Sketchbook Design
Design beautiful layouts for every page by learning how to add elements, preserve white space and think about placement before you start sketching.
Does this sound like you?
“I get bored with my sketchbook pages as they all look the same”
“I’m afraid to add writing to my pages in case I ruin them”
“I’m unsure of where to position my sketch on the page”
“I don’t know which size and format of sketchbook to use”
Sketchbook Design has been designed to address these common struggles
Why learn Sketchbook Design?
Any sketchbook page can be made interesting by spending a little time designing the layout, adding notes and other elements.
In this course I want to share with you all my top tips, strategies and techniques for creating beautiful sketchbook pages.
You’ll be able to use these techniques straight away to make better pages – even if you are a beginner!
In Sketchbook Design you will learn to:
– think about placement of your sketch on the page before you start
– add text to your page (including tips for architect-style handwriting!)
– weave in elements to your pages such as headings, frames, maps, collage etc
– design contained and open-ended compositions
– create variety of layouts throughout a sketchbook
You’ll be part of an inspiring community of sketchers from around the world who will share their unique styles. You’ll never lack inspiration! You’ll have lifetime access to an incredible gallery of sketchbook design ideas inside our virtual classroom.
You can use these techniques for any kind of sketchbook and for a variety of different sketching styles and level of experience. You don’t need to be producing ‘masterpiece’ sketches to create beautiful sketchbook pages!
Who is the course for?
Sketchbook Design is suitable for anyone who wants to keep a sketchbook – including beginners.
JUST STARTED KEEPING A SKETCHBOOK?
This course is full of wonderful ideas and techniques for creating beautiful sketchbook pages and you'll fall in love with your sketchbook.
BEEN KEEPING A SKETCHBOOK FOR A WHILE?
Sketchbook Design will breathe life into your sketchbook practice and you'll be super inspired by all the new ideas inside the lessons and the classroom galleries.
WANTING TO ESTABLISH A REGULAR SKETCHING HABIT?
Being able to consistently create beautiful sketchbook pages is the best motivation for sketching regularly and taking risks. Just do a few simple sketches during the day and you'll be able to finish the page off with style!
Sketchbook Design will not include any dedicated drawing instruction so if you want to learn some foundational sketching skills I recommend that you check out my Foundations course.
How will the course work?
Start today and work at your own pace
- All lessons are available when you purchase the course so you can work through the lessons at your own pace
- Share your work and interact with other students inside the custom-designed classroom galleries and forum
- Ask Liz questions related to the course in the dedicated question section for each lesson.
Work through the course with a group
- Each year Liz hosts a number of Group Self-paced or Live Versions for selected courses.
- A Group Self-paced Version allows you to work through the lessons as a group with weekly emails to prompt you to move onto the next lesson.
- A Live Version will include bonus live teaching sessions with Liz (private YouTube Livestreams) as you work through the lessons with a group.
- If you’ve purchased the course at any time you can join these group events for free. See FAQ below for more details
Ready to start create beautiful pages?
How you'll learn
Custom-designed classroom
Interactive Livestreams
How you'll learn
- over 20 hours of step-by-step video lessons, each lesson building on the previous, so you can make steady progress in a systematic way
- theory sections that clearly explain the essential concepts so that you can apply them to your own style and way of working
- downloadable PDF handout so you can quickly review the key elements of each lesson when you need it
- specific assignments designed so that you really understand and know how to use the concepts from the lesson – these can be done from the comfort of home, from photos, or out on location
- multiple examples from Liz’s sketchbooks explaining how to use the concepts – including discussion of some less successful work and what she would do differently so that you can learn how to assess your own work in a positive and constructive manner
Custom-designed classroom
- specially designed private classroom with dedicated assignment galleries and forum so that you can connect with and be inspired by other sketchers from around the world who are working alongside you
- ability to ask Liz questions about the lessons you are working through so you can get help when you need it
- livestreams during Live Versions – which will include reviews of student’s work, mini demos, bonus material and a chance to have your questions answered in real-time
- full transcripts for all video lessons so you can easily follow along
- lifetime access to all course content and any future Group Events and bonus material so you can continue to learn as your skills grow
Interactive Livestreams
- A very special part of SketchingNow courses is the interactive livestreams that are hosted during Live Versions. These live Q&A sessions include a review of work posted in the classroom, additional demos and a chance to get all your sketching questions answered in real-time!
- Live Versions only occur once every 1-2 years however replays of previous livestreams are available inside the classroom.
"Loved this course!!!! I learned so many sketching pearls of wisdom, too many to count!!!
