For over 15 years, I’ve been working to help people build confidence and skill in drawing.
My own sketchbook journey has been full of discoveries, challenges, and breakthroughs—and it eventually led me to teaching.
Drawing can be a deeply calming and rewarding practice, but it’s not always easy. Early on, it’s normal to feel stuck or frustrated when things don’t turn out quite as planned.
That’s why I’m here—to share what I’ve learned along the way, so you can move through those tricky moments and create art you’re proud of. With practice, encouragement, and a few tried-and-true techniques, we’ll make this journey something you can feel good about every step of the way.
After studying Character Animation at CalArts, the Disney-founded school for artists, I found myself at a crossroads. The animation world was moving rapidly to digital, while my heart was still in traditional, hand-drawn art. But when I looked back at my work, a theme emerged—my sketchbooks were filled with scenes from nature and wildlife. It was clear that I was meant to explore, capture, and share the world around me through drawing.
Keeping a sketchbook became more than just a creative exercise; it became a visual journal of my life, a record of experiences, travels, and little moments of discovery.
My sketchbook has been with me everywhere, from the rainforests of Borneo to early mornings with wild elephants in Sri Lanka, each page holding the story of that moment. Every drawing tells a piece of a larger journey, and over time, these small sketches have shaped not just my art but my way of seeing the world.
A sketchbook is more than paper and pen—it’s a place to experiment, make mistakes, and grow. It’s a personal space that helps you connect with what’s around you and capture memories in a way that’s uniquely yours. Whether you’re just beginning or have been drawing for years, keeping a sketchbook can enrich your life, building confidence in your art and helping you notice beauty in everyday moments.
Have you ever asked yourself:
- How can I learn to draw the things I see around me, bringing them to life in my sketchbook—even as a beginner?
- Will I ever feel confident enough to sit down and sketch what’s right in front of me without overthinking it?
- How do I learn to let go of perfection and capture the essence of what I see, without worrying about every tiny detail?
- Is there a way to loosen up and create expressive, lively sketches, even if I’m just starting out?
- How do I start filling my sketchbook with drawings that feel like “me,” even if I’m still learning?
- How can I capture simple, everyday moments without feeling like I need to make every line perfect?
- Will I ever reach a point where I’m excited to show others my sketches and feel proud of my progress?
I've pondered these same questions when I started. What I've discovered is that everyone has the potential to create art they're proud of, no matter where they start.
Keeping a sketchbook has been a transformative practice for me—it's a personal space to experiment, capture memories, and watch your growth unfold page by page. It's not about perfection; it's about embracing the process and finding joy in your creative expression.
If you're ready to dive deeper into the world of sketching, I'm here to guide you. Let's embark on this journey together, filling your sketchbook with art that tells your unique story and brings your creative vision to life.