Stuck in a sketching rut? Want to level up your skills? The best way to grow as an artist is to challenge yourself! Stepping outside your comfort zone forces you to think differently, improve techniques, and spark new creative ideas. Here are five exciting ways to push your boundaries and make sketching more fun and rewarding!
One of the challenges is to sketch on location. How to start sketching on location, you can read in my recent post.
Use Unconventional Tools
Ditch the usual pencils and try sketching with something unexpected—like a twig and ink, a piece of cardboard, or even your fingers. This forces you to adapt to new textures and line qualities, making your sketches more expressive. If you don’t have alternative tools, try using a pen with your non-dominant hand. The awkwardness will train you to focus on form and composition rather than perfection. Also coffee and wine are great mediums to sketch with.
Draw Something You Hate Drawing
We all have that one subject we avoid—maybe it’s hands, cars, or animals. But facing these weaknesses head-on is the fastest way to improve. The things we avoid are often the ones we struggle with, so practicing them builds confidence. It also teaches patience and problem-solving, making you a better artist. Over time, what seemed hard can become easier—or even fun. Challenging yourself in this way helps you improve and expand your creativity.
Use Only One Continuous Line
Challenge yourself by never lifting your pencil or pen from the paper. This forces you to simplify forms and think ahead, improving hand-eye coordination and confidence. Try this exercise with portraits or everyday objects. It may look messy at first, but over time, you’ll develop a more fluid and expressive style. If portraits confuse you try to sketch fruits or veggies, it’s more easy to start from simple forms.
Try a Different Perspective
If you always draw straight-on views, mix it up! Experiment with bird’s-eye (top-down) or worm’s-eye (low-angle) perspectives to make your compositions more dynamic. Use reference photos or observe real-life objects from different angles. Sketching from life helps you understand depth and proportions better.
Switch Mediums
If you typically sketch in pencil, try ink, charcoal, or digital art. Each medium has unique challenges and forces you to develop new techniques. Use a limited color palette if working digitally or with markers. This helps you focus on form and contrast instead of getting lost in too many color choices. Try different medium you don’t use in your sketches so often. Or maybe its a sign to try some new product you hesitated you need. I recently started to sketch with pentel brush pens and I love it so much. It is great material specially for sketches.
Sketching should always be an exciting journey of discovery! By pushing your limits, you’ll not only improve technically but also develop a unique artistic voice. Whether it’s experimenting with new tools, changing perspectives, or facing your fears, every challenge helps you grow.