I now think of the sketchbook as a collection of sketches versus each page with an individual sketch. Thinking holistically creates synergy and flow between the pages.
Adding design elements and thinking about composition have elevated my sketches and sketchbook as a whole."
I now think of the sketchbook as a collection of sketches versus each page with an individual sketch. Thinking holistically creates synergy and flow between the pages.
Adding design elements and thinking about composition have elevated my sketches and sketchbook as a whole."
Tina
"Thank you Liz for opening me up to the wonderful world of drawing, watercolor and now sketchbook design.
I’ve realised the importance of finishing a composition because the “value” of each sketch is defined only by the whole page and it is this purpose that is important.
I used to just do one sketch per page and the story ended there. Now I’m going further… and what a richness is added in the reflection and creativity of my story!"
I’ve realised the importance of finishing a composition because the “value” of each sketch is defined only by the whole page and it is this purpose that is important.
I used to just do one sketch per page and the story ended there. Now I’m going further… and what a richness is added in the reflection and creativity of my story!"
Laurence
"Because of this class, I have become obsessed with sketching!
I’ve sketched off and on for years - plagued with the anxiety of starting a new sketchbook or facing a blank page. After taking this class, I have been able to let go of perfection, and take each sketch for what it is.
I now have the tools to “save” the page or spread. Even the wonkiest of sketches can turn into a delight with a text block that relates my feelings, frustration and goal for improvement."
I’ve sketched off and on for years - plagued with the anxiety of starting a new sketchbook or facing a blank page. After taking this class, I have been able to let go of perfection, and take each sketch for what it is.
I now have the tools to “save” the page or spread. Even the wonkiest of sketches can turn into a delight with a text block that relates my feelings, frustration and goal for improvement."
Emmay
"Thank you Liz for an amazing class.
You allowed us to challenge ourselves and point us in a direction that will lead to
success for the most important person, ourselves!
What a wonderful gift of community you have given all of us! The fact that we were able to open our most inner selves and share with a like-minded community is truly a gift I will always treasure."
What a wonderful gift of community you have given all of us! The fact that we were able to open our most inner selves and share with a like-minded community is truly a gift I will always treasure."
Heather
Course Outline
Introduction
1 week
Why keep a sketchbook
Adding text - handwriting tips
Materials List and Tips for choosing a sketchbook
Sketchbook Practice: What to sketch, when to sketch, what to include in your sketchbook and how to create unfinished pages in preparation for adding elements.
Livestream Replays
Adding text - handwriting tips
Materials List and Tips for choosing a sketchbook
Sketchbook Practice: What to sketch, when to sketch, what to include in your sketchbook and how to create unfinished pages in preparation for adding elements.
Livestream Replays
Part 1: Adding Elements
2 weeks
Adding elements to your sketchbook pages including:
– Text and Headings
– Borders
– Colour Blocks
– Maps, diagrams and charts
– Collage
– Secondary Sketches
– White Space
Demo: Combining a number of elements into one spread including a map of a complex city centre
Gallery: Reviewing elements used in two sketchbooks
Exercises: Add elements to your page
Plus Questions, Feedback, Takeaways and Bonus Material
Livestream Replays
– Text and Headings
– Borders
– Colour Blocks
– Maps, diagrams and charts
– Collage
– Secondary Sketches
– White Space
Demo: Combining a number of elements into one spread including a map of a complex city centre
Gallery: Reviewing elements used in two sketchbooks
Exercises: Add elements to your page
Plus Questions, Feedback, Takeaways and Bonus Material
Livestream Replays
Part 2: Creating Contained Compositions
2 weeks
Theory 1: Overview of contained compositions
Theory 2: Strategies for contained compositions
Theory 3: Using elements in contained compositions
Demo: Designing a contained spread beforehand and then adjusting it on the fly
Gallery: Reviewing three sketchbooks with a great variety of contained compositions
Exercises: Two weeks of contained compositions from simple grids to more asymmetrical complex layouts
Plus Questions, Feedback, Takeaways and Bonus Material
Livestream Replays
Theory 2: Strategies for contained compositions
Theory 3: Using elements in contained compositions
Demo: Designing a contained spread beforehand and then adjusting it on the fly
Gallery: Reviewing three sketchbooks with a great variety of contained compositions
Exercises: Two weeks of contained compositions from simple grids to more asymmetrical complex layouts
Plus Questions, Feedback, Takeaways and Bonus Material
Livestream Replays
Part 3: Creating Open Compositions
2 weeks
Theory 1: Overview of open compositions (including overlapping, extending and random layouts)
