Daily Drawing - My Tips For Developing a Daily Sketchbook Habit

Summary

In this inspiring YouTube video, Sonia shares her tips for establishing a daily art habit, whether it be drawing or painting. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the 'why' behind starting this habit and suggests starting with a 30-day challenge to build consistency. Sonia provides practical advice on planning, choosing materials, setting up a conducive environment, and scheduling drawing time. She also encourages viewers to be flexible with their projects, allowing for breaks and adjustments as needed, and reminds them that it's okay to quit if a project isn't serving them. The video is a motivational guide for anyone looking to enhance their artistic skills and well-being through daily creative practice.

Takeaways

• 🤔 Start with the 'why': Sonia emphasizes the importance of understanding your motivation for starting a daily art habit to ensure it aligns with your personal goals and needs.
• 📅 Choose a timeframe: Sonia suggests considering different project lengths like 100 days or 30 days, with the latter being a popular choice due to the belief that it takes 30 days to form a habit.
• 📝 Plan your project: Having a plan for your drawing challenge, including the subject matter and materials, can help maintain consistency and focus.
• 🎨 Variety is key: Sonia shares her experience with weekly prompts to keep her drawing practice interesting and to avoid creative blocks.
• 💡 Low-pressure approach: Sonia recommends starting with low-cost materials and a no-pressure mindset to make the habit more accessible and enjoyable.
• 📚 Sketchbook selection: Choosing the right sketchbook for your project can influence your drawing experience, with Sonia preferring ones that are easy to carry and use.
• 🏠 Set up your environment: The location and setup for your daily drawing can impact your success, so consider what works best for you, whether it's a kitchen table or a dedicated art space.
• ✏️ Keep it simple: Sonia advises having a basic kit of materials that are easy to access and put away, reducing barriers to starting your daily practice.
• ⏰ Schedule your time: Writing down your dedicated drawing time in a diary or calendar can increase the likelihood of sticking to your habit.
• 🎉 It's okay to quit: Sonia acknowledges that not every project needs to be completed, and it's okay to quit if it's not serving you or if life circumstances change.
• 🔍 Reflect on your genre: Consider what type of art you want to focus on for your daily habit, whether it's abstract, landscapes, portraits, or another genre entirely.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Sonia's YouTube video?

The main topic of Sonia's video is sharing tips and ideas for establishing a daily art habit, such as drawing or painting.

Why does Sonia emphasize the importance of understanding the 'why' behind starting a daily art habit?

Sonia emphasizes the 'why' to help viewers reflect on their motivations, which can be crucial for maintaining the habit and avoiding self-sabotage.

What are some of the different types of daily drawing projects Sonia mentions in her video?

Sonia mentions several types of projects including a 365-day project, 100-day project, and 30-day project, each serving different purposes and commitments.

Why does Sonia suggest starting with a 30-day drawing project?

A 30-day project is suggested because it is believed to take 30 days to establish a new habit, making it a good starting point for building a consistent art practice.

What role does planning play in Sonia's approach to her daily drawing habit?

Planning is crucial as it helps Sonia to stay committed, avoid procrastination, and maintain focus on her daily drawing projects.

How does Sonia use weekly prompts to structure her drawing practice?

Sonia uses weekly prompts to plan out her drawing themes in advance, ensuring variety and helping her to focus on specific skills or subjects she wants to improve.

What materials does Sonia suggest using for a low-pressure drawing project?

Sonia suggests using easily accessible, low-cost materials that don't require a significant investment, making the project more approachable and less intimidating.

How does Sonia recommend setting up an environment conducive to a daily drawing habit?

Sonia recommends considering factors like location, ease of setup, and accessibility of materials, tailoring the environment to one's personal situation and preferences.

Why does Sonia mention the importance of writing down the commitment to a daily drawing habit in a diary or calendar?

Writing down the commitment helps solidify it as a priority, increases the likelihood of remembering it, and ensures it doesn't get overlooked during the day.

What is Sonia's perspective on quitting a daily drawing project if it becomes too challenging or stops being enjoyable?

Sonia acknowledges that it's okay to quit a project if it's no longer serving its purpose or if it becomes a source of stress, emphasizing that the goal is to enjoy the process of creating art.

How does Sonia suggest exploring different genres or subjects within a daily drawing project?

Sonia suggests brainstorming and experimenting with various genres or subjects, such as still life, landscapes, portraits, or abstracts, to keep the project interesting and to challenge oneself.

What advice does Sonia give regarding the size of the sketchbook for a daily drawing project?

Sonia advises choosing a sketchbook size that is practical for the intended use, easy to carry if needed, and that fits well with the materials being used.

How does Sonia incorporate the use of music in her 100-day abstract drawing project?

Sonia uses music as inspiration for her abstract drawings, listening to a song on repeat and creating art in response to the emotions and feelings evoked by the music.