Plant the Seeds of Your Art Practice with Sketchbook Seeds
Ditch the unused sketchbook collection guilt with Sketchbook Seeds, a mini course with step-by-step guidance AND encouragement to explore making art your own way, so you can embrace the gentle joy of making art.
A gentle, low-pressure introduction to sketchbook practice designed to help you start and maintain a flourishing creative practice.
I was a Sketchbook Avoider for sooo many years.
I had so much fear around not being "good enough" and around making art that wouldn't meet some impossible standard I set for myself.
And now several years into my sketchbook practice? I just wish I had started sooner!
I'm just a more confident, happier artist and I know that shows in all of my work from simple sketchbook drawings to art for products and books.
And maybe you are familiar with those feelings too!
Maybe you’re paying for a bunch of Patreon subscriptions and you’re always too intimidated to join in.
Maybe you’ve forced yourself into Instagram daily drawing challenges but you also fall off the wagon in a few days.
Maybe you’ve taken a billion Skillshare classes but you still aren’t making art that feels like YOU.
Maybe you keep buying new art materials and new sketchbooks, wishing for the day you feel you actually deserve those things.
In this mini course, you’ll find the confidence to show up for your sketchbook practice every day.
You’ll find the courage to make art even when it goes sideways.
You’ll learn to release expected outcomes and instead just follow the ‘what if’ of art making right into some happy ‘oh I definitely wouldn’t have discovered this otherwise!’ accidents.
If you’re worried about time, don’t be.
Sketchbook Seeds shows you how to create art in as little as 5 minutes a day and any time spent working on your art will naturally lead to improved skills and confidence.
You don’t need a bajillion hours to take this mini course and you don’t need a bajillion hours to become a better artist.
You just need to decide right now that you’re ready to get started.
Right now you’ve got ideas fluttering enticingly around in your head and you either don’t have the skills to bring them to life or you’re afraid to even try something different.
You want to be a better artist. A more confident artist who can sit down and draw anything with style. Hey, maybe you’ve even got professional artist dreams!
Ok, I’m not really a mind reader (seriously wouldn’t even want to be 🤣), but I have felt these feels. I know where you’re at and I know how you can go beyond it: make more art!
This is a fluff-free space so you can expect lessons that are both concise and inspiring.
You can also expect a low-pressure approach to making art in your sketchbook. I know that keeping it simple is the best way to begin and grow a sketchbook habit and we honor that ease around here.
Hey there!
I’m Steph Fizer Coleman
I’ve made a lot of art in my life. A LOT. And I’ve made a lot of art over the past 15 years as a professional artist too. Art for children’s books, greeting cards, wall art, puzzles, stickers, tea towels, stationery set, enamel pins, and well…you get it. Lots of art! For all the things!
But my most important art? My most creatively fulfilling art? It’s happening in my sketchbook. Every day.
I’ve experienced first hand how impactful a sketchbook practice is, whatever your a professional art like me or someone who draws just for fun also like me 🤣
The work that I do in my sketchbook informs every other aspect of my creative practice and even my art business! I learn and uncover so much during my daily sketchbook sessions, even when they don’t go “well.”
Having a daily sketchbook practice is some change-your-life type stuff. You’ll become a better artist. You’ll uncover new ways of making art, both big and small. You’ll build confidence. You’ll feel inspired more often.
Imagine if...
you felt more confident in your art skills
you felt excited about drawing every day
you could finally embrace the messiness of art and allow it to be fun instead of frustrating
you finally knew you were ready and able to get your ideas down on paper!
In this course, I'll guide you through getting started, getting comfortable, and understanding the materials you want to use.
You’ll work through a series of 7 simple exercises designed to help you begin a sketchbook practice with minimal stress.
You'll also learn an easy writing exercise that will help you connect with your sketchbook on a deeper level and notice the things that feel good about your process.
In addition to the exercises, you'll get an inside look at my own sketchbooks and the philosophy behind my sketchbook practice.
You'll learn how we can grow as artists by consistently showing up for our sketchbook practice.
Here’s a peek at the 7 sketchbook exercises from Sketchbook Seeds
Each exercise builds on the last, and provides a gentle foundation for your budding sketchbook practice.
The exercises are approachable and a lovely way to explore your art materials and subject matter.
I use these exercises in my own sketchbook practice when I’m feeling in need of a loosen up.
A couple of lesson snippets from Sketchbook Seeds:
My Sketchbook Practice
Sketchbook Tour
Minding Your Mindset
Your Sketchbook Seeds
Choosing a Sketchbook
Choosing Materials & Colors
The Blank Page
7 Days of Sketching
And the full lesson list:
One Simple Writing Exercise
Day 1 - Mark Making
Day 2 - Shapes and Pattern
Day 3 - Contours
Day 4 - Blobs and Lines
Day 5 - Negative Space
Day 6 - Sketchy
Day 7 - Wildflower Meadow
With fewer than 10 hours (including watching the video lessons + actually drawing your sketchbook too), you can experience the gentle joy of a sketchbook practice.
A Note about Materials:
You’re encouraged to use whatever materials you have on hand, however, for those who are curious I’ll be using the following materials in the course: a Royal Talens Art Creations sketchbook, Caran d’Ache Neocolor II wax pastels, Caran d’Ache Luminance colored pencils, and Ecoline brush pens. (There’s a full list of all the colors within the course.) Again, it’s not necessary for you to use the same materials I use. It can be fun to explore new materials AND it can be fun to rediscover old materials too!
FAQs
When does this course begin?
This is a self-paced course so you can begin at any time and work at your own pace.
What if I have questions along the way?
If you have questions during the course, leave a comment under the appropriate lesson and I’ll respond as quickly as possible (usually within 24 hours).
How long will I have access to the course?
You’ll have lifetime access to the course and access to any lesson updates or additions.
How much does it cost?
This self-paced course is a one-time fee of $37.
What’s the time commitment?
The daily sketchbook exercises lesson range from 10-30 minutes each.
It's up to you, but I recommend committing at least 30 minutes a day to your sketchbook practice.
What supplies do I need for this class?
You’ll need a sketchbook and any selection of your favorite art materials. In the course, I’ll share my materials list and my process for choosing materials and colors.
Who is this class for?
For anyone who wants to start a sketchbook practice but finds themselves feeling overwhelmed or hesitant.
What’s your refund policy?
We’re pretty sure you’re going to dig this class but if you don’t, contact us at steph@messysketchbookclub.com within 14 days for a refund.