Theory 2: Strategies for open compositions
Theory 3: Using elements in open compositions
Demo: Creating a spread on location with open-ended and overlapping sketches/elements
Gallery: Reviewing two sketchbooks with a great variety of open compositions
Exercises: Two weeks of open compositions
Plus Questions, Feedback, Takeaways and Bonus Material
Livestream Replays
Theory 2: Strategies for open compositions
Theory 3: Using elements in open compositions
Demo: Creating a spread on location with open-ended and overlapping sketches/elements
Gallery: Reviewing two sketchbooks with a great variety of open compositions
Exercises: Two weeks of open compositions
Plus Questions, Feedback, Takeaways and Bonus Material
Livestream Replays
Part 4: Designing on the fly
2 weeks
Theory 1: Summary of the design principles
Theory 2: Design on the fly and how to use the design principles
Theory 3: Design a whole book and how to develop different strategies for different sizes and formats
Demo 1: Finishing off pages from a day out sketching on location
Gallery: Review of various format sketchbooks
Exercises: Creating a sequence of pages from a sketching outing
Plus Questions, Feedback, Takeaways and Bonus Material
Livestream Replays
Theory 2: Design on the fly and how to use the design principles
Theory 3: Design a whole book and how to develop different strategies for different sizes and formats
Demo 1: Finishing off pages from a day out sketching on location
Gallery: Review of various format sketchbooks
Exercises: Creating a sequence of pages from a sketching outing
Plus Questions, Feedback, Takeaways and Bonus Material
Livestream Replays
SketchingNow courses have been designed to build on each other so you will see the most progress in your own sketching by working through them in a logical order.
Buy Sketchbook Design as a standalone course or buy the Sketch Your Life bundle and save!
Sketchbook Design
In Sketchbook Design
- Design beautiful layouts for every page in your sketchbook
- Learn how to think about the placement of your sketch before you start
- Add text and elements to elevate your pages regardless of how successful each sketch was
- Develop compositional skills for designing both pages and individual sketches
- Create a variety of layouts and fall in love with your sketchbook
$
199 USD
Sketch Your Life Bundle
In Sketchbook Design
- Design beautiful layouts for every page in your sketchbook
- Learn how to think about the placement of your sketch before you start
- Add text and elements to elevate your pages regardless of how happy you were with the sketch
- Develop compositional skills for designing both pages and individual sketches
- Create a variety of layouts and fall in love with your sketchbook
PLUS
In Foundations - Develop fundamental observational skills needed to draw anything
- Explore different ways of sketching so that you can start developing your own style
- Master the basics of watercolour
- Learn to control the water in your brush and how to create consistently lively washes
Money back guarantee
We offer a money 30-day back guarantee for SketchingNow courses. If you are unhappy with the course for any reason, let us know and we will refund your payment within the first 30 days of the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials do I need for Sketchbook Design?
There are no specific requirements – you are free to use whatever you would like. In fact the course will be more interesting if we have a large range of materials and types of sketchbooks.
Suggestions:
- Your regular sketching kit (pens, pencils, paint, brushes etc)
- Your regular sketchbook – recommended size approx A5-A4, any format is suitable
- A ‘H’ or ‘2H’ pencil for guidelines
- Small notebook – ideas recipe book for thumbnails
Download Materials List
Suggestions:
- Your regular sketching kit (pens, pencils, paint, brushes etc)
- Your regular sketchbook – recommended size approx A5-A4, any format is suitable
- A ‘H’ or ‘2H’ pencil for guidelines
- Small notebook – ideas recipe book for thumbnails
Download Materials List
Is the course live or pre-recorded?
The course contains over 20 hours of pre-recorded videos which can be watched at any time.
During a Live Version (which only happens every 12-24 months) there are some bonus livestreams. Replays of previous livestreams are available in the classoom.
During a Live Version (which only happens every 12-24 months) there are some bonus livestreams. Replays of previous livestreams are available in the classoom.
Can I work through the course at my own pace?
Yes! All SketchingNow courses are available as self-paced courses at all times. All you have to do is signup and you can start working through the lessons straight away!
- You have full access to all lessons on enrollment within the custom-built SketchingNow classroom.
- You can interact with fellow students inside the classroom, comment on each other’s work in the homework galleries and discuss all kinds of art topics within the forum.
- You can ask Liz questions related to the course in the dedicated question section for each lesson.
- If you want some accountability in working through the lessons, you can sign up to receive weekly lesson reminder emails. Each week you will receive a new email to prompt you to move on to the next part of the course.
