Sketchbook Indulgences

And how new (cheap) art supplies help me play!

This was the first full week of my Year of Play where I began prioritizing drawing over other things. Instead of drawing “when I have time,” I’m putting drawing first on my to-do list. So this week, after dropping Butterbean off at school, I sat down at my desk and drew in my sketchbook. Before anything else—before email, checking my online classes, tracking expenses, doing the laundry, washing the dishes, and all the other tasks pulling at me.

Sometimes it feels self-indulgent to spend an hour or more daily just drawing in my sketchbook. But then I remind myself: this is my job! If I am a Mom and an Artist, then I should prioritize Mom-things and Art-things.

My alcohol marker collection.

When I’m in Mom-mode, I prioritize being present with Butterbean (rather than the more administrative tasks like registering her for summer camp). And so, when I’m in Artist-mode, I should prioritize being present with my art (rather than admin tasks like email, taxes, and presentations).

That doesn’t mean those other Artist-and-Mom tasks don’t have to be done. They do, of course. But they shouldn’t be my first priority—they shouldn’t be the first thing I do when I sit down to focus. Play first/draw first, then fill in the gaps with the other stuff. That’s what I’m trying out for this year anyways!

✏️ Psst… paid subscribers can keep reading below for more on how new (cheap!) art supplies help me get in play-mode in my sketchbook and see my finished sketchbook page!