I just had to share a little story and a neat video with you all.
While chilling at Georges Town White Coffee — a charming spot built inside a 100-year-old house in Penang, Malaysia (which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, by the way) — I found the perfect vibe for some creative inspiration.
This is where I decided to capture my first live sketching video, and I’m pretty excited to show you how I approach my design work.
1. Finding Your Creative Space Matters
You might think any place would do for sketching, but trust me, the environment really sets the tone. Being surrounded by history and ambiance at this old coffee house sparked something in me.
It reminded me that inspiration often strikes when you combine comfort with atmosphere. So for you beginners, try finding your own version of a “creative nook” — whether it’s a cozy café, a park bench, or a corner in your room.
- It’s all about feeling relaxed and open to ideas
- Ambient sounds and surroundings can fuel your imagination
- Don’t underestimate the power of a change in scenery!
2. Keeping It Simple but Intentional
In my video, I sketched two versions of the Y-3 Adidas sneaker — the mid wedge and the high wedge. What I had in mind during the process were these words: pure, avant-garde, technical. That’s Yohji Yamamoto’s style for Adidas right there — clean, edgy, and precise.
For beginners, focus on capturing the essence of what you want to draw, not every tiny detail from the start. Here’s what I keep in mind:
- Start with basic shapes to map out proportions
- Use loose lines first before tightening up your sketch
- Let your mind flow with the mood you want to create
3. Sharing What Moves You
I paired the sketches with music by Robynn & Kendy, and it really helped set the tone while I was drawing. Music can be your secret creative boost, making sketching feel more like a fun ritual than a chore.
- Experiment with different music genres while you work
- Let rhythms and beats influence your line quality and pace
- Share your creative process with others—it boosts motivation
4. Embrace the Beginner’s Journey
Remember, every artist starts somewhere.
When I was younger, sketching wasn’t just a hobby; it was a way to freeze moments I loved, like pauses on cartoons or stickers we collected as kids. That raw passion is what I try to tap into every time I pick up my pen.
For you just starting:
- Don’t rush perfection—enjoy the learning curve
- Keep your sketches visible to see your progress over time
- Share your work and get feedback to grow
5. Keep Sketching, Keep Exploring
The more you draw, the more your personal style emerges. Sometimes, I find that simple moments—like a coffee break in a historical town—can ignite creativity in surprising ways.
- Keep a sketchbook with you for spontaneous ideas
- Try sketching different subjects to expand your skills
- Consider recording short live sketches—it’s a fun way to track growth
Thanks for hanging out and watching my first video!
I hope it inspires you to find your own rhythm and space for sketching.
Cheers, Chou-Tac
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Hi-Five Chou-Tac,
I just went through the first pdf of The Designer Starter Kit.
I practised some circles and ovals. But found it impossible to combine this:
“DRAW WITH THE FULL ARM, ELBOW NOT RESTING ON TABLE” (page 2, about posture)
and
“MAIN SUPPORT ON THE PALM”, or “MAIN SUPPORT AT THE PISIFORM BONE” (page 7, about pen grip).
When drawing with the full arm and the elbow not resting on the table, it is impossible to keep the pisiform bone on the table/paper when drawing **large** circles, ovals, long lines. I have to hover my hand above the table. (More like a traditional painter would do.)
Is this bad ?
In the videos (where you sketch in the tiny notepad) are you drawing with your full arm ? Your fore arm barely moves.
Is their a forum we can participate in?
Hello Don,
There is no forum.
However, I do have a Design sketching online course where I give 1-to-1 correction of your sketches. 🙂
Let me know if it’s something that may interest you.
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
I have enjoyed your videos on YouTube and really appreciate your efforts. I analyze everything I begin to death in order for me to make the best possible decision to move forward. I have spent time with hundreds of different design, life sketching and drafting channels on YouTube and it is Chou Tac’s channel I feel most comfortable with moving forward.
I am trying to practice according to your booklet, circles. Should they be small or large. Seems unfair making small circles the size I am already acustomed to in writing 0’s and o’s.
Move from shoulder or wrist? Turn the page or not? I receive conflicting information. I have heard different things. If I am in front of an easel with arm outstretched then it is obvious your movement should be a fluid shoulder movement. What about when you are sitting at your desk or the coffee shop? Should I lift my forearm off the desk with stokes controlled by my shoulder? Should I be turning the page?
I did click the link and watched your video in the coffee shop. You were turning the page, but others tell me I need to learn not to turn the page.
Thank you Chou Tac
Sincerely, Don
Hello Don,
Yes, when you are sitting on a chair drawing on a desk, you have to draw moving your whole arm as well.
I do recommend turning your paper so you can easily draw more type of curves easier, faster and more accurately – instead of moving your body.
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
Hi Chou-Tac
I just discovered your videos ! very nice too see how you are in action! 😉