Drawing Videos vs Drawing Books: Which Is Better?
Should kids learn to draw from videos or books? Both have strengths. Here's how drawing videos and drawing books compare, and how to use both well.
Drawing videos and drawing books both help kids learn, in different ways. Videos show movement and pacing; books let kids go at their own speed, flip back and forth and draw without a screen. Many families use books as the main tool and videos as a fun extra.
Kids today can find a drawing tutorial for almost anything online. So do they still need drawing books? The answer is yes, and here is why.
What videos do well
- Show how lines move in real time
- Can be engaging and entertaining
- Cover almost any subject
- Watching an artist draw can be inspiring
What books do well
- Self-paced. Kids take as long as they need on each step.
- Easy to look back. Flip to the previous step instantly.
- No screen. No ads, autoplay or distractions.
- Portable. Works anywhere, no Wi-Fi needed.
- Practice space. Many books include room to draw.
- Consistent quality. A curated set of lessons.
The pause problem
With videos, kids often need to pause, rewind and pause again. Little ones get frustrated, or the video runs ahead. Books never move too fast.
A book that matches a child's pace
How to Draw: Cartoon Dinosaurs shows each dinosaur in six steps on the page, with a light gray outline of the finished drawing on every step so kids can plan the size and see the goal. They can spend as long as they need on each step and look back any time.
Using both
- Use books for regular practice.
- Use videos occasionally to watch a drawing come to life.
- Watch a video, then try the same subject from a book.
- Keep videos on a shared screen with an adult nearby.
Screen time limits
If you are trying to reduce screen time, books are the obvious choice. See drawing apps vs paper and pencil.
Questions parents ask
Is it better for kids to learn drawing from books or videos?
Both help. Books are self-paced, screen-free and easy to flip back through; videos show motion. Many families use books as the main tool.
Are drawing books still useful for kids?
Yes. Books let children work at their own pace without screens, ads or distractions.
How can kids use drawing videos well?
Watch with an adult, pause often and follow up by practising the same subject on paper.
More in home routines and screen time, or browse all 217 posts on the blog.
Keep reading
- Drawing Apps vs Paper and Pencil for KidsDrawing apps or paper and pencil: which is better for kids? Here's how each one affects motor skills, focus and creativity, and how to balance them.
- What to Do With All Those DrawingsDrowning in kids' drawings? Here's how to decide what to keep, store it neatly, photograph the rest and turn favorites into keepsakes.
- Swap 20 Minutes of Tablet Time for DrawingWant less tablet time without a fight? Swap 20 minutes of screens for drawing. Here's a realistic plan that kids actually accept, with easy first wins.
- Back to School Nerves? Draw Them OutBack to school nerves are common. Drawing helps kids express worries, picture a good first day and feel ready. Try these back-to-school drawing ideas.
