If you’ve ever set out for a day of sketching, only to realize you left your materials behind, don’t panic! There are plenty of creative solutions you can use to make the most of the situation. Here are some tips that can help you when you’ve forgotten your sketching supplies:
If struggling about which materials to take with you on travel, I share my travel kit here.
Improvise with What’s Available
Almost any surface can become your canvas when you’re in a pinch. Grab napkins, receipts, or even newspaper for quick sketches. If you’re in a restaurant or café, ask the staff for spare paper—they’re usually happy to help. As for drawing tools, a regular pen, pencil, or marker from a nearby shop will do the job. Even a ballpoint pen can create beautiful results when used creatively.
Use Your Phone or Tablet
In the digital age, your phone can serve as a backup tool. Use free drawing apps to create quick sketches on your screen. Apps like Procreate, Adobe Sketch, or even your phone’s note-taking app can become makeshift sketchbooks. While it may feel different from traditional sketching, digital drawing has its own unique charm and allows for quick experimentation.
Sketch with Coffee, Tea, or Anything Else!
If you’re feeling adventurous, try creating abstract or minimal sketches with everyday liquids. Dip a finger, spoon, or any available tool into your coffee, tea, or juice and let your imagination run wild! You can sketch with whatever medium you have on hand, blending elements of urban sketching with spontaneous creativity.
Capture Photos for Later
If sketching on-site isn’t possible without your tools, take photos of what inspires you. Capture different angles, interesting architectural details, or lively street scenes. Once you have your materials again, you can sketch from these reference photos, which will help you recreate the atmosphere and details that caught your eye.
Visit a Local Art Store
If you’re near an art store or a stationery shop, this can be an exciting opportunity to try something new. Pick up affordable sketching supplies—some you may not have considered before. Limited materials can spark creativity and push you to explore new techniques.
Mentally Compose Your Scene
Without the distraction of physically sketching, focus on observation. Take the opportunity to break down the composition of your surroundings. How would you capture the perspective? What elements stand out? Mentally planning your scene is a great exercise in improving your ability to “see” as an artist, making your future sketches stronger.
Ask Fellow Artists for Help
If you’re in a spot where other artists are around, don’t hesitate to ask if someone can lend you a pencil or a sheet of paper. Many sketchers are more than happy to share and connect over art. You might end up making new friends, learning from others, or finding new sources of inspiration through collaboration.
Forgetting your sketching materials may seem like a disaster, but it can actually open the door to unexpected creativity. By improvising, borrowing, or taking a break to observe, you can still enjoy a fulfilling sketching session, even without your usual tools. Plus, these moments often become fun stories and learning experiences that enhance your skills as a travel sketcher.
