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.

I've looked through plenty of lists of drawing prompts, and to be honest, they usually sound like they were written by someone who doesn't actually draw. Or sometimes, they sound like they were written by an art teacher. I have nothing against art teachers, whatsoever, but their drawing prompt ideas are usually meant to improve your drawing, not be particularly fun to do (aka, an art lesson in disguise).

Again, nothing wrong with any of the above, but if you're reading this, then you're probably looking for not boring drawing prompts. Ideas to fix artist's block, to get you out of your artistic rut. 

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… It's 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 flower petals floating through 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