Wait, Don't Post that Photo (a sketchbook activity)

Ready for another fun way to tackle the

DREADED BLANK SKETCHBOOK PAGE?

(I tried to type that in a spooky font, but was worried it was TOO scary!)  

Today's activity is called...

DON'T POST THAT PHOTO

Your assignment.

Draw a scene in your sketchbook from a photo taken during a past trip.

  1. Think about a favorite trip
  2. Look through photos from that trip
  3. Find something to draw 
  4. Draw it in your sketchbook with whatever supplies make you happy
  5. Yes, you can use Procreate

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Some of you know how much I love to keep an illustrated sketchbook journal while traveling. (I even made this little guide)

But it's often daunting to sit down and draw while on vacation. 

So, one little rule I try to stick to is this: If I am about to post a photo, I step back and draw it instead. 

You can draw ANY photo you are tempted to post, like friends around the dinner table, an exciting shell you found on the beach, a product you saw in a foreign language, a landmark, holiday decorations, or anything. Of course, it's okay to ALSO post photos from trips!

This drawing challenge was inspired by flipping through an old sketchbook and seeing some pages from when Katrin and I were in Norway. Here's a page from that trip:

Often, we put too much pressure on ourselves to make our sketchbook journal pages too detailed. Doesn't "draw one photo" sound so much easier than "record every moment from your trip!"? I'll be getting into this more soon, but making your assignments achievable is a big part of keeping up a daily drawing habit. 

What are some of your all-time favorite trips? Was it to visit a college friend in Tokyo? Was it across town for a staycation in a retro motel?

One favorite trip for me was drawing with (new) friends in Spain last year. We can't wait for our sketchbook retreat in Morocco this Summer! (cough. there's a spot left!)

Hopefully, that helps to ignite a little spark for your drawing time today. If you post these, be sure to tag me! @mikelowerystudio

 I can't wait to see your sketchbook travel adventures. 

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