Because there is nothing like a few constraints to spark new ideas, let me take you through a series of playful, exploratory exercises that will challenge your approach to creativity. Don't worry though, they are as quick and easy as can be! All you need is a sketchbook and your favourite drawing tool, and you're ready to go!
1/ Draw a self portrait using only circles
It's all in the title! Draw a self-portrait using only circles... You can swap the circles for any geometric shapes (triangles, squares, diamonds...), but keep this exercise short and sweet, as a way to warm up and relax at the start of your drawing session.
Why is this good?
Too often we focus on drawing well, rather than just drawing. Speed drawing with simple shapes is a good way to break that pattern and just get started, without any fear of the blank page.
2/ Squiggles
Without overthinking, draw a squiggle. Keep your gesture spontaneous and free, then let the movement loose momentum and stop naturally. You can try to capture a particular emotion or mood from your day: a soft, harmonious squiggle for a peaceful day, a sharp, chaotic one for a busy one, etc. Alternatively, you can create a blob, for example with watercolour or gouache. Once you have your squiggle or your blob, use your imagination: what could it look like? Add to it until you have turned it into something new. A cat, a rocket ship, a butterfly... You can draw as many or as few squiggles as you’d like, and explore different tools, colours or medium.
Why is this good?
This exercise doesn’t really require skills, only imagination. Not only is it a good way to get rid of the fear of the blank page, but it also alleviate the pressure of drawing something good. Meant to be fun and a little bit silly, this is another great way to warm up and get the creative juices flowing!
3/ One line sketch
Pick something to sketch: it could be your own face, a corner of your lounge room, what you can see through the window... Now start drawing, but here is the catch: You can’t lift your pencil! The whole sketch must be completed in a continuous line. If you lift the pencil, start over. Other variations of this exercise could be drawing without looking down at the paper, or drawing with your eyes closed!
Why is this good?
One line drawing is a wonderful way to train your hand-eye coordination and improve your observational skills, both very important in drawing and illustration. It is also a good way to learn how to simplify a sketch, and go straight to the essential.
4/ Draw your day
Draw four squares on your paper. You have one minute to fill each square with something from your day: an object, an action, a small landscape... How can you tell the story in the simplest possible way?
Why is this good?
Being comfortable with fast drawing is a huge asset for sketching: out there, things move fast, scenery changes… There is no time to overthink every stroke. Plus, there is a strong storytelling element to it, which is a very important component of illustration.
5/ The collection
First, pick one central theme relevant to your day, then draw as many items related to it as you can: Your "collection." You might be tired and thinking only of coffee, or a young parent drowning in kid's stuff. Whatever it is, no need to be an amazing drawer, just throw as many ideas on the page as you can without worrying too much about what each item looks like.
Why is this good?
This is the perfect exercise to draw the everyday, everyday, and kickstart your creative routine. It is also a great opportunity to take a little break, reflect on your day, breathe a little, and of course, have fun!
For a guided version of some of these exercises, check-out my Skillshare classes (Pssst, this link gives you a month-free trial on the platform)!
