8 Tips to Make Your Sketchbook Great by Design
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- My favorite composition and layout tips to transform your drawings into powerful storytellers.
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I absolutely LOVE your drawing style. Your drawings might not be hung in museums but they're magnificent in my eyes. All I wish for is to be able to draw like that. In my death bed I wish to have many sketchbooks full of pages just like you have. You are such a BIG inspiration!!!!! your drawings, your videos, your essays... THANK YOU!!!!!!
Shhhhh
Anything could be hung in a museum nowadays, you just gotta market it
❤🎉absolutely true
You have one of the most 'listenable' voices on the net. The fact that you have great ideas about art is a bonus. :D
I've had Danny's books for years but only found his videos this week- absolutely love his voice, so relaxing.
You don’t need to browse Pinterest boards anymore-this video has all the inspiration you need😎
you’re amazingly humble too, when you really are a big deal.
Wow! thanks
This design lesson is EXACTLY what my sketchbook “practice” needs. I always knew it, but needed more in the way of instruction . Thank you
This must be one of your best videos ever. Full of tips but also with examples, making it super inspiring. Thank you. I’m off right now to work in my sketchbook.
I agree
At the beginning of May I started a new sketchbook that I've been pretty careful with, and then yesterday happened. All was well with the double page (wet on wet) floral abstract, then I added a drop of ink on the wet page that spread to 1/3 of the page, and it oblitered the watercolor. I have to tell myself that the sketchbook is for experiments, right..
You got this!! It will become a happy accident, don't worry! You can collage over the top, or layer other colour on top. Don't write it off...write on top!👍
It’s good to relax with your sketchbook. Actually, it’s more interesting and more useful that way. ❤️
Been there and done that. Days later it inspired me to do something different with that page and I got a great page out of it in the end. I also have pages where I just think: I'm never going to do that again 😊
Composition really makes your pages , I like auditioning ideas on a post it note.
I love the bold "Ouch" on the entry about you hitting your head on the stove vent!
"Your sketchbook is a playground" --- this really resonates with me! I'm just starting out with simple pen drawings and trying to focus on how and what I am feeling and not what I am producing. Your videos are so enjoyable and accessible. I appreciate you.❤
People often forget that writing is, in fact, a very difficult and complex drawing technique! but since we learn it from childhood and we all know it, we do not consider it something artistic. And indeed it is. Just look at other types of letters (Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Georgian...) and you will see wonderful drawings that tell beautiful artistic stories.
Again and again I feel moved by your videos, sometimes to the point of tears, which tells me they are touching on something deeply important to me. This is something I want to do, I’m not sure why. Your videos reawaken this longing in me.
It's amazing how you fill the pages, especially in large sketchbooks. I'm afraid to draw so big and put so much on one page. Just drawing over the second page...makes me nervous. But you make the most of every millimeter. Simply impressive.
I have to say your art is truly amazing when I LOVED the dog portrait and I am NOT EVEN a dog lover! That is the power of art. Thanks for your inspiration to do a sketch book. I have subscribed :)
What a lesson!!! short , straight to the point and practical!! Thanks a lot!!
I am a regular Thursday SS viewer and often a participant. I seldom miss a drawing session and enjoy the banter between you and JJ… and lest I forget….the occasional cameos of Twiglet and the sound notifications of the leaf-blowers. Your drawings and dialogue all make your YT programs ‘not-to-be-missed’. In my opinion, I cannot get enough of your sessions on illustrated journaling - particularly when you share your journals. I watch each video several times and ‘soak’ up all the ‘ink’ that fills each page to tell a story or express a graphical portrayal of a moment in time or a daily occurrence in your life. Your encouraging demeanor and commitment to make art is a testimony to the joy it brings you! Thank you…pt in GF NY
I agree 🎯 Every thing you said is exactly what I think/feel. Danny and JJ are wonderful. I don’t want to miss the Thursday banter and drawing.
I love the idea of the collage sketches. It’s a great way to fill in a spread. Also a way to capture the atmosphere of a place by sketching the objects or people in the scene. I don’t feel obligated to fill up a page. By doing small sketches it’s filled up pretty fast.
Danny you make amazing art! Wish I could sit in your art space and just look through your journals, do you have a video where you just only go through your sketchbooks? These are all amazing! ❤
I concur!
Upload a Sketchbook tour please! Multiple pages from different ones you love.
