Last Updated on June 25, 2025 by Dee
Finding new inspiration for your sketchbook can be tough, especially when staring at a blank page. Middle school is a great time to develop your drawing skills and have fun trying out new ideas.
With the right prompts, you can spark your creativity and make your sketchbook a space where your imagination grows. Explore these 21 Middle School Sketch Book Ideas for fun and creative drawing & art projects!
Table of Contents
1) Draw your favorite animal doing something unusual
Pick any animal you love and imagine it doing something it normally would not do. Maybe your dog is painting a picture.
You could draw a rabbit riding a skateboard. Try making your animal play an instrument or cook a meal.
Animals in funny situations can look interesting and unique. For more inspiration, check out these animal drawing ideas.
2) Create a self-portrait using only shapes
Try drawing yourself using just basic shapes like circles, squares, and triangles. Focus on breaking down your features into simple forms instead of adding lots of details.
You can make your face with an oval, eyes with circles, and your hair with wavy lines or zigzags.
3) Sketch a mysterious door and what might lie behind it
Imagine a door in a place you’ve never seen before. Maybe it’s hidden in an old tree or at the end of a dark hallway.
Draw the door with as many details as you can. What patterns or textures do you see?
Think about what could be behind it. Use your imagination to draw a scene, object, or creature on the other side.
4) Design your ideal treehouse
Think about what the perfect treehouse looks like for you. Will it be high in the branches or closer to the ground?
Add fun features like rope ladders, windows, or even a slide. Maybe you want a place to read or hang out with friends.
Draw what the inside and outside will look like. Add details that make it feel special and just for you.
5) Illustrate a dream you recently had
Think back to a recent dream. It could be silly, confusing, or even a little weird.
Draw what you remember, even if it’s just shapes or colors. Try to show any details, like people, animals, or places, that stood out to you.
If you forget parts, use your imagination to fill them in. Making art from dreams is a great way to spark creativity, as suggested by sketchbook prompt guides.
6) Draw a city skyline at sunset
Imagine looking out at a city skyline as the sun is setting. The tops of the buildings glow with orange, pink, and purple colors.
Try to show the outlines of the buildings and the way the sky changes color as it gets darker. You can use pencils, markers, or colored pencils to add the sunset colors.
If you need more tips, read about cityscape drawing ideas on city skyline art projects.
7) Create a comic strip about a school day
Draw a comic strip showing a part of your school day. You can choose anything—a funny moment, an interesting lesson, or something that happened with a friend.
Start by sketching 3-4 panels. Keep your drawings simple.
Add speech bubbles or captions to tell what’s happening. If you need ideas, you can look at helpful comic templates online.
8) Sketch an object using only cross-hatching for shading
Pick a simple object, like an apple or a cup, to start. Use only cross-hatching to add shadows and show where the light hits.
Cross-hatching means drawing lines that cross over each other to create dark and light areas. Try using different angles and line thickness to show depth.
You can see examples and tips for this technique on Mastering Cross Hatching. Take your time and see how the lines build up value and texture.
9) Draw a character inspired by your favorite book
Think about a book you really enjoy reading. Imagine what one of the main characters looks like, even if there are no pictures.
Try drawing the character the way you see them in your mind. You can show their clothes, hairstyle, or even their mood.
It’s okay if your version looks different from the book cover. For extra inspiration, you can look at sketchbook prompts for creativity.
10) Design a cover for an imaginary magazine
Imagine your own magazine and design its cover. Think about what your magazine is about—sports, music, animals, or anything you like.
Pick a bold title, add cool graphics or drawings, and include a few catchy headlines. You can use bright colors or stick with a simple look.
For inspiration, check out some creative sketchbook cover ideas.
11) Illustrate a futuristic vehicle
Imagine what cars, trucks, or bikes might look like in the future. Think about new shapes, fun colors, or unusual features they might have.
You can add things like wings, cool lights, or even gadgets that haven’t been invented yet. If you need ideas, check out some creative prompts for futuristic cars.
Let your imagination lead the way.
