Why Sketching with Reference Isn’t Cheating!

In this video, I explore the role of using references to improve your sketching and creative process. Whether you're sketching casually or working on something more polished, references can be an essential tool to help you grow as an artist. I'll be sketching in Clip Studio Paint on my Samsung Tab S9 Plus and sharing how I incorporate references into my workflow—without feeling the pressure of perfectionism.

Key Takeaways:

When and why I use references in my sketches
Why using references is NOT cheating—and how it helps build technical skills
How to get past the fear of the blank page and use references to kickstart creativity
Practical tips for integrating references into your daily sketch routine without over-relying on them
The best places to find references online, including Pinterest
How to set up your workspace for smooth reference integration while sketching
Why I still love looking at sketches from artists like Adam Hughes, Loish, and Joe Madureira—and how their sketches inspire me more than their finished work

Gear & Software:

Tablet: Samsung Tab S9 Plus
Software: Clip Studio Paint
Brush: Soft Round Brush at 80% Opacity

If you're looking to improve your sketching process and want to know how references can help, this video is for you. Sketching with references doesn’t have to feel like cheating—it can be a powerful way to unlock new levels of creativity and confidence in your art.

Tags: #SketchingWithReference #ClipStudioPaint #SamsungTabS9Plus #DigitalArtTips #ArtTutorial #DrawingFromReference #ArtProcess #SketchBetter #ArtGrowth #RelaxedSketching

[dbseraph]

Art teachers used to scold for not using references and just freestyling, so not sure when that mindset flipped to cheating.