I drew every day for a year!

A year ago, I started the challenge to draw every day for just 30 days, with the goal of comparing my progress. 30-day challenges are an amazing way to build new habits, and it really worked for me! (I haven’t stopped since)

If you’re here reading this, then you’ve probably seen the video I made. But if you haven’t, please check it out! 

In this post, I wanted to elaborate on a few things I felt were too detailed for the video and left out, focusing here on a few things like:

1. Tools,

2. Consistency, 

3. Practice plan.

1. Tools Are For Fools

When buying things like tools or items for projects and hobbies, it can sometimes feel like we've already taken the first step. But in reality, you have to actually start useing it as well! 

In the past, for example, I’ve bought books, that I haven't actually read and they’ve sat shamefully on my bookshelf for years (although to my credit this has only been very few, I DON’T WANT TO READ HEGEL)🧐. I feel like this is always in my mind when I recommend products. I really strongly believe you don't need the “the best” if you’re just getting started. I’ve seen pros online using a simple BIC ballpoint pen, which costs just a few cents, and still able to create amazing art. I feel the same way when people ask me what gear I use for YouTube videos. A simple webcam and microphone will do just fine, it’s more important that you actually start creating!!

That said, drawing is a hobby for me, and sometimes it’s fun to splurge on the things you enjoy. Living in Japan, I’m spoiled with some of the best stationery in the world. So, if you’re visiting Japan and want to stock up, here are my favorite tools so far:

• Tombow Mono Graph SH-MGF –  ¥1000 

This is my go-to sketching pencil. I have one each for 0.3mm and 0.5mm thickness, but I prefer the 0.5mm.

As an epic minimalist I should really just keep one. It’s a premium version, and the feel is just right. However, these pencils aren’t pocket-friendly; I’ve stabbed myself by mistake a few times!

For something portable, I carry a…

• Copic Multiliner Black (0.3-0.5mm) ¥458 in my pocket.

  It’s perfect for quick sketches when I’m out and about. And.. it has a lid! No finger stab necessary. Just make sure to empty your pockets before throwing your pants in the laundry (pro tip). Copic pens are super famous and I’ve heard of them even before drawing. They’re really amazing for linework, I can see now why people love them.

• Pentel Brush Pen ¥417

  I spoke about this pen in a previous blog post. It’s so much fun to use. Having thin inked lines to extremely thick available at your disposal is amazing. As an epic minimalist, I’d love to master this pen!

  

  Seeing master artists like Kim Jung Gi use this pen is so damn inspiring! Also, it’s kind of crazy how cheap all these pens are, I realized whilst looking them up.

📄 Paper

Didn’t think I’d speak more in depth about just paper… but here we are! Maruman is the clear winner here. 

The best I’ve found is Maruman Zuan. The paper has a nice thickness and texture that gives great feedback while drawing. You’ll find them everywhere in Japan, often in simple collaborations with different brands. They also come in all kinds of sizes. I used postcard size (はがき) for my pocket sketchbook and it was amazing.

Maruman Croquis is also amazing, feels really good to sketch on, the paper is a bit thinner here instead. But even though it’s thinner it still doesn’t feel too flimsy and keeps a nice texture intact.

📚 For artbooks, my favorite was TACO 直伝!

I’m not sure if there is an english translation available. I liked this book a lot since it had so much anatomy. It’s probably better to study a proper unstylized anatomy book , buuuuuuuut, I dont know..

I want to have fun while drawing and the fun style in this book made it so much easier to follow. I think to be consistent with what you’re learning, it’s better to focus sometimes on what is more fun.

Which leads me to the next topic:

2. Consistency!

Now that you have the tools, how do you stay consistent? 

People often ask me about motivation, but the truth is, motivation comes and goes. It’s extremely unreliable. What you really need is a routine and a mindset that helps you stick to it! 

It’s proven that 30 days is a great starting point. If you can stick with something for that long, you’re likely to keep going longer term.

The ancient Greeks understood routine well—they proposed that the best way to deal with a bad habit is to create a new good one. I applied this principle by replacing bad habits like spending too much time on my phone or playing video games, with drawing. 

Another key is to keep your journey to yourself until it’s done. This way, you stay focused on your own reasons for doing it, without outside distractions.

It’s so easy to make excuses but in order for you to remain consistent that means drawing or doing whatever it is, every day. Even if you’re busy, drawing for just 5 minutes before bed is better than skipping a day entirely. 

Examine why you want to pick up what it is you want to do. I’ve been consistent with my exercise for the long term because I realize the health benefit is so substantial. I want to keep drawing because I noticed it helps me relax and fills me with purpose, instead of spending time with no clear intention.

If you’re serious about long-term improvement, Consistency is the key to improvement. I believe anyone can learn anything if they stay consistent and put in the time and effort.

3. Practice Plan

Here are a few things I wish I had done sooner, or learned along the way:

1. Always carry a small sketchbook. I only realized the value of this habit late in my journey. Having a sketchbook with me while waiting for someone or commuting, gave me extra time to sketch. I kept things light and fun while on the go, reserving more deliberate study time for when I was at my desk.
   

2. Study anatomy sooner. I spent a long time just drawing heads and faces without practicing other parts of the body. If I’d had a basic understanding of anatomy earlier, I would have practiced it more. You won’t get better at drawing hands by avoiding them, but by sketching them even for just a few minutes each day, you’ll get more comfortable. I was only really able to do this, after I’ve studied anatomy, so please don't make my mistake.
   

3. Don’t only sketch—draw with intent. I spent so much time learning, but not enough time applying that knowledge to more finished pieces. Toward the end of my challenge, I pushed myself to draw more complete works, which was incredibly helpful. I wish I had done that sooner as well. It can be a really good way to challenge yourself and also show yourself what you’re capable of.
   

4. Follow other artists. There are tons of great tutorials and free information on YouTube, and watching livestreams of artists was especially useful for me. Seeing how professionals approach their work from start to finish gave me such valuable insights!

Have Fun!

Drawing has been such a meaningful experience for me, especially during a time when my son was newly born. As a new parent, it’s easy to lose yourself in your responsibilities, but drawing helped me feel like I was building something for myself.

I can’t recommend it enough—find a hobby, stick with it, and enjoy the journey!

Felix