Sketching on location is a fantastic way to capture the world around you, but if you’ve got your materials ready and still find yourself hesitating, you’re not alone. Many people feel shy, unsure, or overwhelmed when they first try to sketch in public. Here are five practical tips to help you break through that barrier and start enjoying the experience!
Sketching in winter is always challenging. More about in my recent post.
Start Small & Stay Comfortable
You don’t need to set up in the busiest square or sketch the most complicated building right away. Find a quiet corner in a park, a cozy café, or even your car—somewhere you feel at ease. The less pressure you put on yourself, the easier it will be to start. Also I recommend to start with small pack of materials. It could be one pencil or pen, but it brings you less hesitation and choice. Sketching with rainbow pencil is fun and colorful.
Use a Small Sketchbook
A large sketchpad can feel like a big commitment, while a small one (A5 or A6) is discreet and less intimidating. It allows you to sketch quickly without feeling like you need to create a masterpiece. Plus, people are less likely to notice if you’re using something small. I love small sketchbook sizes, A6 is my favorite. I also tried A5 format, but it is less comfy in my opinion. Maybe it is great if you are sitting and sketching. If you are standing and sketching its heavy and not so cool. One of my preferred sketchbooks is Art Creation by Royal Talens, its kinda mixed media sketchbook.
Set a Time Limit
Give yourself just 5-10 minutes to capture something—no erasing, no second-guessing. This helps you overcome hesitation and forces you to focus on quick observations rather than perfection. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Also nice experience is to put a timer, it help not go into details and give you the boost to concentrate on the things you really want to capture. And off course it is a challenge, but the joyful and fun!
Sketch with a Friend
Having someone else sketching with you makes the experience feel less awkward. Even if they aren’t drawing, having company can reduce the self-consciousness of being “watched.” If that’s not an option, listening to music or an audiobook can help you tune out distractions. When just start to sketch, I was sketching with group. It was great experience and gave me a push to sketch alone too. So you can try classes or masterclasses or the Urban Sketcher groups.
Remind Yourself: No One Cares!
Most people passing by won’t even notice you. Those who do are usually just curious or even impressed. If someone asks about your sketch, just smile and say, “I’m practicing for fun!”—no need to justify or explain.
The hardest part is starting, but once you do, you’ll realize how enjoyable and rewarding location sketching can be. Grab your sketchbook, step outside, and make your first mark—it’s all about progress and fun, not perfection!
