Following in the tradition of the Photo 365 and Photo-a-Day Challenge, artists can create their own Sketch-a-Day Challenge to improve art skills, improve their creativity and share with others.
The Photo-a-Day Challenge, also known as a Photo 365, was created by photographers to improve their skills and to share what they have learned with others in the photography community. Artists can borrow this idea to improve their art skills by starting a Sketch-a-Day Challenge for themselves. Even better, you can encourage your art group, either online or off, to join you. Here’s how to get started on the challenge and how to find something to sketch for 365 days.
Setting Up a Sketch 365
There are a few items an artist will need to set up a successful sketching challenge. The most important tool, of course, is a sketchbook. Here are some tips:
- Choose a sketchbook that you can carry anywhere with you. One that fits in your purse or tote is best.
- Find a sketch book that has a rigid cover. This will make it easier to sketch when you don’t have a hard surface to place your sketchbook on while you draw.
- Pick a sketchbook that has smooth paper. Smooth paper is easier to draw on with a pen or pencil.
- Decorate the cover of your sketchbook or buy one that is already beautiful. This will boost your inspiration every time you open it.
Next, you will need a blog to share the sketches. This isn’t mandatory, but it does help to motivate an artist if there is an audience waiting for the next sketch to appear. You can get a free blog at Blogger.com, WordPress.com or Yovia.com. You will also need a scanner or digital camera to upload the sketches to the blog in digital form.
Last, but not least, you will need a sketching medium. It is best to choose a primary medium that is easy to carry, store and use, such as colored pencils, pens or graphite pencils. A collection of other mediums is also a good idea since switching mediums can induce creativity.
Sketching Ideas to Stay Motivated
Without a steady stream of ideas, it can be easy for an artist to give up on a sketching challenge after just a few weeks. Use these tips for brainstorming sketching ideas and building your creativity:
- Set up a theme for each week. For example, week one could have a holiday theme. Week two could have a junk drawer theme.
- Repeat previous sketches, but do the sketch in a different medium. This can multiply one week of sketches into months of sketches.
- Study the sketches of masters such as Picasso and Degas. Try to imitate their style in various sketches.
- Don’t be limited to “pretty†subjects. Draw anything that has an interesting shape or texture. Even garbage can be interesting when drawn with an eye for composition, texture, shading and light.
- For more sketching ideas, visit Pinterest and draw the first pin you see.
Try the 365 challenge in 2014 and you will reap the benefits before the new year. After this challenge is over, not only will you have a lot of new drawing and painting ideas, you will also have honed artistic skills and the great feeling of accomplishment. Not to mention, you will have a new way to boost your creative spirit.
Need some inspiration? Check out these resources:
If you’re looking to get inspired for a sketch a day challenge, check out our Pinterest board filled with creative sketches and doodles.
Download these worksheets and start practicing with simple instructions and tracing exercises.
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I'm a recent graduate of the University of San Francisco with a degree in Biology and a passion for the creative arts. I love building websites, trying new things, and I have a passion for social media.
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