A simple guide to get out of art block and have fun with your sketchbook — one animal drawing at a time
Feeling stuck or uninspired when you sit down to draw?
You’re not alone. In fact, this happens all the time. Whether you’re just getting started or returning to your sketchbook after a break, it can feel hard to know where to begin. That’s why I made this 30-day animal drawing challenge — not as a test or goal to “complete,” but as a soft invitation to reconnect with your creativity, one animal at a time.
There’s no pressure to keep up. Instead, skip around, repeat animals, draw stick frogs — whatever feels good. More than anything, it’s about reconnecting with your sketchbook.
What’s in the Drawing Challenge?
Each day, you’ll be inspired to sketch a different animal — from wide-eyed owls to tiny frogs. Rather, the focus isn’t on getting it right, but on observing, exploring texture and shape, and finding a little joy in the process.
✔ A list of 30 animal prompts (some familiar, some surprising)
✔ A printable tracker (optional) to mark your days or doodle in
✔ Optional image references to support your practice
(Pinterest board and blog posts linked below)
Clicking on the image itself brings you to my Pinterest where I have tons of references and more!
In order to download the full list below click on the pin, then right click and hit download image! That way you can return to it whenever you like.
Some Friendly Tips
Don’t worry about missing a day. After all, you’re still an artist.
Your sketches don’t need to be perfect. Messy is beautiful.
Use whatever you have — ballpoint pens, old notebooks.
Repeat your favorites. Or skip the ones you don’t vibe with.
Draw for five minutes or fifty. Either way, you get to choose.
Oh—and if you’re someone who sketches on the go, I put together a list of my favorite traveling art supplies that keep things light and simple. You can check it out here.
Want to Explore Further?
If you’re looking for reference photos to inspire your drawings, I’ve started putting together a growing Pinterest board full of animal reference images. You can also visit my blog post featuring 7 frog species, each with sketch-friendly angles and colors:
Art References: 7 Frog Species for Your Sketchbook
Please! Share your sketches with me. I’d love to see them. Either through email or pin it on Pinterest and share it with me. Happy drawing!
Have a favorite animal you’d love to see included in future references? I’d really love to know. Feel free to leave a comment or message me anytime.
If you’re enjoying the rhythm of drawing again, you’re welcome to join my newsletter. I share new printables, sketchbook ideas, and animal references every so often — always with intention, never spam.
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