30 Not-At-All Boring Sketchbook Prompts

A sketchbook is an artist’s best friend, but when you don’t know what to fill it with, it just sits there looking sad and guilt-inducing. So, I compiled a list of prompts that are actually exciting enough to want to draw. With commentary from yours truly, of course. 

1. A favorite scene from a book you love - Hello, Order of the Phoenix.

2. 10 different hand positions - Ask family and friends for reference photos, because your own hand ain't gonna cut it.

3. Ninja poses - Come on, who doesn't want to do this?

4. Your dream wedding dress - Sorry, this one isn't really for you, fellas.

5. Your favorite Jedi - This was actually one of my favorite things to do when I was little.

6. A scene from your own life - In cartoon style, please.

7. Your school building - This is a good exercise for noticing the small details.

8. Your least favorite subject - Plants, animals, people, landscapes… Its landscapes for me. By a lot. 

9. Realistic drawing of your pet - Oh, yeah. Fur, texture, proportions, all of it. I'm here to punish you.

10. Cartoon drawing of your pet - This is where things get fun ;)

11. An elaborate castle - After the initial sketch, break out those fineliners and watercolor washes. 

12. Fairies - My sisters like this one

13. Closeup of a growling bear - Or, you know, any animal. Just make sure there's lots of teeth and muzzle muscles. 

14. Animation pose test - See what I mean here. 

15. Paint a stack of old books - Preferably next to a sunlit window with just the right amount of wear on the covers and magical flow petals floating in the air. 

16. Draw a creepy old doll - Or a not creepy old doll. Your choice. 

17. Paint a glass bottle - If that's not challenging enough, draw a splash of water. That'll turn your head. 

18. Do gesture drawings of people - I find it's helpful to make little sisters twirl in the living room.

19. Smash two things together and paint it - My personal favorite: Firework flowers. 

20. How you see yourself as an adult - Or vice-versa. But if you're an adult, then  you've already been a kid, so it might not be as much fun. 

21. Cut out construction paper - These things can get really elaborate and impressive if you're patient. 

22. Ballerina poses - Stylizing the tutu and adding some color is a lot of fun. 

23. Try calligraphy - Without crying, if possible. 

24. Draw the same facial expression on different people - Or the same person in different styles. Whatever floats your boat. 

25. Listen to your favorite song and draw what pops into your head - John Williams is always a good choice. 

26. Draw a realistic eye  - This is surprisingly addicting. 

27. Draw your favorite monster - Real, imaginary, cute, ugly, whatever. 

28. Draw someone doing something underwater - If the character has long hair and is performing Tae Kwon Do in a ballgown, things could get interesting. 

29. Draw yourself as a fanfiction character - Guilty.

30. Pinterest portrait - I find the best reference photos here.

Until next time, friends!

Lydia