Have you ever found yourself bored, reaching for your phone or iPad, scrolling endlessly without really enjoying yourself? Well, I recently caught myself doing exactly that multiple times a day.
I remembered how, as a kid, we didn’t need screens or apps—we just used our imagination and simple things like marbles or hide and seek to have fun.
I want to share a little story with you that might just inspire your sketching journey and help you never feel bored again—for just $1!
1. Discovering the $1 Sketching Break
Recently, I traveled to Penang, a charming city in Malaysia famous for its vibrant street art full of humor. I brought along my camera, tripod, and phone but forgot my sketchbook because I wanted to travel light. Then, I spotted an office furniture shop where I bought a small pocket notebook and a ballpoint pen for only $1.
Instead of pulling out my phone when I needed a break, I went into a local café, took out that cheap notebook, and started sketching. Suddenly, my boredom vanished!
2. Why Sketching Beats Scrolling
When you sketch, it creates something amazing inside your brain—a little burst of emotion and connection where you face just yourself, focusing on creativity instead of distractions. Some people even say sketching is like meditation, and I couldn’t agree more.
Here’s why drawing is better than getting lost in your phone:
- It gives you a creative break, rejuvenating your mind.
- You create something tangible and personal that you can keep.
- It helps you appreciate the moment instead of forgetting it.
3. Sketching as a Meditation Practice
Sketching can be calming and deeply satisfying. I started seeing it as a form of meditation, where all you need is your pen and paper. When you pick up your pen, it’s not about making perfect art—it’s about enjoying the process and immersing yourself.
Try this next time you feel bored:
- Carry a small notebook and pen, even if it’s a cheap one.
- Find a cozy spot, maybe a café or a park bench.
- Sketch anything that catches your eye—you don’t need to worry about details or mistakes.
4. From Simple Lines to Creative Ideas
In Penang, I drew some cool versions of Y-3 Adidas sneakers and low-cut performance Adidas shoes, moving from basic shapes to more sophisticated concepts. It reminded me that even simple sketches can evolve into exciting design ideas.
For beginners, here’s a quick tip:
- Start with basic shapes and build up details gradually.
- Don’t aim for perfection—focus on exploring different forms.
- Let your imagination run wild—like drawing sandals inspired by Jimmy Choo’s hometown!
5. Your Creative Starter Kit for $1
You don’t need fancy tools or expensive sketchbooks to start your sketching journey.
Just one dollar can get you a pocket notebook and a pen. The real treasure is your imagination, which is truly priceless.
Next time boredom strikes, skip the screen and sketch instead. You’ll be surprised how much joy this simple habit can bring.
I hope this story inspires you to pick up your pen more often and enjoy every moment of your creative journey. Don’t hesitate to share your own $1 sketching adventures in the comments!
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
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Nice post Chou-Tac Chung, next time I am traveling I will take my sketch book out and make some sketches instead of checking Face Book or emails on my phone. We are so distracted now with having access to the online world in our pockets, I am trying to give up technology every Sunday for the next month.
Looking forward to the videos and the starter kit 🙂
The idea to let go the phone for a day at week end is interesting.
Thanks Matt !