I’ve been drawing most of my life, but I didn’t always feel like an artist. For years, I was just someone who liked to sketch, doodle, and fill pages with whatever came to mind. Sometimes it was serious observation, and other times it was just a scribble while waiting for coffee. No matter how consistent or inconsistent I was, the act of drawing always helped me slow down, pay attention, and process the world around me.
I originally got into drawing because of my love for traditional 2D animation. That led me to earn a BFA in Character Animation from CalArts—the school founded by Disney—and I’ve pursued drawing professionally ever since. I’ve worked as a storyboard artist, wildlife artist, editorial illustrator, and educator. On my travels, I also use nature journaling as a way to connect with the places I visit and the animals I observe.
That’s what this post is about—what drawing can do for you, and how to approach it whether you’re just starting or trying to get back into it after a long break.
Key Points
- You don’t need talent—just curiosity and regular practice.
- Focus on process, not results. That’s where the joy (and growth) lives.
- Use small, doable prompts to avoid overwhelm and keep it fun.
Why Drawing Matters More Than You Think
Drawing isn’t just about making pretty pictures. It’s a way of thinking. When I’m drawing, I notice details I’d normally overlook. A crow’s crooked claw. The exact bend in a tree trunk. The way light shifts across a page. Drawing tunes you into the world in a different way. It’s especially powerful when combined with something like nature journaling—because then your drawings are anchored in lived experience.
There’s a misconception that drawing is only for the naturally gifted. I hear it all the time: “I can’t draw a straight line.” But drawing isn’t about being precise or perfect. It’s about building a habit of observation and response. You’re learning to see more clearly and express more honestly.
Getting Started With Drawing When You Feel Like a Beginner
Even if you haven’t drawn in years—or ever—you can start today. The biggest hurdle is usually mental. It’s the fear of doing it “wrong.” I get that. I’ve had to talk myself through it more times than I can count. What helped me most was giving myself permission to draw badly.
Start With Easy Wins
Instead of diving into something complicated, try one of these:
- Sketch your coffee mug from three angles.
- Draw your hand without lifting your pen.
- Try one of these easy drawing ideas for quick inspiration.
These aren’t just warm-ups. They’re legit practice. The simpler the better when you're trying to build momentum.
Don’t Wait for Inspiration
When I waited for the perfect idea, I barely ever drew. But once I started using prompts, everything shifted. If you want an instant spark, browse through this list of random themes to draw. They’ll nudge you into action without pressure.
How to Make Drawing a Habit Without Burning Out
When I tried to force a daily drawing habit, I burned out fast. But once I gave myself more flexibility, things started to stick. I stopped focusing on streaks and started focusing on rhythm.
Think Weekly, Not Daily
I aim to draw three or four times a week. That’s it. Some weeks it’s more. Some less. But I know if I show up even a few times, I’m staying connected. This rhythm has worked well for me even during busy stretches—whether I was in production meetings as a storyboard artist or juggling illustration deadlines with teaching. It’s a pace that keeps me grounded without draining the joy out of it.
Keep Materials Simple
You don’t need anything fancy. Most of my sketchbooks are filled with drawings made using a cheap BIC pen or a 2B pencil. Even in professional settings, I often return to basic tools because they’re fast, honest, and portable. If you’re curious about expressive approaches, check out this post on expressive drawing to break out of perfectionism.
Drawing Animals: A Fun Way to Build Skills
Drawing animals has been one of the most fun and educational parts of my sketching journey. There’s so much character and form to study—from the way a cat crouches to how a fish curves mid-swim.
If you’re into this too, I made a whole section on how to draw animals, with simple breakdowns and ways to observe shape and movement.
You don’t need to know anatomy to begin. Just start with the outline and go from there. You’ll learn through doing.
Let It Be Messy, Let It Be Yours
There are no grades. No rules. If you draw something that looks totally off—that’s still a win. It means you showed up and gave it a shot. You don’t need to turn it into a career or share it online. Drawing can just be your space to think, reflect, and enjoy.
That said, I’ve made a career from drawing, and I still feel that way. Even when I’m working on storyboards for a studio pitch or sketching wildlife for an editorial piece, I try to hold onto that same sense of curiosity and connection. Drawing professionally has taken me into some pretty structured spaces—like animatics, timelines, and revisions—but the personal side of drawing grounds me. When I’m traveling and journaling in a sketchbook, none of the professional pressure is there. It’s just me, the page, and whatever moment I’m trying to capture.
For me, drawing has never been about showing off. It’s a way to connect to what I’m seeing and what I’m feeling. That’s more than enough.
What should I draw if I have no ideas?
Try using random drawing themes or start with simple objects around you. The key is not waiting for a perfect idea—just begin.
How do I get better at drawing?
Draw more often, even if the results aren’t great. Focus on observation and try to enjoy the process. You can also explore expressive drawing to loosen up.
Do I need special materials to start drawing?
Nope. A regular pencil and paper are enough. Many of my favorite pages were done with a ballpoint pen. You can explore different tools later.