- You have full access to all lessons at the time of enrollment and free access to all future Group Self-paced and Live Versions for that course.
- You have full access to all lessons on enrollment within the custom-built SketchingNow classroom.
- You can interact with fellow students inside the classroom, comment on each other’s work in the homework galleries and discuss all kinds of art topics within the forum.
- You can ask Liz questions related to the course in the dedicated question section for each lesson.
- If you want some accountability in working through the lessons, you can sign up to receive weekly lesson reminder emails. Each week you will receive a new email to prompt you to move on to the next part of the course.
- You have full access to all lessons at the time of enrollment and free access to all future Group Self-paced and Live Versions for that course.
What is a Group Self-paced version of Sketchbook Design?
Group Self-Paced Versions occur within specific courses each year. There is no extra charge to participate.
- From time to time Liz will suggest a specific course to work through in preparation for an upcoming Live Version.
- She will suggest a start date and a schedule for going through the course. You'll get the benefit of working through the exercises together and getting lots of helpful and supportive comments from the group.
- You can ask Liz questions related to the course in the dedicated question section for each lesson.
- If you have enrolled for the specific course previously, you can join a Group Self-paced version of that course for free.
- From time to time Liz will suggest a specific course to work through in preparation for an upcoming Live Version.
- She will suggest a start date and a schedule for going through the course. You'll get the benefit of working through the exercises together and getting lots of helpful and supportive comments from the group.
- You can ask Liz questions related to the course in the dedicated question section for each lesson.
- If you have enrolled for the specific course previously, you can join a Group Self-paced version of that course for free.
What is a Live Version?
Live Versions are special events that occur within specific courses each year. There is no extra charge to participate.
- Every year Liz chooses a few SketchingNow courses to go through with a group. Together we work through the lessons and keep each other motivated and inspired!
- You will get the benefit of working through the exercises together and getting lots of helpful and supportive comments from the group.
- Each week you'll be prompted to move on to the next section of the course and participate in bonus live streams where you can ask questions, see reviews of selected work from the classroom and hang out with the group.
- Every livestream will have unique discussions and demonstrations related to the current lesson and there will be lots of opportunities to ask Liz questions in real-time.
- Livestreams will be held at alternating time slots to accommodate people in all time zones and replays will be available in the classroom after the event.
- Liz will be in the classroom regularly looking at the work uploaded and answering questions.
- If you have enrolled for the specific course previously, you can join any Live Version of that course for free
- If you get behind during the Live version, you can finish off the lessons at any time.
- Every year Liz chooses a few SketchingNow courses to go through with a group. Together we work through the lessons and keep each other motivated and inspired!
- You will get the benefit of working through the exercises together and getting lots of helpful and supportive comments from the group.
- Each week you'll be prompted to move on to the next section of the course and participate in bonus live streams where you can ask questions, see reviews of selected work from the classroom and hang out with the group.
- Every livestream will have unique discussions and demonstrations related to the current lesson and there will be lots of opportunities to ask Liz questions in real-time.
- Livestreams will be held at alternating time slots to accommodate people in all time zones and replays will be available in the classroom after the event.
- Liz will be in the classroom regularly looking at the work uploaded and answering questions.
- If you have enrolled for the specific course previously, you can join any Live Version of that course for free
- If you get behind during the Live version, you can finish off the lessons at any time.
Do I need to have any special social media accounts?
Everything you need to access the lessons, post homework and interact with others is contained within the SketchingNow classroom.
The only exception are the Livestreams (during Live Versions) which will occur on Youtube. A YouTube account is needed to interact with the live chat but without it you can still watch the livestream and send your questions via email. Replays will be available.
The only exception are the Livestreams (during Live Versions) which will occur on Youtube. A YouTube account is needed to interact with the live chat but without it you can still watch the livestream and send your questions via email. Replays will be available.
I’ve been sketching for a while… will Sketchbook Design be too basic for me?
The course has been designed to help any sketcher (regardless of experience) create more interesting sketchbook pages. It contains lots of intermediate design concepts that will not only help the layout of your pages but also the composition of your sketches. This course will be suitable for anyone who wants to keep a sketchbook – including beginners - and you'll be encouraged to choose your own subjects to sketch. You can sketch from photos, objects from around the home or out on location. Sketchbook Design will not include any dedicated drawing instruction so if you want to learn some foundational sketching skills I recommend that you check out my Foundations course!
The Sketchbook Design course is focused on the design and layout of the pages of your sketchbook
Please check out:
Foundations for general drawing instruction
Watercolour for essential painting skills
