If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank page wondering what should I draw? — you’re not alone. That question is one of the most common among beginner artists. The good news? The problem isn’t a lack of creativity — it’s having too many possible directions and not enough guidance.
This guide is designed to take the stress out of getting started. With step-by-step drawing prompts, useful beginner tips, and helpful breakdowns, you’ll not only find fun ideas to draw, but also build core drawing skills along the way. Whether you want to sketch something cute, seasonal, or just different, you’ll find answers (and inspiration) here.
Let’s dive into it!
Why You Struggle with “What Should I Draw?”
Before we jump into ideas, it helps to understand why the question feels hard. Here are a few common reasons:
- You don’t want to “waste” a sketchbook page
- You’re overwhelmed by too many options
- You’re afraid the result won’t be good
- You’ve drawn the same things too many times
This guide helps by narrowing your focus, suggesting beginner-friendly subjects, and making the process more important than the outcome.
Drawing Idea #1: A Friendly Dinosaur in a Hat
This quirky and charming prompt is a great warm-up that combines character design with accessory detail.
How to Draw It (Step-by-Step):
- Start with a sideways oval for the dinosaur’s head
- Sketch a curved neck and small rounded body
- Add short, stubby legs and a long tail that curls up
- For the hat, draw a wide-brim shape resting on the head, then add detail (e.g. stripes, buckle, or flower)
- Add simple eyes, a big grin, and tiny arms
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Introduces basic shape building
- Encourages a playful mindset
- Let’s you practice scale and proportion in a stress-free way
Variation to Try:
Give the dinosaur a different accessory — glasses, a bowtie, or even headphones!
Mistakes to Avoid:
Many beginners overcomplicate the arms or make the hat too detailed. Keep both simple and cartoon-style.
👉 See how this prompt was explored on Friendly Dinosaur in a Hat
Drawing Idea #2: Pilgrim Hat Still Life
This simple object-focused sketch is a great introduction to drawing from reference, especially around seasonal themes.
How to Draw It (Step-by-Step):
- Start with a cylinder for the hat’s crown
- Add an oval base for the brim
- Draw a buckle at the front using two nested rectangles
- Add shading to give the hat a sense of dimension
- Optionally, place it on a small table or add a background pumpkin
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Teaches object perspective
- Builds shading and texture skills
- Easy to vary while still staying recognizable
Variation to Try:
Change the setting — put the hat in a pile of autumn leaves or on a character.
Mistakes to Avoid:
Don’t draw the brim as a flat line — give it thickness and shape with curve and shadow.
👉 Practice this object sketch using Pilgrim Hat Still Life
Drawing Idea #3: A Valentine’s-Themed Doodle
This one is great for experimenting with style and symmetry — while tapping into feelings and fun.
How to Draw It (Step-by-Step):
- Start with a large heart in the center
- Add a cute face or wings to turn it into a character
- Surround it with simple elements: arrows, flowers, mini hearts, or stars
- Add soft shading or tiny pattern details
- Try coloring it in using soft reds or pastel tones
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Explores symmetry (hearts)
- Encourages personal expression
- Can be abstract or structured
Variation to Try:
Turn it into a full-page pattern or greeting card design.
Mistakes to Avoid:
Overloading the heart with detail too early — keep shapes large and spaced out at first.
You can see this idea in action with How to Draw Valentines
Build Your Drawing Skills: Core Concepts to Practice
Here’s one thing many beginner tutorials leave out — skills are built by doing simple things well. While trying these prompts, focus on:
1. Shape Construction
Break every object into circles, ovals, rectangles, and triangles. Even dinosaurs start with shapes!
2. Line Control
Draw slowly and repeat lines with confidence. Practice light strokes first, then firm lines once you’re sure.
3. Shading Basics
Start by identifying where the light comes from. Use light pressure for soft shadows and darker lines for edges.
4. Symmetry & Spacing
For hearts, hats, or faces — try splitting your page with a light vertical guideline to stay balanced.
5. Confidence Through Repetition
Don’t just draw one version of an idea. Try three! Each one will be better than the last.
Optional Mini Challenge: 5 Quick “What to Draw” Prompts
If you're still unsure what to sketch, try this short challenge:
- Draw a cactus with a mustache
- Sketch your breakfast as a cartoon character
- Draw a fox inside a coffee cup
- Combine two animals into one creature
- Doodle an object from your desk with a face
Each one helps develop creativity, humor, and sketching rhythm.
Final Thoughts
When you’re wondering what should I draw? — the real answer is: anything that makes you want to start.
Don’t worry about being perfect. Don’t stress if the lines are uneven. Just start with a shape, try a prompt, and follow where your pencil leads. The more you draw, the easier your ideas will flow — and that blank page won’t feel so intimidating anymore.
Pick one of the ideas above and draw it today. You’ll be surprised how much confidence it brings.