If you’ve ever wanted to see what creativity looks like when it’s a bit messy, you’re in the right place. This post offers a real-life peek inside my sketchbook, where unfinished doodles, coffee stains, and quiet ideas all live together. It kinda reflects my mind: not neat, not perfect, no fancy filter — but totally real. And that’s what makes it special to me.
This isn’t a polished artist portfolio. It’s a glimpse into my everyday life, full of slightly crumpled pages that help keep me grounded while juggling a toddler and several creative projects.
Why I Keep a Sketchbook (Even When Time’s Tight)
Some days, the only thing I draw is my shopping list. And you know what? That’s still sketching. My sketchbook isn’t just about making art. It’s where I can relax, unload my thoughts, and play with ideas without feeling like I have to show them off. It doesn’t matter if my lines are wobbly or if things look a bit off.
It’s a spot where I can:
- Doodle while my toddler plays with toy animals
- Jot down ideas for my Zazzle or Spoonflower shops
- Write down quotes I might turn into a shirt or mug someday
- Leave notes like “draw a sleepy sun hugging a cloud” (seriously, why?)
Sometimes I won’t touch it for days, and other times I’ll fill three pages in an hour. It’s not about being consistent; it’s about having a place to go when inspiration strikes or when I need a break from the chaos.
What’s Inside My Sketchbook Right Now
Let’s be real. Not everything in there is cute. There’s a whole bit labeled “what if frogs wore pajamas.” Plus, a drawing of my son’s messy shoes with a note saying, “why are toddler shoes so wild?”
But mixed in with the randomness, I’ve got:
- Layout ideas for a new planner I’m working on
- Floral patterns I’m trying out for Spoonflower
- Some hand-lettered affirmations like “Some days surviving is a win.”
- Little cloud faces that might make it onto a mug (or might just be for my amusement)
Most pages start without any expectations. I just sit down, flip to a fresh page, and let my pencil go. Sometimes I might stick to a theme (like rainy day feelings), and sometimes I just scribble until something clicks.
The Tools I Actually Use (Spoiler: They’re Simple)
People always ask me what I use for sketching. I wish I could say something fancy like dual-brush pens or a curated art kit, but nope. My current setup is super basic:
- A mechanical pencil I’ve had since college
- Whatever pen I can find that isn’t dried out
- Crayola markers (yup, still using those)
- One pastel highlighter I’m weirdly obsessed with
- My toddler’s colored pencils when mine mysteriously disappear
- And of course, a regular ol’ sketchbook—nothing fancy, just decent paper that doesn’t bleed too much when I get carried away with color.
If you’re thinking of starting a sketchbook, don’t overthink it. You don’t need the perfect one. Just grab something you’ll actually use.
That said, while all my doodles and ideas begin in my sketchbook, I bring them to life digitally. I use my tablet and Procreate for creating final designs, whether it’s for a mug, a planner, or a Spoonflower pattern.
Actually… I’ve been meaning to show you what’s inside my Procreate gallery—so keep an eye out, I’ll share a peek in an upcoming post. 😉
From Doodles to Designs: How Sketchbook Ideas Become Products
Not everything in my sketchbook turns into a product. In fact, most of it doesn’t. But it’s where everything kicks off.
That soft pink floral pattern I put on Spoonflower last month? It started as a quick doodle while I waited for pasta to boil. Sometimes I’ll look back and find something I’d completely forgotten about. I’ll scan it, digitize it in Canva or Procreate, and mess around with colors or layout. It feels like discovering a little time capsule of inspiration.
Sketchbook Reminders I Wish I Knew Sooner
If you’re thinking about starting one or picking it back up, here are some things I wish someone had told me:
- It doesn’t have to look good to be worth it.
- No one has to see it (unless you want to show off).
- Scribbles totally count.
- It’s okay to use it for feelings, not just ideas.
- It’s not a waste if it helps you feel better.
There’s a lot of pressure online to “create content” and “make everything into something.” But your sketchbook can simply be yours—a space for creative chaos, healing, half-baked concepts, and sticker scraps.
Final Thoughts
If you need a nudge to start (or restart) your sketchbook—this is it. You don’t need a spotless desk or a chunk of uninterrupted time. All you need is a pen, a piece of paper, and a few minutes to breathe.
Your pages don’t have to all make sense. They just need to make you feel something.
Let your sketchbook be a quiet companion to your creative whirlwind. Even if it’s full of snack crumbs, it’s still where the best parts of you live—right there inside your sketchbook.
If you’re balancing art and business like me, you might enjoy this post where I talk about that exact struggle — read here!
