I don't use my skecthbook anymore. Reason I stopped was because I once drew a chibi I absolutely loved and then my brain was like, "OK, that's a wrap. We've peaked. Everyone go home." As such, I have a halfish-blank sketchbook. Tips?

Is it anxiety about making a mess of a nice notebook? I get that.

I've noticed for myself that reading a book on some of the art fundamentals helps bring out my drive to draw. I've been really into studying them, so when I read a couple chapters on perspective or colour theory I want to try out the techniques I've learned. I've also noticed that making sense of the fundamentals makes it easier for me to understand drawing and painting, so less frustration while drawing, and more enjoyment of the process.

Could you elaborate? Are you:

• having an art block?
• is it anxiety?
• perfectionism?
• lacking inspiration?
• not sure what to do next?

You could try a prompt generator like Drawing Prompt which offers word prompts in various categories like wild animals, objects, places and fantasy creatures, then you just draw the description that they give you. Really great for doodle-a-day type things.

Also, i've found that being hyper fixated on perfection can quickly lead to the death of creativity. Don't be afraid to not get it right the first time, or even the second or third. Your sketchbook is best served as a place for exploring and sorting through your inner and outer worlds rather than as a place to create masterpieces. Doodles of hands, feet, faces, animals, objects, textures, people you love, people on the street, let loose and have fun!

Some of the things I like to do when breaking in a new sketchbook are making color/gradient swatches with my material(s) of choice (helps give a feel for what I can do with that particular paper), small thumbnail doodles of objects and creating texture swatches for mimicking things like tree bark, folding fabric, metallic surfaces, leaves, seed pots and wrinkles in skin or on vegetables.

I hope these ideas help you out. Happy drawing!

It's all of those except anxiety

I've sent you an sMail :)

Art block can be so many different things that it can be difficult to pin down what you're struggling with. You've gotten some great advice, definitely listen to what's been suggested.

I want to ask you a question: what kind of art do you want to make? Is it strictly drawing with pencil, do you want to use markers, watercolor, something else entirely? Knowing what you want to draw is a huge part of the art-making process, but knowing what medium you want to use is important, too. Assuming you're just using pencils, try out something completely new.

My sister has gotten back into art recently much to my excitement, and she's been drawing with Posca pens.