12) Draw a simple still life with household objects
Look around your home for items like cups, vases, fruit, or bottles. Choose a few and arrange them in a way that looks interesting to you.
Try drawing what you see in front of you. Focus on basic shapes and how the objects relate to each other.
Artists like Giorgio Morandi often used common household items for their still life art. Keep your lines loose and have fun exploring.
13) Sketch a scene from your favorite movie
Think about a movie you love. Picture your favorite moment or scene from it.
Try to draw what you see in your mind. You can focus on the main character or a cool background.
Don’t worry about getting every detail perfect. Use colors or keep it as a sketch.
Make it your own!
14) Create a pattern using only black and white
Grab your sketchbook and draw a pattern using just black and white. You can do stripes, dots, zigzags, or even your own shapes.
Try filling the whole page or make different sections with unique designs. Work with checkerboards, spirals, or hearts.
Limiting yourself to these two colors can help you focus on shapes and repetition. If you need more inspiration, you can check out ideas for black-and-white illustration prompts.
15) Draw your hands in different positions
Try drawing your hands holding a pencil, making a fist, or waving. Move your hand around and notice how the shapes change each time.
It’s helpful to use a mirror or take photos for tricky angles. This will help you practice drawing from observation, not memory.
Drawing hands is a classic way to get better at capturing details. For extra practice ideas, check out these hand drawing prompts.
16) Illustrate an emotional moment from your life
Think about a time you felt a strong emotion, like happiness, sadness, or excitement. Try to remember what happened and how it made you feel.
You can use simple shapes, colors, or symbols to show your feelings. Don’t worry about making it look perfect.
Let yourself be creative. For more ideas on emotional art prompts, you can visit this list of sketchbook journal prompts for creativity.
17) Design a monster using features from three animals
Pick three different animals. Look closely at their most unique features, like tails, wings, or ears.
Combine those features into one new creature. Think about how the animal would move, eat, or survive in its world.
Give your monster a name and decide where it lives.
If you want more ideas, check out these creature drawing prompts for inspiration.
18) Sketch a landscape in grayscale focusing on light and shadow
Choose a photo or look out your window for a landscape to draw. Use only shades of gray instead of color.
This can be done with a pencil. Pay attention to where the light hits and where it’s darkest.
Practice shading with different techniques, like blending or cross-hatching, to show shadows and highlights.
For more ideas, check out these shading and value techniques.
19) Draw an underwater scene with sea creatures
Imagine what you might see below the ocean’s surface. Try drawing a few sea creatures like a fish, octopus, or dolphin.
Add some seaweed and bubbles for detail. You could even sketch a treasure chest or some colorful coral.
For more ideas, you can check out this easy underwater scene drawing guide for tips and inspiration.
20) Create a doodle page filled with shapes and textures
Grab your pen and start filling a page with different shapes like circles, squares, triangles, and stars. You can stack them, overlap them, or line them up.
Try adding simple textures to each shape. Use lines, dots, zigzags, or tiny swirls to make each one unique.
Mixing shapes and textures makes your sketchbook interesting and fun to look at.
If you want more ideas for this activity, check out these doodle prompts and inspirations.
21) Sketch your favorite meal with details
Think about your favorite meal. It could be breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a special snack.
Picture it on the table, ready to eat. Pay close attention to the shapes and colors on your plate.
Try to draw every detail, like steam from soup or the texture of bread. You can even include utensils or a fancy napkin.
Don’t forget to add your favorite drink.
Benefits of Sketchbook Prompts for Middle School Students
Sketchbook prompts give you more than just drawing practice. They can help you become more confident in your ideas and deal with your feelings in a healthy way.
Building Confidence Through Creative Exploration
Sketchbook prompts encourage you to try new things in a relaxed setting. You do not have to make something perfect, and there is no right or wrong way to complete a prompt.
This freedom lets you explore art without the fear of making mistakes. As you use different prompts, you get to test new materials and styles.
One day you might doodle inventing your own monster, the next you could draw your dream bedroom. Each time you step out of your comfort zone, you grow a little more confident in what you can do.
Sharing your sketchbook with classmates or your teacher can be helpful. You might see that everyone makes different choices and that’s okay.
