Turning Commute Time into Creative Time
Every day, millions of us spend 20, 30, or even 40 minutes riding the subway. What do most people do during this time? Scroll endlessly on their phones—checking Facebook, Instagram, or playing casual games like Candy Crush. It’s almost automatic.
But what if you could turn that routine, often distracted time into something productive and joyful? What if you used the subway ride to practice your sketching skills?
The subway is an extraordinary place for urban sketching, filled with a constant parade of characters from all walks of life. Every stop refreshes the scene with new potential subjects: tired office workers, focused students, tired moms, fashion-forward commuters, and many more. They might look ordinary, but each person carries a story waiting to be sketched.
Why Sketch People in the Subway?
One of the reasons I love sketching people on the subway is that, surprisingly, they remain rather still. Unlike street scenes where people constantly move or vanish, subway riders offer you just enough time to observe their posture, their gestures, the unique way they hold onto the poles or their bags.
This slow motion makes the subway a perfect training ground for learning how to capture character and body language quickly. It’s not about creating perfect artworks but about developing your eye, your speed, and your confidence.
How to Sketch Comfortably and Confidently
If you don’t have a seat, don’t let that stop you! I’ve learned to bend my knees a little to find a stable, balanced position so that I can still sketch comfortably while standing. For me, it’s about being flexible and making the most of whatever situation I’m in.
I always keep a small sketchbook and pen in my bag, ready to go. When the train comes, I pull out my notebook and start drawing gently—no pressure, no expectations.
Embrace the Process, Not the Result
I want you to remember this: don’t expect to create a masterpiece during your commute. The goal is consistent practice. Sketching on the subway is about learning to see people, understanding quick gestures, and training your hand to respond instantly.
Each quick sketch is a step forward in your artistic journey. Sometimes the lines may be shaky; sometimes the shapes may be off. That’s okay. It’s all part of seeing improvement over time.
Your Creative Adventure Awaits
Next time you find yourself underground, peel your eyes off your phone screen and look around you. Notice the small details—how someone’s scarf falls, how another person reads a book, the tension in a tired traveler’s shoulders.
Grab your notebook and start sketching those moments. You will be amazed at how much faster your eye adapts, how much more confident your lines become, and how your daily commute turns into a pocket-sized creative adventure.
Remember, the world is full of stories, and your sketches are a way of telling them. So keep practicing, keep observing, and most importantly—keep enjoying the act of drawing.
Take a notebook, a pen, and go ahead! Draw like Urban sketching! 🙂
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