Hello from Sketchy Traveler, a mostly free, mostly biweekly newsletter on finding flow, ease and creativity in life and work. Paid subscribers make this newsletter possible and keep it free for those peeking out of their inboxes. Scroll past the fold for the latest creative adventures, tips, and tricks.

I very much advocate for drawing out in public. Going out somewhere to draw can help to stimulate new ideas, new perspectives and unlock skills and insights you might not have found simply at home scrolling the internet. Drawing in public can bring up some nervousness though since you are out in a place where anyone could comment on your work. Yet in over 10 years of drawing in public, I have found that most people are impressed and supportive of artists out practicing their craft.

Name What You Are Feeling

A great way to work with feelings is to name them as they come up. This can be quietly in your own head, saying it aloud or writing it down. This helps to externalize the feeling so you can experience it instead of being it. Once we have fully experienced a feeling and the need behind it, feelings often naturally subside. Feelings can also be useful indicators to something we are needing in the moment such as feeling a bit anger because we are hungry.

Find Supportive Spaces

Another way to manage nerves when drawing in public is to choose spaces where you feel comfortable. Maybe you prefer drawing at a park rather than a coffee shop, or vice versa. Often nervousness comes from the expectation of someone judging our work harshly, but other times it may be the space we find ourselves in. And of course, stay aware of anything that brings up nervousness because it is unsafe in some way.

Go With a Friend

Another great way to manage nervousness when drawing is to go with a friend. Drawing can be a very social activity and give you something to talk about. Plus having someone with you removes the pressure of someone’s attention on you. Keep in mind too that the other person does not even need to draw themselves. Many people are simply happy to have a reason to get out for a while, see something new and support someone they care about.

Most People You Meet Are Impressed

When we start drawing in public it can feel like we are going to get a constant stream of comments. Yet my experience has been that most people actually feel bad for interrupting and will stand off to the side trying to discreetly look at what you are doing rather than approach you. And when I engage with people who are looking at what I am doing they are usually more impressed that I am out drawing and want to talk to me about what I do. Provided you are open to this, drawing in public can even be a great way to meet new people.

Drawing Opportunity

Lunchtime Draw

12pm-1pm, Wednesdays

The Foundry (257 SW Madison Ave, Suite 210, Corvallis, OR)

I am starting up a lunch drawing time at a co-working space (The Foundry) in downtown Corvallis. This is an open time with minimal instruction for drawing and socializing. I will bring along a subject for us to draw together over lunch and some coloring sheets, but you are welcome to bring your own subject or project.

Any questions I can answer on the drawing time?

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