Sketchbook Myths That Are Killing Your Creativity: The Truth About The Blank Pages

 

Hey tribe,

Let’s be a little honest today, few things are as intimidating a brand new sketchbook. How many of you have a beautiful, brand-new sketchbook sitting on a shelf, its pages still utterly new? You pick it up, feel the potential, and then… a wave of pressure hits. You put it back down.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. I’ve been there too. The problem isn’t you; it’s the myths we’ve been told about what a sketchbook should be. It’s time we bust them wide open.

Myth #1: “Every Page Has to Be Perfect”

This is the big one, the creativity killer. No, it doesn't!

The Truth: Your sketchbook is a lab and not a museum. It’s where you make the messy, "failed" experiments that lead to your breakthroughs. That smudged charcoal drawing? It taught you about light. The color palette that turned to mud? It showed you what doesn’t work.

Embrace the messy sketchbook. This is the core of developing a daily drawing habit without pressure. The goal is progress, not perfection.

Try filling a few pages with quick sketches, or color swatches- it is your play ground,treat it like so.

Myth #2: “You need to wait for inspiration."

I admit, I am guilty of this! However, waiting for inspiration is like waiting for a matatu with o schedule, it may never come when you need it.

The Truth: Draw your way into inspiration. Even the simplest line or random shape can open a door to something beautiful. The magic only starts when you stop overthinking.

Myth #3: “If You Can’t Draw Realistically, You’re Not an Artist.”

We should have started with this!! This myth stops more people than any lack of skill. It equates art with photographic reproduction and ignores everything else.

The Truth: Art is about expression, not just replication. Your sketchbook is for exploring your personal art style, not copying someone else’s. Fill it with abstract shapes, color swatches, written notes, and bad doodles. This is how you find your artistic voice. The most exciting art expression comes from a unique perspective, not a perfect technical hand.
Your sketchbook is your number one tool for building creative confidence.

It’s the one place where there are no rules, no critics, and no wrong answers. It’s where you build the creative habit that makes everything else possible.

So, here is a challenge for you: Grab that “too good to use” sketchbook. Open it to the first page. And make a mark—any mark. Not for the ‘gram, not for a client, but for you.

Then, tell me which one of these myths has been holding you back. Let's chat in the comments.

And if you're ready to start but are looking for a sketchbook, we will be happy if yconsidered getting one from our collection. Our NPS A5 Sketchbook (120 GSM), is made with quality paper that can handle everything from pencil to light washes. 

Click here to preorder then use 'ARTFAMILY05' for a 5% discount on 2 sketchpads.