Unlock Your Imagination

Ever sit down to draw, stare at the blank page, and think, I have no ideas? Or worse—come up with an idea, start sketching, and immediately judge it into oblivion? We’ve all been there.


So here’s the rule:


Fill two sketchbook pages every night before bed.


No erasing. No rejecting ideas. Just draw.


The goal isn’t perfection. It’s not even about making something “good.” It’s about filling the pages, having fun, and letting your imagination run wild.


And the best way to spark that imagination? Ask:


“What if…?”


The Power of “What If”


This simple question unlocks endless possibilities. It doesn’t care about logic. It doesn’t demand accuracy. It just opens a door and dares you to walk through.

• What if clouds were jellyfish floating in the sky?

• What if a wandering traveler carried an entire ruined castle on their back?

• What if mirrors reflected not your image, but an alternate version of you?


Your first idea might be predictable. But the second or third? That’s where things get interesting. Keep pushing, keep asking, and don’t let judgment get in the way.


Working from Imagination Only (Yes, Even If It’s Hard)


You might be tempted to grab references, but this exercise is about training your visual memory. The more you force yourself to pull ideas from your own mind, the stronger your ability to see before you draw. Think of it like flexing a muscle.


How to Fill the Pages:

1. Thumbnail Like a Maniac – No detail, just loose, quick sketches. The goal is to get ideas flowing.

2. Silhouettes First – Block out shapes and forms in black, then carve details from the shadows.

3. No Mercy, No Judgment – Ugly? Weird? Doesn’t matter. You’re here to create, not critique.


Failure is the Point (Seriously, Embrace It)


Your first sketches will be rough. Maybe even bad. Good. That means you’re pushing past hesitation and into discovery. Failure isn’t a setback—it’s proof you’re experimenting.

• That first pages? Meh.

• The next few? Slightly better.

• The tenth? Now you’re cooking.


Every drawing, no matter how messy, is a step forward. The more you let go of expectations, the more your creativity flows.


Make It Fun


The Rule is Simple: Just Fill the Pages


Two pages. Every night. No exceptions. No erasing. No overthinking.


Not every drawing will be great—but every drawing will teach you something.


Now grab your sketchbook, ask “What if…?” and let your imagination take over.


I’m an artist based in Missoula, Montana, where I live with my spouse, our blue heeler, and our bearded dragon. My creative work spans pen and ink, graphite, oil paint, gouache, digital media, and photography.

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