Why Carrying a Sketchbook Everywhere Changed How I See the World

When I first started sketching, I thought I needed the perfect setup. A desk, sharpened pencils, good lighting, maybe even some soft background music. If everything wasn’t in place, I usually didn’t draw. Because of that, I didn’t practice as much as I wanted to.

But one small change completely transformed my art journey: I started carrying a sketchbook with me everywhere I went. And honestly, it didn’t just change my drawings; it changed the way I looked at the world around me.

Let me tell you why this one simple habit turned out to be the best decision I made as an artist.

The Day I Started Carrying a Sketchbook

Back in 2019, I was in the 9th grade when I picked up sketching. I didn’t have many tools, just a pencil and a notebook I used for school. I drew things like guns, random objects, and sometimes cartoons. But I didn’t take it very seriously, and when COVID hit, I completely stopped sketching for almost two years.

Later, in my 12th class, I picked it up again, but still not daily. I was also getting into game development at that time (if you’re curious, check out my game dev site blackscarstudio.com). Sketching was always there in the background, but it wasn’t until college that I realized something:

If I didn’t carry my sketchbook with me, I wouldn’t sketch at all.

So I bought a small, portable sketchbook that fit in my bag and carried it everywhere. That’s when everything shifted.

1. I Started Noticing Details I Had Always Ignored

Before I carried a sketchbook, I walked around like most people, rushing from one place to another, headphones on, not really paying attention. But once I had a sketchbook in my bag, I started noticing little things:

• The way sunlight hits a wall and creates long shadows.

• The folds in someone’s jacket while they sat on a chair.

• The patterns of leaves on the ground after rain.

When I had nothing with me, those details slipped by. But now, every small thing looked like something I could sketch. And when you start looking at the world as art, everything becomes interesting.

2. Idle Time Became Creative Time

One of the biggest excuses I had for not drawing was “I don’t have time.” But let’s be real, I had time. I just wasn’t using it well.

Waiting for a bus? Ten minutes free before class starts? Sitting in a café waiting for a friend? Normally, I would scroll on my phone, watch random YouTube shorts, or just zone out. But now, with my sketchbook, those boring little moments became creative.

Even if I sketched for just 5–10 minutes, it felt productive. Sometimes it was just doodles, a half-finished face, sometimes just a coffee cup. But page by page, those little moments added up into hours of practice I wouldn’t have done otherwise.

3. I Learned That Perfection Doesn’t Matter

At first, sketching in public was stressful. I thought people were watching me, and I wanted my drawings to look perfect. Spoiler: they didn’t. My lines were shaky, proportions were off, and sometimes I messed up badly.

But carrying a sketchbook taught me something valuable: perfection doesn’t matter.

Most of the time, people aren’t even paying attention. And even if they glance over, they don’t expect to see a masterpiece. They just see someone trying.

This helped me relax. I stopped erasing every small mistake and started enjoying the process. My sketchbook became more of a diary of my thoughts and observations rather than a portfolio. And honestly, that’s when my drawings started improving.

4. I Connected With People

Something I didn’t expect: sketching made me connect with people. Friends and classmates started noticing when I pulled out my sketchbook. Some were curious and asked me to show them my sketches. Strangers in cafés or trains sometimes leaned over and smiled, asking what I was drawing.

It turned into a conversation starter. Some people even shared their own hobbies, like photography or writing. Carrying a sketchbook made me realize that art isn’t just a private thing, it can bring people together.

5. I Started Seeing the World Differently

One of the biggest changes was in how I looked at the world. Instead of just seeing “a person walking,” I noticed the angle of their posture. Instead of just “a tree,” I noticed how the branches curved in different directions.

Everything turned into shapes, shadows, and stories. And once your brain starts seeing things like that, you never go back. The world feels richer, deeper, and more alive.

How You Can Start Carrying a Sketchbook

If you’re thinking about starting this habit, here’s what worked for me:

• Pick a portable sketchbook. I use a Brusto sketchbook, it’s not too big, not too small, and easy to carry.

• Keep your tools minimal. One graphite pencil and a kneaded eraser are enough. Sometimes I also carry a makeup brush (yep, the same kind used for makeup) because it’s great for blending charcoal and graphite.

• Sketch quickly. Don’t overthink it. Even a 2-minute doodle is worth it.

• Let go of perfection. Think of your sketchbook as practice, not a finished artwork.

The Tools I Carry (And Wish I Had Earlier)

When I first started, I wasted time trying to find the “best” tools. Truth is, beginners don’t need fancy supplies, but a few good ones make the journey smoother. Here’s what I carry now and recommend:

1. Brusto Sketch Paper – Durable, smooth, and doesn’t tear easily. Great for pencils, charcoal, and even light acrylic.
   👉 Check it out here

2. Graphite Pencil Set – A good set from 9H to 9B gives you all the tones you need. I use Derwent Graphic pencils.
   👉 Check it out here

3. Charcoal Pencils – For deep shadows and dramatic sketches. I personally love Qionew’s set.
   👉 Check it out here

4. Makeup Brush – Strange tip, but it blends charcoal and graphite better than most blending stumps.
   👉 Check it out here

5. Acrylic Colors – Sometimes I like to add a splash of color on top of my sketches.
   👉 Check it out here

Final Thoughts

Carrying a sketchbook everywhere didn’t just improve my drawing skills, it changed the way I live. I became more observant, more mindful, and more connected to the world around me.

If you’re someone who struggles to find time for art, try this: put a small sketchbook in your bag today. Don’t wait for the “perfect moment” to draw, sketch while you wait, sketch while you’re bored, sketch just for fun.

I promise, this small habit will change your creativity forever.