Why Every Kid Should Keep a Sketchbook
Every kid should keep a sketchbook. It builds a drawing habit, shows progress and becomes a creative diary. Here's how to start one.
Every kid should keep a sketchbook because it turns drawing into a habit, shows progress over time, and becomes a private creative diary. A sketchbook makes drawing feel special and gives kids a safe place to experiment.
Loose paper gets lost. A sketchbook keeps everything together and tells a story of growth.
Why sketchbooks matter
- Habit. A dedicated place encourages regular drawing.
- Progress. Flip back to see improvement.
- Privacy. A personal creative space.
- Experimentation. Mistakes are fine in a sketchbook.
- Memories. A record of childhood.
A sketchbook made for drawing books
The How to Draw: Sketchbook is made to go with the How to Draw books, with blank pages for practising lessons and inventing new characters.
Sketchbook ideas
- Daily doodle
- Redraw favorites
- Observation drawings
- Comics
- Character designs
Tips
- Date every page.
- No tearing out pages (mistakes stay!).
- Let kids decorate the cover.
- Respect privacy.
Look back together
Every few months, flip through the sketchbook together. Celebrate growth. See how kids learn the value of practice.
Questions parents ask
Why should kids keep a sketchbook?
It builds a drawing habit, shows progress, offers a private creative space and becomes a record of growth.
What should kids draw in a sketchbook?
Daily doodles, favorite characters, observation drawings, comics and character designs.
Should kids tear out pages they don't like?
It is better to keep them. Mistakes show progress and are part of learning.
More in ways to learn to draw, or browse all 217 posts on the blog.
Keep reading
- How to Choose Your Child's First Drawing BookHow do you choose your child's first drawing book? Match the method to their age, the subject to their interests and look for early wins.
- Drawing Books vs Art Classes: What Kids NeedDrawing books or art classes: which does your child need? Compare cost, flexibility, feedback and social benefits to choose the best fit.
- Teaching Kids to Draw Faces and ExpressionsTeach kids to draw faces and expressions with simple shapes and funny features. Step-by-step tips plus games for drawing emotions.
- Visual Thinking: Why Kids Who Draw Think in PicturesSome kids think in pictures. Learn what visual thinking is, how drawing helps every child organize ideas, and how to support a picture-thinker at home.
