You might wonder why I spend time drawing things like my old running shoes, my grocery haul, houseplants, neighborhood birds, outfits, and coffee.

I realize none of these subjects are “exciting.” But you know what? They keep me drawing. Every single day.

And when I do travel, and get to go somewhere exciting, sketching feels that much easier, because I’ve been “practicing.”

But I get it, some days you sit down with your sketchbook and think: “There’s nothing to draw.”

So to help you get started this week, here are seven sketch prompts that keep your hand moving even when life feels a bit ordinary.

1. Draw a houseplant

Houseplants are perfect because they grow and change.

Sketch one today and you’ll have a visual record of it years from now, like a botanical time capsule.

2. Draw your favorite pair of shoes

Write a short note about why you love them, where they’ve been, how long you’ve had them, the memories attached. Shoes have personalities. Trust me.

3. Draw your bag

Yes, like the old YouTube “What’s in my bag?” videos.

Dump it out, sketch everything, label it.

This is weirdly fun and tells a surprising story about your life.

4. Draw your coffee

Turn it into a tiny infographic:

How you make it.

Your ratios.

Your favorite mug.

Your morning routine.

5. Draw your groceries

Spread them out and sketch your haul.

Add a note about what you’re cooking this week or your current favorite snack.

Later, it becomes a snapshot of your season of life.

6. Illustrate what you’re reading

Books spark imagery.

Draw a creature, a symbol, a moment or anything inspired by your current read.

(I recently re-read Harry Potter and had so much fun drawing a griffin.)

7. Draw a critter

This could be:

• a bird you saw on a walk

• your neighbor’s dog

• a squirrel

• or even something tiny, like an insect

Take a quick reference photo with your phone.

Final thoughts

Drawing “boring” things is what keeps your hand loose, your eyes sharp, and your creativity awake.

When the big moments arrive (the travel, the architecture, the landscapes) you’ll be ready.

Draw the ratty shoes. Draw the groceries. Draw the plants. Draw the tofu.

Your future travel sketchbook will thank you.

Why I Draw Ratty Old Running Shoes… and Why You Should Too

Inkbound Travel