THIS. This is what I needed all along. I bought this little sketch book three days ago and I’ve drawn in it everyday since. Drawing three days in a row might not sound like a monumental achievement, but it is for me.

I have been in such a rut for over a year. I’ve drawn only a handful of things and I didn’t make any comics at all. I was feeling really self conscious and putting myself down a lot about my work. So instead of just working through it, I stopped drawing. It felt awful, but I didn’t know what to do to get out of it. I tried taking a life drawing class which helped a little, but I still only drew during class and never just for myself.

This sketchbook was the best impulse purchase I have made in a long while. I picked it up and couldn’t put it down. It made so much sense. It doesn’t start on any specific date. It just lists the days: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3… And there’s a little space to write in your own date. The fact that I could start anytime really felt good. I didn’t miss a whole month and a week of drawing this year. I simply started when I bought the book. On the last page it says, “Congratulations! You made one sketch a day for a year! What will you do next?” I’m excited to make it all the way there.

I have tried and failed at numerous “daily endeavors”, but I really feel this one might stick. The book is only 5×7 inches and the spaces to draw is only half that (two drawings per page). Its clean design is inviting and the small spaces seem less intimidating than a blank 8×11 or larger page. I can slip it in my purse giving me no excuse not to bring it with me everywhere. All I need is a pencil (and my trusty eraser!).

I am determined to rediscover the pure, simple joy of drawing for myself again. I’m glad I finally found something that has truly inspired me to do this.