8 Tips to Make Your Sketchbook Great by Design

My favorite composition and layout tips to transform your drawings into powerful storytellers.

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[monpetson]

I absolutely LOVE your drawing style. Your drawings might not be hung in museums but they're magnificent in my eyes. All I wish for is to be able to draw like that. In my death bed I wish to have many sketchbooks full of pages just like you have. You are such a BIG your drawings, your videos, your essays... THANK

[anishawoods]

You have one of the most 'listenable' voices on the net. The fact that you have great ideas about art is a bonus. :D

[theresapalmer]

Composition really makes your pages, I like auditioning ideas on a post it note.

[rebeccacramer]

"Your sketchbook is a playground" --- this really resonates with me! I'm just starting out with simple pen drawings and trying to focus on how and what I am feeling and not what I am producing. Your videos are so enjoyable and accessible. I appreciate you.❤

[danbolton]

At the beginning of May I started a new sketchbook that I've been pretty careful with, and then yesterday happened. All was well with the double page (wet on wet) floral abstract, then I added a drop of ink on the wet page that spread to 1/3 of the page, and it oblitered the watercolor. I have to tell myself that the sketchbook is for experiments, right..

[patriciatatich]

I am a regular Thursday SS viewer and often a participant. I seldom miss a drawing session and enjoy the banter between you and JJ… and lest I forget….the occasional cameos of Twiglet and the sound notifications of the leaf-blowers. Your drawings and dialogue all make your YT programs ‘not-to-be-missed’. In my opinion, I cannot get enough of your sessions on illustrated journaling - particularly when you share your journals. I watch each video several times and ‘soak’ up all the ‘ink’ that fills each page to tell a story or express a graphical portrayal of a moment in time or a daily occurrence in your life. Your encouraging demeanor and commitment to make art is a testimony to the joy it brings you! Thank you…pt in GF NY

[solnova]

Upload a Sketchbook tour please! Multiple pages from different ones you love.

[trumpetingangel]

I haven't followed you for long, and perhaps that's why I'm confused. I thought the purpose of the sketchbook was to grab it at odd moments and practice drawing, make visual notes I might want to return to, and experiment. This video seems to imply that the sketchbook is something that should stand alone as a work of art, with cohesive, organized, beautiful constructions. I'm a complete beginner, so the latter is a bit daunting to me. I think I'd do much better with the former, while I'm starting to learn, rather than the latter, which will require a great deal of effort and planning.

The illustrations in this video are impressive, and showcase your skill and experience. It's intimidating to this beginner. Today's sketchbook is something one could show off, or exhibit. I like the idea of random practice instead; comforting.

Edited to add: Just re-watched one of your beginner's videos. Calmed down again, thanks!

[collocatre]

You don’t need to browse Pinterest boards anymore—this video has all the inspiration you need😎

[sannee]

It's amazing how you fill the pages, especially in large sketchbooks. I'm afraid to draw so big and put so much on one page. Just drawing over the second page...makes me nervous. But you make the most of every millimeter. Simply impressive.

[goodbyegut]

I have to say your art is truly amazing when I LOVED the dog portrait and I am NOT EVEN a dog lover! That is the power of art. Thanks for your inspiration to do a sketch book. I have subscribed :)

[denisceballos]

Lately, I find myself designing my sketchbook pages - a double page spread, and keeping them themed. So this video comes at an opportune time for me. A lot of good ideas 💡 here. Thanks.

[valeriegehling]

Your sketch books look really fun. Like life’s comics. Really good journal. Thanks

[ADDAxyz]

Amazingly honest and professional. Is someone paying you? They should be

[babawawa]

Great tutorial. I think it’s my favorite. I love your artwork and seeing so much of it and listening to you is the perfect balance. You’ve inspired me. Thank you.

[suev]

So glad to find your channel. Your tips and advice are like the lit fuse on a package of firecrackers; the ideas are just popping away, sparking plans for my own sketchbook. Thank you so much! Your words are so inspiring.❤️🎇

[donnacross]

Oh wow…love these ideas! Also love seeing some of your sketches I haven’t seen before. Thank you!

[lyndak]

So inspiring ❤ Love the way you’ve put it : Our sketchbook is like a playground. What do we do with it? Have fun!

[ninawilleboisdesigns]

Danny you make amazing art! Wish I could sit in your art space and just look through your journals, do you have a video where you just only go through your sketchbooks? These are all amazing! ❤

[THESHOMROM]

I really enjoyed watching this video/tutorial. It is full of useful information presented in a truly entertaining way. I'm looking forward to watching others of your work.