5 Daily Prompts to Inspire Your Sketchbook

Feeling stuck in your sketching practice? Try these 5 gentle, inspiring prompts to keep your creativity and enthusiasm flowing every day.It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to begin. These five prompts are designed to meet you where you are and invite your observation and  imagination to the page.

1. “Today I Noticed…”

Paint or write about something small but meaningful from your day. A shadow, a bird, a feeling.

2. “Color of the Day”

Pick one color that captures your mood. Create a page of watercolor swatches using only that hue in as many variations as possible. 

3. “Soundtrack Page”

Make a sketch to music. Let the rhythm guide your brush. Include song lyrics or fragments if they move you.  How does different music affect your visual voice on the page?

4. “Nature Close-Up”

Choose one tiny natural object—a leaf, a stone, a petal—and document it in detail.  Try it in pencil or pen first, then maybe watercolor only.  Combine the two techniques for a third sketch.  Which works best for you?

5. “What I’m Carrying”

Use abstract shapes, color, and texture to express what’s weighing on you or lifting you up.  Choose an object that represents a specific feeling and make a sketch of it.  

Want to dive deeper? Revisit Daily Color Journals

These prompts aren’t rules. They’re springboards. Use them as often or as loosely as you need.

Join me for an artful retreat and turn these prompts into a rich, reflective sketching practice alongside fellow creatives.Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.