It helps you become proud of your unique ideas and visual voice. Teachers often use sketchbooks to help build confidence in the art classroom.
Supporting Emotional Expression and Well-Being
Using sketchbook prompts is a simple way to express your thoughts and feelings. Some prompts can help you draw about your day, your dreams, or even worries you might have.
This can be a safe way to let out things that are hard to talk about. Drawing in a sketchbook can help you relax and calm your mind.
If you feel stressed or upset, working on a creative prompt can turn your focus to something fun or positive. Sometimes, you might not have the words to say how you feel.
A sketchbook gives you a private spot to explore these feelings. Many teachers encourage sketchbook use because it has been shown to support emotional and creative growth.
By using prompts, you learn more about yourself and practice ways to handle tough emotions in a safe, creative way.
Tips for Making the Most of Sketchbook Prompts
Working with sketchbook prompts can help you stay creative and motivated. Simple changes in your routine and approach can turn everyday sketching into a rewarding habit.
Setting Up a Creative Routine
Having a regular drawing time is important. Try to plan a set time each day or week to work on your sketchbook.
This could be after school, during study hall, or even right before bed. Keep your supplies in a place that’s easy to reach.
Use a small basket or a pencil case so your pens, colored pencils, and sketchbook are always ready. When your materials are close by, it’s easier to start drawing right away.
Use a check-off list or calendar to track your progress. Mark each day you complete a prompt.
Seeing your progress grow can help keep you motivated and excited about your sketchbook. If you get stuck, try switching locations.
Drawing in a cozy corner, at a park, or even at the kitchen table can make art time feel fresh. You can also ask a friend or family member to join you for a sketching session.
For more ideas about setting up routines and schedules, check out these sketchbook ideas for students.
Encouraging Personal Interpretation
Prompts are a springboard for your imagination. Don’t feel that you have to follow them exactly.
If a prompt says “draw a tree,” you can draw any kind of tree you want—real, fantasy, or even a tree made of candy. Personalize each prompt by adding your favorite colors, styles, or details.
You could create a pattern you enjoy or make a drawing that mixes more than one prompt together. This helps your art show your unique personality.
It’s okay to use words, notes, or even short stories next to your drawings. Sometimes a few sentences can help you remember what inspired you or why you made certain choices.
Learning to add your own twist will make your sketchbook more interesting and meaningful. For more inspiration on personalizing prompts, you can explore these sketchbook inspiration prompts.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use simple prompts to make sketchbook activities easy and fun for middle school. There are free online resources to help you find more ideas and worksheets tailored for both students and teachers.
What are some easy sketchbook ideas for middle school students?
You can try drawing your favorite animal doing something unusual, creating a self-portrait with only shapes, or sketching a mysterious door and imagining what is behind it.
Other choices include designing your ideal treehouse or illustrating a dream you recently had.
Where can I find a free PDF of sketchbook prompts suitable for middle school?
Several websites offer free PDFs with sketchbook prompts that you can print and use.
One helpful option for teachers and students is this 100 Sketchbook Prompts PDF.
Are there any sketchbook prompts specifically designed for adults in middle school settings?
Yes, many prompts work for all ages, including adults who teach or assist in middle school art classes.
Ideas focused on personal growth, creative challenges, or imaginative storytelling can help keep older participants engaged.
Can you recommend a good sketchbook prompt generator for classroom activities?
Online prompt generators can give you quick and fun ideas when you need them.
The Art of Education University provides a collection of prompts suitable for classroom use, and you can mix and match them for different days.
What sketchbook assignments can help high school students improve their skills?
Assignments that focus on observational drawing, self-portraits, and drawing from real life are helpful.
You can also try prompts that ask students to redesign a common object, illustrate a historical event, or explore shading with only one kind of pencil.
How can I incorporate creative sketchbook ideas into my middle school art curriculum?
Start by introducing a prompt at the beginning of each class or week. Encourage your students to experiment with different materials and styles.
You can use a printable list such as this collection of sketchbook prompts so that everyone has a variety of options.
Let students share their work to support creativity in your classroom.