The blank page can feel both inspiring and terrifying. If you’ve ever opened your sketchbook and thought, “What do I even draw?” - this video is for you.
In this video, I’m sharing simple, gentle ways to start a sketchbook page without pressure or perfection. These are practical ideas to help you overcome blank page fear, relax into the process, and build a consistent sketchbook practice - even if you feel stuck or overwhelmed.
Many of these techniques are the same tools I share inside my 30-Day Sketchbook Challenge, designed to help you build confidence from day one with gentle daily prompts and structure.
If blank pages have been holding you back, let this be your sign to start anyway - simply, imperfectly, and with curiosity.
Want more daily pockets of creativity?
The 9th annual 30-Day Sketchbook Challenge is now open for registration, this is a simple, supportive online event running every January, designed to help you build a joyful daily creative habit with:
- Easy daily sketch prompts
- Tutorials from 30 inspiring guest artists in 30 days
- No pressure, no perfection - just playful creativity
- A global community creating together
👉 Join the 30-Day Sketchbook Challenge 2026
Free stuff
Materials I love
*some of these are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase on the site after clicking these links, I could earn a commission.
- Large Moleskin Sketchbook
- Pocket Moleskin Sketchbook
- UniPin Fine liner pens
- Lamy Safari Fountain Pen
- Blackwing Palomino Pencils
- Winsor and Newton Sketchers Watercolour Set
- Caran D’Ache Neocolor II watercolor wax pastel set
- Winsor and Newton Designers Gouache
- Grey Brush Pen (Pitt Artist Pen)
- Polychromos Pencils
About me
I’m Susan – artist, author and sketchbook hoarder. I teach aspiring sketchbook artists just like you, how to live more creatively, re-discover your inner artist, build confidence in drawing, fill sketchbooks and make art you can be proud of. Find out more about me.
To re-discover your love of sketching please visit my Start Sketching page.
