Hi Sketchers!
Starting your sketching journey is more than just learning lines and shapes—it’s about capturing memories, unlocking your creativity, and discovering the world in a whole new way. Let me take you on a little story and share some tips from my own experience to help you get started and keep going.
1. Why Sketching is So Special for Designers
A while ago, I was sitting in Penang on at outdoor bench, sketching buildings when a family walked up to me and said how much they loved my drawing. It was a small moment, but it meant a lot.
Then a local man named Joo joined me. He asked how long I’d been drawing. I had to admit, I hadn’t sketched much lately. I’d been more into photography.
Joo smiled and said, “Drawing is different — it’s something you create fully from yourself. If you kept at it, you’d have enough drawings to fill a book!”
That stuck with me. Sketching isn’t just a skill; it’s a personal story you tell with pen and paper.
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2. Keep Sketching to Capture Your World
Sketching outdoors is like making your own unique souvenirs.
Instead of postcards, you have drawings that carry your perspective and feelings. For beginners, no matter your design path, this is a wonderful way to keep growing your skills and creativity.
For beginners, no matter your design focus, I encourage you to keep sketching the environment around you.
Don’t put sketching aside, even if life gets busy — I learned this lesson the hard way.
Now, I’m back to carrying my sketchbook everywhere and giving my camera a little rest.
3. How to Bring Your Sketches to Life
One of my favorite tips is to add people or pets to your drawings. When I met architecture students from Kuala Lumpur recently, I shared this simple advice:
- Draw quick silhouettes of people if detailed figures feel intimidating.
- Observe people doing real actions — chatting, shopping, walking.
- Adding life makes your drawing relatable and holds the viewer’s attention longer.
I remember once sketching a street scene when a cat casually strolled through. Adding that little moment made the drawing feel alive and memorable.
4. Find Inspiration Close to Home
You don’t need to travel far to find great sketching spots. Look around your own city or neighborhood with fresh eyes. Walking with pen and paper turns ordinary places into creative playgrounds.
Start small and sketch regularly — even just for five minutes a day. Over time, you’ll notice more details, more stories, and a stronger connection to your surroundings.
5. Beginner Tips to Get You Started
- Carry a small sketchbook and pen wherever you go, ready to capture moments.
- Focus on the experience, not perfection. Each sketch is a step forward.
- Experiment with adding simple figures to provide scale and emotion.
- Use light and shadow to add depth — play with what you see around you.
- Make sketching a joyful habit, even on busy days.
Sketching is a journey, and every line you draw is part of your own creative story.
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
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Hi agree completely with you!
For me a drawing or painting w/o people is a bit sad… With people there is a story telling for the viewer!
Nice drawing Chou-Tac and also nice the description you do, thats the way drawing makes nices people meetings!
Drawing is about life ! 🙂 Thank you Renata !