Creativity tip of the week: the power of a sketchbook
Quick watercolor sketch in Bebenhausen, near Tübingen, Germany
There is so much violence in the world. The news is often filled with fear and sadness. Even many movies repeat the same stories—violence, despair, and more reasons to feel weighed down.
On top of this, our daily lives move so fast. We’re constantly surrounded by short, quick bursts of information—fast-paced videos, flashing headlines, endless scrolling. In the end, it all becomes noise in our minds. Noise and fog.
That is why I like to write quiet letters. I enjoy writing slowly, sharing words meant to be read at a gentle pace. My wish is to always offer, as much as I can, small suggestions about art and creativity, little reminders that help us pause and breathe.
I say, let’s turn our attention toward the things we can be grateful for each day. Simple details—a warm cup of chocolate, a refreshing glass of juice, a good food, a conversation with a friend that nourishes the soul.
I also treasure seeing the creations of other artists. The world is full of so much talent, and yet, each artist can coexist peacefully with another. Because we are all different, each of us unique.
Recently, I looked at the work of my students. Each piece was so different, so personal. And yet, together they created a beautiful harmony of perspectives. This is the gift of art: there is no competition, only many voices, each adding richness to the universe.
Art and creativity are not luxuries. They are necessities. They remind us of who we are, and they allow us to share our inner world with others.
My voice is just one more among many, I know—but if these words bring you a moment of calm, beauty, or inspiration, then they have done their work.
Today I want to share with you another creative tip, a tip I got from another teacher, and that I find highly useful to navigate our world.
Quick feather sketch of Alhambra Castle, Granada, Spain
The Power of the Sketchbook
A sketchbook is so much more than a notebook. I like to think of it as a small gym for creativity—a place where you can practice freely, without worrying about perfection. Many artists, illustrators, and designers rely on it as their safe space to experiment, make mistakes, and let new ideas grow.
All you really need is a sketchbook and a pencil. That’s enough to begin a habit that can transform your art and your daily life.
When you draw every day, even for just a few minutes, wonderful things start to happen:
Your technique improves—you gain confidence, control, and flow.
Your creativity becomes more agile—you train your mind to generate ideas quickly.
Your observation sharpens—you start to notice details usually overlooked.
The fear of the blank page fades—drawing feels natural, part of your rhythm.
You can track your progress—looking back, you’ll see how far you’ve come.
And beyond the artistic benefits, there are the emotional ones. A few quiet minutes of sketching can become a mindful ritual, helping you relax, disconnect, and simply be present.
How to make it a gentle habit
It doesn’t take much. Five to ten minutes a day is enough. Carry your sketchbook with you—you never know when inspiration will appear. Don’t chase perfection; let the “ugly drawings” live too, because they are part of the journey.
Small rituals help: perhaps sketch with your morning tea, in a favorite corner of your home, or while listening to a playlist you love. Prompts or little challenges can also give you a playful starting point.
What to draw?
On days when ideas feel far away, try simple things:
Everyday objects, drawn from different angles.
Invented characters in funny or unusual situations.
Quick sketches of people or scenes in the street.
Studies of colors, textures, or new materials.
Collages, or drawings mixed with lettering.
Remember, the goal isn’t a perfect result—it’s keeping your hand moving and your imagination awake.
Finding inspiration in others
Looking at the sketchbooks of other artists can be a joy. Many share them online, full of raw, lively pages of experiments. Search Instagram or Pinterest—you’ll discover endless styles and voices that may encourage your own.
Your sketchbook can become a diary of images, ideas, and discoveries. A private, living space that grows with you day by day.
Why not open yours today, and let a few lines flow?
With warmth and encouragement,
Your, Aida
Quick sketch, forest walk