I love this because I am an artist and a writer and I always wanted to combine my poetry with my art and this inspires me and gives me some ideas. The thing is, I feel like the world needs to start changing their opinion on what "finished art" is because I would pay money for a lot of your "sketches" and hang it on my wall. Why are sketches seen as lesser valuable than a finished composed piece? What if as an artist I want to live full time in sketch zone? Or what if I adopt that as my official style. And time isn't a factor because I've spent hours on sketchbook pages while some artist take 1 hour on a finished painting and sell it.
Great tutorial. I think it’s my favorite. I love your artwork and seeing so much of it and listening to you is the perfect balance. You’ve inspired me. Thank you.
Your style of drawing is wonderful. Can you do a video on how you developed your artistic style and how others can develop theirs?
So glad to find your channel. Your tips and advice are like the lit fuse on a package of firecrackers; the ideas are just popping away, sparking plans for my own sketchbook. Thank you so much! Your words are so inspiring.❤️🎇
Amazingly honest and professional. Is someone paying you? They should be
So many original ideas! I could look at your sketchbooks for hours! They are so unique and varied.
Oh wow…love these ideas! Also love seeing some of your sketches I haven’t seen before. Thank you!
Some great tips here. I'm currently making my first zine and a lot of this translates to that process as well. Thanks.
just getting back into drawing consistently and have rediscovered the love. Finding this channel has been amazing, not only on the learning side but the way you explain and edit your videos is truly exceptional!! You have a great gift man!! Thanks for doing it
That's what I love to hear!
Ok but the page that said “You actually have two lives. The second begins when you realize you only have one.” Is absolutely gorgeous
Lately, I find myself designing my sketchbook pages - a double page spread, and keeping them themed. So this video comes at an opportune time for me. A lot of good ideas 💡 here. Thanks.
I really love this Idea. I just started making this illustrative journal and notice how my pages are so rigid. This gave me an idea to capture more memories by adding texts and other details, and not just by making a realistic 1 to 1 copy of the picture. Thanks for sharing!
Glad it was helpful!
Your style of art & illustration is what I’d absolutely adore when I’d stumble upon it at the library as a kid. So thank you for all the killer tips and tricks on creating fun and eye catching drawings and idea jottings. I wish I knew you personally but I feel like I do. Love ya friend!
Thank you! It's always nice to see your sketches; I enjoy this type of videos :) Thanks to your channel I came back to drawing almost 3 years ago and I've filled a lot of sketchbooks of all sizes since then.
I love all the words you use to be one of us. Whenever I need a boost with my sketchbook I tune into one of your videos. You’re relaxed, have fun and sketch with no judgement as to right or wrong, or good or bad is encouraging. Thanks ! 🥰
I love how you don't have a specific drawing or art style -- I've always struggled with how I don't have an exact style and it's bothered me because I feel like I can't have a cohesive sketchbook or make anything that's truly "me" -- but all of yours are so different and yet feel so connected!! this really inspires me to start my own illustrative journal
I think that's part of the fun of it!
@@SketchBookSkool I didn’t always think that, but I definitely do now!! your work and videos are an inspiration!!!
As others have alluded, this would make such a lovely book. Large format, big pictures, glossy softcover. Just planting seeds. :)))
One thing I really enjoy about your pages is perspective. There was a spread where there was a huge tree with what appeared to be city traffic below and a big block of text to the right side. I wanted to spend more time studying that one. It was so inviting and engaging. Thanks for all the tips
Thanks Danny - as always, a video filled with ideas, tips and beautiful drawings. Much appreciated - 🙏
I haven't followed you for long, and perhaps that's why I'm confused. I thought the purpose of the sketchbook was to grab it at odd moments and practice drawing, make visual notes I might want to return to, and experiment. This video seems to imply that the sketchbook is something that should stand alone as a work of art, with cohesive, organized, beautiful constructions. I'm a complete beginner, so the latter is a bit daunting to me. I think I'd do much better with the former, while I'm starting to learn, rather than the latter, which will require a great deal of effort and planning.
The illustrations in this video are impressive, and showcase your skill and experience. It's intimidating to this beginner. Today's sketchbook is something one could show off, or exhibit. I like the idea of random practice instead; comforting.
Edited to add: Just re-watched one of your beginner's videos. Calmed down again, thanks!
Hi - these are truly beautiful sketchbooks and such generous sharing of great ideas, thank you, but I’m with you… my sketchbook is very messy and I don’t want the pressure to produce a sketchbook of beauty instead of just experimenting and having fun. Maybe I’ll evolve?
