unexpected angles—like drawing only your eyes or your hands holding something. Draw full body or just your face.
Add small doodles or notes about your day on the page. Try coloring your sketch with watercolor or colored pencil. These drawings capture different moods and moments, and each one tells a unique story about you.
6) Draw an animal eating another animal
Try sketching an animal eating another animal. This simple prompt brings more action and story into your sketchbook. You can draw a classic scene, like a bird with a worm or a cat with a fish.
If you want, keep it light by choosing funny pairings or making the animals look playful. You could doodle a cartoon frog slurping a bug or a fox with a sandwich made from cheese-mice.
Use pencil or watercolor to explore different textures. Try adding small notes about what is happening, almost like a journal entry next to your drawing. This makes your sketchbook feel even more interesting and personal.
7) Draw your art teacher in a fight with an animal
This prompt is a mix of silly and bold. Imagine your art teacher taking on a lion, a goose, or maybe even a squirrel. It doesn’t have to look real—have fun with wild poses and exaggerated expressions.
Try choosing an animal that matches your teacher’s personality, or go for something completely unexpected. You can add speech bubbles, comic-style action lines, or even a tiny doodle in the background.
Want to take it further? Use colored pencils, watercolor, or patterned pens to bring the scene to life. If you enjoy journal pages, write a short story about the “fight” under your drawing. Let your imagination set the rules, and don’t worry about perfection—just enjoy the creative process.
8) Create watercolor doodle strokes using circles
Try filling a page with circles made in watercolor. Each circle can be a different color, size, and texture. Let some circles overlap or fade into each other for a soft effect.
You don’t need to be precise. Let your brush move naturally and see what shapes appear. This exercise keeps things loose and playful.
If you want, add simple doodles inside a few circles. Eyes, leaves, or little faces work well. These small details bring your page to life.
This prompt can also be a calming way to fill up blank space in your sketchbook. There’s no pressure to make something perfect—just enjoy the colors and marks you create.
9) Draw a caricature of yourself
Try drawing yourself as a caricature. Pick one or two features—like your hair, glasses, or smile—and exaggerate them. Make your eyes much bigger, stretch your smile, or play up your favorite hat.
You can make it funny, cute, or even a bit wild. Use bold lines or bright colors if you want the drawing to feel lively. Want to add some extra fun? Include a tiny doodle of your favorite snack or pet in the scene.
Watercolor can give your caricature a playful look, but colored pencils or markers work well too. If you like journaling, write a short note about what makes you unique next to the drawing. Sketching a caricature of yourself can be a great way to capture your personality and see yourself in a new way.
10) Sketch your hands in different positions
Hands can be tricky to draw, but that’s what makes them interesting practice. Try drawing your hand in a fist, open palm, or holding an object—switch it up each time for a new challenge.
You can use a mirror, take a photo, or look down and sketch what you see. Use pencil for quick outlines, or go slow and shade in the details.
If you want, add a small doodle ring or a bracelet to make it personal. Play with colors—try watercolor or colored pencils for a softer look. Sketching hands in different poses can fill up a few pages and help you understand shapes and shadows better.
Turn the page into a mini hand study journal by adding notes or even a little story about what your hands were doing that day.
11) Draw a superhero version of yourself
Picture yourself as a superhero with your own special powers. What would your costume look like? Maybe you’d have a bright cape, cool mask, or gadgets on your belt.
Think about the powers you wish you had—flying, super-speed, or maybe just the ability to always find your lost keys. Draw yourself in action, using your powers to help others.
Add small details that show your personality, like favorite colors or symbols. If you want, add a sidekick or make a tiny doodle of your superhero logo.
Try using colors, markers, or even watercolor if you like. You can turn the page into a comic strip, or write a few words about your hero’s story next to the drawing.
Pin this for later 👇🏻
Grab the Free Sketchbook Drawing Templates HERE (below)!
To access the free in-post printables for this post, you’ll just need to create a free account or log in with the Grow.me tool. Then, confirm by email and refresh the page, and ALL my free printables will automatically unlock in every post!
Love These Drawing Templates? Get Even More Exclusive Creative Goodies on My Patreon! 🎨
If you’re enjoying these free printables, why not join my Artsydee Patreon community? As a member, you’ll gain access to exclusive Procreate tutorials, watercolor lessons, and tons of printables like this one—delivered to you monthly (and sometimes even twice a month!). Plus, you’ll get sneak peeks at upcoming projects and have a say in what content I create next. ✨
Join today and unlock premium resources to take your creativity to the next level!
Sign Up HEREOther posts you may enjoy…
The Best Beginner Art Supplies You Didn’t Know You Needed!
59 Aesthetic Things to Draw: Art Ideas for Creative Minds
121 Fun and Easy Objects to Draw
Looking for things to draw on your hand? 50 Easy drawing ideas!