For me the trick was to stop think of it as a “sketchbook”. For me, it’s my “workbook”. It’s similar to my elementary school math and grammar workbooks except it’s art and I’m 43yo old, lol.

Stephen is becoming better and better at being a youtuber. BTW you have nailed the camera angle and the lighting. It might be helpful for us if you could do a video on the camera setup and lighting. Thank you for all your videos.

I really needed this. I haven't drawn for the last 3 months due to my low self confidence. You're a constant source of inspiration and hope Stephen! Keep the vids coming! ❤

oh wow no one ever mentions that when you get a sketchbook you try different marks with different mediums within those pages. I see, its a brilliant way to break it in. It's a natural way that when as a kid you make marks in a notebook. 😊

The worst thing I can do is a really good sketch on my first page. Suddenly there is pressure to maintain that level and I find myself avoiding that sketchbook. The swatching or scribbling on the first page I've found to be a game changer. It sets the bar low so I have no psychological pressure to perform on the subsequent pages. Thanks for this.

For me the additional difficulty to draw in a sketchbook is a wish to make each spread look harmonically. So I cannot just draw what I want now, I try to find something, which will look good next to previous page Great video! Thank you for sharing your tips

Wow, you were speaking to ME! Thanks Stephen! I love your work and your wife’s. Totally inspiring!

Yey new video 🎉🎉❤❤

Needed this today - Thank you ❤

Damn, the music is sweet ❤ A lot of condensed tips here, definitely will be replaying this one

I loved this video. I can relate 100%!

Your tips are fantastic and your encouragement is appreciated!!!!

I believe many of the points here apply to any art project. The no. 1 question is whether or not it's gonna be Instagramable 🙂. And then the questions of subject, medium and references can really take some precious time when you have the drive to finally start it. Many of the works I'm proud of came from a clear vision of these things, so it's probably wise to keep rolling these ideas beforehand.

I started sketchbooking after seeing kim Jung gi the guy was a beast . And i totally love to drar in sketchbooks . I use multiples and each one have its own purpose

Hello Stephen do you have a video where you explain your materiales on charcoal?

Invaluable information. I've collated a series of pictures I've screenshot from a video of the same person I find the features are interesting and it really has me gripped because it's all different angles in the same sitting. Giving me a good chance to get the likeness of this person correct

Yeah, I feel like the medium point is key. I love doing refined drawings in graphite, but whenever sketch in it, I always kind of hate it. Picked up some red conte crayons and a tan-toned sketchbook a while ago and something about that combo hit my brain just right. From there the sketches flowed like water. Just found it much easier to get a developed sketch in limited time with that combo for me.

Sketching from life is the best fun and removes perfectionism.

I love you Stephen

Going on your advice to practice blocking-in I have been finishing one small drawing (block in) in a sketch book worked on a little here and there, every two days. So in a month I made14. I dont have a lot of free time. I didn't have any issue with confidence as the block-in approach is methodical and it means I make less risky creative decisions, I know my materials well as I love graphite though I am using harder pencils than I am used to. Point 3 has been a sticking point. Finding images is not easy, I use pinterest mostly as it has a lot of interesting stuff. But I do find myself procrastinating and wasting time. I am not inexperienced but I did lack confidence. My method in the past was based on how I felt and often once a drawing session was over, it was hard to return to the work as it meant redrawing from scratch. The way I have (re) learnt by listening to you is how I can set up the process, put down the drawing and return later and know where I am without worrying about the accidental nature of how a good work might produce itself. I was a fan of Frank Auerbach (still am) but his approach didn't suit me, plus I no longer have the time that he dedicated which was basically every living breathing moment of his life.

I am far from being an expert on sketchbooking, but one thing that I do to help with my self-confidence is look back at previous/older sketchbooks. This allows me to have that evidence that I am indeed making progress and am not stagnant. Now that's obviously not something you can do when you're first starting, but it will help you sustain the sketchbooking habit on those days when your self-confidence may be low.

Great video and love your work. 😊 I suffered low confidence in my pencil drawings and ended up quitting😢 art a long time ago and never made a career out of it. At least, you kept at it and made a career out of it and Thank you for admitting you suffered low confidence too.😊 I also have sketchbooks I never completed. I was never completely happy with my drawings. It was a hit or miss sometimes. And the more self conscious I became, I hated drawing. I am slowly trying to get back to doing drawing. I noticed you sharpen your pencil with a blade. With no disrespect, I no longer use a pencil, I use a clutch pencil (a drafting pencil) after seeing another youtuber Devon known as the Subway artist use. I hate sharpening pencils and having it reduce in size, anyway, so it suits me that I can shade lightly without stopping. I just don't know why more artist don't use a clutch pencils (drafting pencil) unless they want thicker lines. I still sharpen it but not as much and rarely does it break...but like you said in the video, use supplies that are comfortable for you. 😊 Great points.😅

Sir please ,can you give us a watercolour portrait demo ?

Thank you for this video, I really appreciate the tips and the encouragement. May I ask what easel are you using with your sketchbook and what mechanical pencil with white lead ( I think that is what I am seeing). I also wanted to let you know that your app is AMAZING!! Thanks again!

❤

i would love to see a video where you talk about your workspace.

Confidence is a huge issue with artists. I was an art teacher in a K-8 special education setting. I was always looking for ways to educate and inspire confidence in my students, while engaging and keeping behavior problems to a minimum. Along the way I neglected to hone my skills and after all these years I find myself the proverbial “ Jack of all trades, master of none.” I guess my point is (as I used to tell my students ) push through your lack of confidence. Do art for yourself , draw in secret if you have to, until you feel the confidence to show your work! Do it because it’s fun

Great video! Stephen, do you have any recommendations for finding reference images?

100% prepare references. create mood boards when you're not in the mood to draw. Make folders and organize your references.

Every time I see the wonderful sweater I wonder if your wife knitted for you? I’ve been sketch booking only for weeks now. I have so much trouble with the darks!!

Thanks for this video. i love my sketchbooks, but they are all more than half empty :) I would need a drawing board like yours. Is it self made? Or can I buy it somewhere?

Finally you learned how to make catchy thumbnails 😭😅

My biggest tip is stolen from Walt Stanchfield: never sit down to watch television without your sketchbook. It’s amazing how much more I draw when I bring my sketchbook to the couch to watch tv.

Where can I find free source images for portraits or others such as dogs etc?

what easel are you using?

How you collect references can you give some references please sir

what is da white pencil? polycromo?

In this 10+ sketch exercise do you sketch the same subject over and over or....

My sketchbooks are ugly as fuck. I just drew whatever, i hate sketchbooking too Steve 😂

Note to self: don't trust this guy's promises in future.