I’m a poltical artist and illustrator. I find your videos so inspiring and refreshing. I’m learning alot from you! 🙂
You are simply the best!!! 🙌
Thank you Danny. ❤
Thank you so much Danny, for sharing this! I would love a detailed course in sketchbook skool on how to connect text to drawings.
I often love text in my drawings and „just do it“, sometimes it works, sometimes not. I know, that you have an amazing course with Andrea Joseph about writing., I loved it .
My question is more about the composition and about not loosing the playfulness in the process.
That is, what I love about your compositions. They are very characteristic, cartoonish and kind of wonky, but yet very accurate. I love this mixture. Thank you very much for sharing your ideas!
I did the Andrea Joseph course with SBS too and when I look back at the sketchbooks I made at that time they are really vibrant and interesting.
You rock, thank you for sharing this with us 🤘🏻💜✨
This video is helpful for getting my head/brain ready to start with “Your Illustrated Life”. I’m going to save this video to watch again and again.
I never thought of doing that. Thank you!
Your drawing style is so cool. I like the writing elements too. I think I may steal this idea or at least write what I'm thinking or even about my feelings or whatever 🤔
Now I am primed for the class starting the 24th....so looking for it. Thanks for all the ideas.
Me too😊
Your series of videos has really gotten me fired up to grab all the drawing stuff I've accreted and actually do something with them. Awesome job on these! Really looking forward to digging deeper into your content (and books). Super cool, many thanks for the fantastic inspiration and your style!
I need to listen to you everyday. I have been struggling to pick up the pencil for close to 6 months now. Listening to you is healing. I came to this video after listening to your How to love drawing again video. Many thanks and lots of love
You may not be a graphic designer but you definitely could be. Thanks for all of this advice. Gave me some great ideas!! Love your style. 😊
I'm so glad!
Brilliant! Thank you for all the fun ideas for my sketchbooks.
Thank you for this. This is giving me ideas for my book to get started. I love your pages.
thank you for the advice! all the pages are very inspiring and interesting, it's amazing to have such creativity!!
Glad you like them!
Thank you. I'm still very bad at drawing, but I've just reached the point in the last couple of weeks where I feel the need to make my sketchbook more interesting. Some of these ideas will help.
Your journalism style is awesome! I love editorial design, and I never found a reference in sketchbooks. I have a few questions, please: do you use a stencil or some kind of ruler to letters size? What do you write in the text? Do you create stories? Since you have a strong editorial design background, what are the best magazines in your opinion to use as a reference? My dream is to draw magazine covers and editorials but I dont know any artist/channel/profile with the same interest. Now I found you! Do you know anyone else? I drew a lot when I was younger. I loved to draw teenagers' magazines like teen beat, tiger beat and smash hits. Today these magazines don't exist anymore. It's so sad! Thank so much for the amazing tips!
My FAVORITE sketchbook you’ve shown is the one where you did historical figures. I’m so interested in owning that one. I don’t think I’m the only one, and I think you should make that one sellable as well. ❤
I love this SO MUCH! More please! ❤❤❤❤❤❤
I love your videos! As a beginner, it is so helpful and give me tons of ideas to put hands on the sketchbook. Thank you! ❤😊
Great tips, thank you so much!! I immediately incorporated a few and was much more pleased with my sketchbook❤
1:45 = Introduction/Gist of the video: balance, contrast, focal points, how to use text to complement your images. Mentioned "Illustrated Journaling"
3:01 = Focal Points, on how you can use composition, contrast, color, size, and texture to draw your eye to a specific part of the image
4:01 = Text to add context and be used as a visual element to create a balance, or use it as a grid, title as a visual element
5:57 = A couple images to create a balance on two pages of the sketchbook; take note of composition, symmetry, focal points, and balance
7:34 = Similar; draw objects that have a similarity or have a visual relationship, things of related items or similar color schemes
8:39 = Grids don't have to be strict, just need to be framed
9:28 = Call outs; images with text annotations; like instructions or infographics or jokes
10:25 = Collage of drawings
11:00 = background; large image feels all throughout the page, then there's a text embedded in the image itself
12:22 = Closing remarks = These tips are just starting points
12:48 = a small tip as guidance to start = take one of these ideas, look at your favorite books and magazines that you love, and take the elements you like, copy the layout; recreate it with your own stuff
I love your art, your sketchbook is ALIVE😊❤
I love your drawing style!!! It's fantastic in my eyes. Thank you so much for explaining and showing us your great sketch book. You have a new follower 😊
Thank youuu! You have no idea how long I‘ve been looking and waiting for a video about this!
