Choose a scene from history you know well. Draw it the way you imagine it.
Draw something coming out of an open book, like the scenes it depicts, or wild monsters, or something abstract.
Interactive sketchbook ideas get your brain whirring. Pull everything out of your pockets — even the lint — for a sketch of random objects.
Pull four or five random items from your fridge. Sketch the items, then sketch something you could imagine making with those ingredients.
Think of someone from history and draw that person without any photo reference. Let your imagination piece the person’s features and attire together.
Whether it’s your art teacher or your best friend, a sketch of someone fighting a wild beast can get cool fast.
Pay close attention to the details of how the chair was built. See how detailed you can get with the different textures.
Start with a simple sketch of a window frame nearby. Then, draw an imaginary destination through the glass.
Draw the first figure in a standing position, then the second one in motion. This helps you practice multiple drawing skills.
Your hands are always there for you — not just for sketching, but for inspiration, too.
Hands aren’t the only inspiration attached to you. Pose your feet, then draw away.
What substance can you draw that looks goopy or viscous? What shapes and textures can you achieve?
Think about cars, ocean waves, or something falling.
You could try your hand at something designed to melt (like candle wax) or get more cool sketchbook ideas drawing something that doesn’t melt in real life (like the clothes you’re wearing).
Set the same object up in three different kinds of lighting and sketch it in each.
Interactive sketchbook ideas come with some hands-on inspiration, too. How does the feeling of the object in your hand change how you draw it?
To pull this idea off, you’ll be drawing two opposite sides of the object — the side in front of you, and the side reflected back in the mirror.
Sketchbook ideas aren’t just to quash boredom. They’re also to develop skills. Draw the same object with a pencil, then stippling, then cross hatching, and see what you learn.
Draw the same fruit or vegetable over several days to see how it transforms.
Ask to sketch someone you know — but maybe don’t mention that you’re practicing drawing wrinkly skin.
The older the car, the better, especially if it’s been broken down or abandoned.
Sometimes called a “trompe l’oeil,” these cool sketchbook ideas fool the eye into seeing things that aren’t possible. Picture twisted stairs, apparent holes in your sketchbook, etc.
You could use a real fish as inspiration or make one up and see how wild you can make it look.
Machines are sleeker today than they were 50 years ago, so an antique machine might be more fun to sketch. Look for an old typewriter or similar.
Promise yourself that you won’t use any words in your sketch, only representations of how the lyrics sound to you.
What kind of bird will you draw? Will it be a bird soaring, diving, or flapping?
Whether it’s in an art class or at home, get a sneaky sketch of someone nearby.
Treat yourself to a meal somewhere and draw everything you see on the table.
