Getting started on a new drawing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It really comes down to putting marks on the page and choosing the right paper to put them on. The paper you work with shapes the rest of the process, so it’s important to find one that feels right for you. As artist Jordan Rhodes puts it, “The best sketchbook is the one that you actually use in the beginning.”
Choosing a Sketchbook
There are endless types of sketchbooks out there: drawing, sketch, mixed media, etc. A helpful place to start is by looking at paper weight. Thinner paper is best for pencils and pens. Thicker paper can open up the possibility of using markers or even adding light watercolor washes.
Rhodes explains, “The weight of the paper indicates how thick it is, and what type of media will work well with that particular paper. A lower weight indicates a thinner paper, while a heavier weight indicates a thicker paper.”
Letting Go of Perfection
One of the easiest traps for beginners is feeling like every drawing needs to be perfect right away. That pressure can keep ideas stuck in your head instead of on the page. Rhodes reminds us that imperfect sketches are part of the process: “So many ugly drawings are required before you can start making good ones. The faster you can get the ugly sketches out of your system, the better.”
A way to break out of the perfection mindset is to draw with ink. Since the lines can’t be erased, the marks feel bold and permanent, which helps build confidence and momentum with practice.
Warming Up Before You Draw
Before diving into a finished sketch, warming up gets you moving and makes it easier to get into the flow. Rhodes describes it simply: “I like to first just warm up a little bit, get my pen muscles working, get my coordination down, and just practice some key penmanship skills that will help.”
Some quick warm-ups to try:
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Straight lines (connect dots, short to long, using wrist, elbow, and shoulder)
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Curves, circles, and ellipses
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Parallel lines and zig-zags
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Concentric circles
Rhodes also suggests sketching simple three-dimensional forms like cubes, cylinders, or block letters, as well as experimenting with repeating patterns. “Once you get these exercises down, they can be pretty meditative and relaxing.” Checkerboards, waves, or repeating squares not only build dexterity but also spark creative ideas.
The Bottom Line
As Rhodes explains, “Sketching is the foundational art skill. It’s one of the quickest and most basic ways to communicate an idea visually.” The Strathmore 300 Series Drawing pad gives beginners a simple, approachable space to practice, experiment, and build confidence.
The best way to start drawing is simply to start.
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About the Artist
Jordan Rhodes is an artist based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. After graduating with a Ph.D. in Chemistry in the midst of a global shutdown due to the pandemic in 2020, the opportunity to switch focus onto an art career became apparent. During his time in graduate school rediscovered his passion for art, and developed an online presence which has been instrumental in providing creative opportunities. Jordan’s work primarily focuses on portraiture, and he works mostly in traditional water-based media such as gouache and watercolor but loves digital tools as well. One of his goals is to help others realize that is never too late to pursue their artistic dreams, no matter where they come from or when they may have started.
You can see more of his work and teaching style in his recent Online Workshop – Sketching: The Foundational Artistic Skill.
