A gentle, inspiring introduction to beginning a creative sketchbook practice
Do you long to start a sketchbook… but don’t know where to begin?
You feel overwhelmed by the blank page
You worry about “getting it wrong”
You compare yourself to others
You lose momentum before you’ve even begun
You are great at buying sketchbooks but never use them
If that sounds familiar, you are not alone.
And more importantly, you are in the right place.
I've made this course for YOU.
Sketchbook Starters is a gentle, supportive, self-paced course designed to help you begin your sketchbook journey with confidence, curiosity, and self-compassion.
This is not about perfection. This is not about creating polished, finished artwork.
This is about starting.
It’s about learning how to:
show up to the page
explore without pressure
reconnect with your art materials
build a sketchbook practice that actually feels good to return to
Whether you’re a complete beginner, a practicing artist or returning after time away, you are welcome here.
Sketchbook Starters is designed to be simple, spacious, and encouraging.
Inside, you’ll find:
Ten step-by-step lessons to help you move from hesitation to action, without the overwhelm.
Accessible explanations to help you understand what's going on in your brains to help you break through the blocks and loosen perfectionism.
You’ll learn tried and tested techniques which help you to enjoy the act of starting, rather than staying stuck.
Small, manageable practices that help you return to your sketchbook pages again and again.
Grounded in Sue's training as an art therapist this course is gentle and encouraging with space to ask questions and share your thoughts.
You don’t need more time. You don’t need more skill. You don’t need to feel “ready.”
You just need a place to start.
Sketchbook Starters is that place.
which show you what to do to get those sketchbook pages started with confidence
with my simple, no pressure methods to banish the fear of the blank page today.
Bio section
I’m an artist, art therapist and creative guide passionate about helping people reconnect with their creativity in a gentle, meaningful way. Through my work, I support you to move beyond perfectionism and rediscover the joy of making.
My approach is rooted in seasonal living, curiosity, and self-compassion, encouraging you to explore your sketchbook as a space for expression, not pressure. Whether you’re returning to creativity or just starting out, I’m here to help you build a practice that feels nourishing, playful, and truly your own.
FAQ section
You've got questions. I've got answers.
Just click on the buttons anywhere on this page and they will take you to the sign up page.
This course is provided on a platform called Podia. After you have signed up and paid you will receive log in details to the course via email. You will be taken to the log-in page and will see the course curriculum there and can you get started.
This course is self-paced so you can begin as soon as the course opens and you can take as long as you need to complete it within 365 days.
I don't offer refunds for self-paced courses. The video and written descriptions on this page give you a comprehensive account of what's included. I would encourage you to contact me before enrolling if you have any questions I have not answered there info@suebulmer.co.uk
There is no tutor support available on self-paced courses. There is a comments section below each lesson where you can share your work and ask questions. I will check in each week but cannot promise to see and comment of each post. I will not be able to give personal feedback or advice.
The course is charged and paid for in GBP (Great British Pounds).
To get the most from the course you will need a high speed internet connection.
No. As the course is self-paced you can choose when you access the materials. None of the videos are live.
You can log in on a phone, tablet or laptop.
No. Your log in and password are for you alone and in the interests of goodwill should not be shared.
This course is aimed at anyone who is creative, beginner, mid level or advanced. The techniques are easy to follow and can be adapted to suit your way of working.