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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