Hope you like it!
So inspiring ❤ Love the way you’ve put it : Our sketchbook is like a playground. What do we do with it? Have fun!
Thank you so much for posting this!!!! I’m so excited to start filling in my ho hum sketchbooks and make new journal pages!! I love your style and what you do! 😊🙌👏😻
I always enjoy your essays too!!
What an awesome video! I'm going to save this one to watch again later too because it is so helpful. I just love how you compose your pages, this give me so many ideas, thank you! I also know know you said you aren't the best at drawing, but I am not sure what you are seeing because I see an artist who is incredibly experienced. They are beautiful, and so expressively drawn! :)
I really enjoyed watching this video/tutorial. It is full of useful information presented in a truly entertaining way. I'm looking forward to watching others of your work.
Thank you so much for this amazing,encouraging and educational video ❤
Love your work!! Love the immediacy of sketching what you see around you. TFS.
Your sketch books look really fun. Like life’s comics. Really good journal. Thanks
Glad you like them!
Thanks for sharing! Very good inspiration for making better layouts. You make beautiful art.
What great tips! Thank you for sharing, Danny! I hope ‘my gut’ will assimilate a few of these ideas. Maybe I will make a reference booklet so I do not forget them!
Great ideas and examples! Thanks Danny.
Excellent tips! Thanks for sharing examples of these concepts!!
I love all the info you’re sharing.
Fabulous ideas, Daniel! I have a big-ish sketchbook just waiting to absorb some of these concepts. Thanks!
I love your layouts! Very inspiring
I like your drawing style. I like your idea of composition.
I LOVE YOUR ART! it's really colorful and full of life! just so satisfying to look at ❤ That's a great video, i love keeping sketchbooks and i kinda struggle with composition, I hope i can improve with these tips. Thank you❤
Lovely video, I recently took a trip to Europe, I think I will sketch what saw😊 thank you for the great ideas !
Thank you for all this fun information!!!
thank you uncle danny i love you ❣️ i’m glad you’re doing well
Thanks!
Thank you!!!
thank for your information, it's very kind of you to share it
Thank you for the great ideas. You inspire me.
im studying graphic design ( with lot of difficulties) and i love your channel. Never thought of adding design to my sketchbook !!
What materials do you usually take with you to create the colors text? Am loving this podcast. Thank you so much!
That was interesting, I might try some of your ideas in my sketchbook. Thankyou
I’ve just discovered your channel and love your work and videos. I do illustrative journalling and you have inspired my composition process today. Can I ask what materials you use please? The sketchbook you have chosen looks like it can take a lot of medium. Thank you
Basically ink and watercolor.
Danny this os the most importert question for me-and so the most useful topic -Ive byen struggeling with this sine my first sketchbook 5 yeats ago.... THANK YOU!!!!! - For touching the topic.... I knownabout composition in a drawing or a painting -but forgetting it in my sketchbook that is vert intolerant therefore...-I guess analyzing andnplanning is of greatest importance. To study good sketchbooks or other books/magazines .. and ,, intuisjon... hmmmm. Anresoulution for this yearnis for me learning better lettering....altough mybsketchbook isbmainlybwithout texts...I Will watch this video over andre over again to put my minuset right.....
Wonderful ideas! Love your videos!
I'm new t9 this channel and am enjoying you style. I'll be watching and learning a lot more. Thanks
Thanks so much for your inspiration!
You are so welcome!
Cheers, Danny!
The takeaway for me is sketching more from life. How on earth do you do people though? They keep moving 😁. I'll start with things in my house that don't move (I usually sketch from photos. Guilty .. but have filled quite a few sketchbooks so far. Would highly recommend them.). Great video! Thankyou 😊
This video what I need right now 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I love sketchbook pages like this. I always want and mean to create spreads but wind up stuck with one image. I need to practice this more. I have a sketchbook that I'm almost finished with and I may go back to some of the images I'm not fond of and do this.
Love this engaging content. Makes me want to lay all else aside and go create. When we did bicycles the other day on Draw With Me, mine were sooooo bad I decided to write “bicycle” in different languages and a harmony happened.
Thks so much for sharing your great ideas!
Thank you what a great video! 😍