Motivation dips are normal. In this Roll of Paper Challenge update (DAY 2), Chou-Tac feels drained but keeps sketching, finds inspiration in other artists, celebrates small wins, and treats learning to draw like a video game—each attempt a new level. Discover how to get back into drawing when you feel stuck.

Struggling with Your Mood? Keep Going!

Day 1, I was super excited.
Second day of the Roll of Paper Challenge. My mood is not quite there. I feel my motivation tank is already empty. Haha. I sit down and carry on drawing on the roll of paper. About 1.50 meters later, I am not very happy with the results. I feel inefficient. I realize that I am not focused, and my imagination feels dry. I don’t want to give up, so I take a break.


Find Inspiration Without Discouragement

Be impressed by high-level artists.
Let yourself be inspired, not discouraged. Stay positive! When I feel discouraged, I often spend a few minutes looking at artwork from artists and designers I admire. That’s how I regain my motivation. Even if the level of most of them seems impossible to reach, I like to imagine that one day I could make it too. I won’t be a superstar concept artist by tomorrow, but I tend to progress step-by-step.


Celebrate Small Wins and Progress

The best part is remembering how much fun and pride I get from mastering new skills. Telling myself, “I did it!” Learning how to draw can be irritating sometimes, but it’s worth it.


Learning to Draw Is Like Playing a Video Game

When you play a video game, if you lose, you try again, right?
You may lose 100 times—no harm. Each time you try and fail, you may get irritated. But you understand the game better, and your technique improves. You gain confidence, you persevere, and soon you are able to pass the level.

Whatever you have done before becomes easier. You have gained more superpowers, and you are ready to meet the next boss of the game.

Remember, a video game is a succession of many small victories, which means many moments of happiness! That’s the same for learning how to draw.


Progress Report: Paper Roll Challenge Day 2


End of Day 2 - Sketching challenge concept art - the design sketchbook

Let’s go back to the paper roll. For Day 2, I achieved a total of 2.40 meters.
So Day 1 + Day 2 = 5.60 + 2.40 = I completed 8 meters of sketches.

And you know what? I still haven’t reached half of the roll!
Now, below let’s have a look on the sketches of Day 2.

sketching challenge concept art the design sketchbook a
These sketches are inspired from doodles I did before I took a break.

sketching challenge concept art the design sketchbook b
It’s useful to start with few doodles before sketching a bigger version – saving time + better result.

sketching challenge concept art the design sketchbook c
sketching challenge concept art the design sketchbook d

sketching challenge concept art the design sketchbook e
sketching challenge concept art the design sketchbook f
sketching challenge concept art the design sketchbook g
sketching challenge concept art the design sketchbook h
sketching challenge concept art the design sketchbook i
Something I like to do, is to go back at previous sketches to touch up or modify.
It’s often beneficial as you come back with a fresher eye on that specific sketch.

At the time I am writing this article, it’s day 3. I was quite busy today so I will continue by tomorrow. I have 4 days left to complete the challenge.

See you guys for the next TIP of the day !
And feel free to leave a comment. 🙂


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Chou-Tac

Hello! I'm Chou-Tac, a Product Designer from France.

If the sketching methods I’ve acquired aid me in my life and in my industrial design career, I believe that they can also help you reach your dream goal as a student or professional designer.

Leave a comment in the blog or send me an email at choutac@thedesignsketchbook.com : )

Chou-Tac

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