When Your Sketchbook Becomes a Friend
Quiet ways to listen, learn, and grow through your pages
Over time, I’ve come to think of my sketchbook less as a test of skill and more as a companion—like a good friend who lets me spill everything, never takes it personally, and shows up for me no matter what.
In this post, I’d like to share some ideas for how to encounter your own sketchbook pages in a similar way, strike up a conversation, and learn something new about yourself or your work in the process.
Start conversations
Find a sketch that feels unsuccessful or better yet, one that feels disastrous.
Make an appointment to return to the sketch, a coffee date perhaps. Put it in your calendar. Treat your commitment like you would a real visit with a friend.
Honor your appointment.
This is one of the most important steps. Blowing off a date with a friend is something you’re unlikely to do. Show up, be presentable, arrive on time, smile (even if you don’t feel like smiling).
Start with “Hello!”
Gaze at the sketch with interest and curiosity. If it helps, pretend the drawing belongs to someone else, someone you want to encourage in their efforts.
Give the page a chance to speak back to you. Focus on your breath and less on any discomfort.
Waiting in silence takes courage but it shows love and attentiveness.
When you find something to compliment, do so.
Look for a moment that feels more true to what you were drawing. Make a notation right there in your sketchbook. Say “yes,” or “more of this,” something positive.
Ask for advice.
Try simple questions like: Where did I get off track with this bird’s proportions? Or What do you think I can do better next time? And then simply wait, looking for the soft suggestion to rise up in your mind and your heart. Warmth or softness are good guides. Those are voices of true friends.
Make a note of what comes it.
Whatever you learn, remember: This is a practice seed, not a judgement. It’s the simple suggestion of a friend.
End your conversation with gratitude.
Tell your sketch, preferably out loud: “Thank you.” Messy sketchbook pages aren’t evidence of failure, they are teachers in disguise.
Maybe that’s the gentle reminder we all need: when your sketching practice feels off kilter, try meeting it as you would a friend. Show up, share honestly, and trust that the act of being present is what moves you forward.
🪶 If this reflection resonates, my Insider lessons go even deeper into sketchbook practice — from bird anatomy studies to building confident drawing habits.
Gosh I love this line so much, "Messy sketchbook pages aren’t evidence of failure, they are teachers in disguise." 🥰
Thank you for sharing this perspective. I love the ball point pen picture and how you took notes recognizing what you did well and what you wanted to improve. I evaluate my sketches, but only mentally. I think adding notes as specific as yours could be really helpful.