What to Draw When You're Bored

Sometimes you want to draw something, but nothing comes to mind. You open your sketchbook, hold your pencil, and wait for an idea to appear.

Instead of waiting for inspiration, give yourself a small starting point. You don’t need a perfect idea or a complicated drawing. Even a five-minute doodle can turn an empty page into something interesting.

Here are some drawing ideas to try the next time you’re bored.

Quick drawing ideas for a few spare minutes

If you only have a little time, choose something you can sketch without planning a whole scene.

• A tiny house sitting on a cloud
• A cat sleeping inside a cardboard box
• A cup of coffee with a funny face
• A pair of sneakers with unusual patterns
• A little ghost holding a balloon
• A fish wearing a crown
• A collection of imaginary keys
• A plant growing out of an old shoe
• A smiling moon peeking through curtains
• A robot trying to water a flower

Don’t worry about making these drawings look realistic. Exaggerated shapes and silly details are often what make them fun.

Things to draw when you want a challenge

If simple doodles aren’t enough, try an idea that asks you to invent something.

Design an imaginary room

Draw a bedroom for a tiny dragon, a robot, or a person who lives underwater. Think about the furniture, decorations, and everyday objects that would belong there.

Invent a new animal

Combine two animals into one creature. What would a rabbit with octopus arms look like? How about a turtle with butterfly wings?

Draw an ordinary object from another world

Imagine a telephone used by aliens, a backpack made for mermaids, or a bicycle designed for traveling through space.

Turn a random shape into a picture

Draw a few random lines or shapes. Look at them from different angles and add details until they become an object, character, or creature.

Try a five-minute drawing challenge

A short time limit can make it easier to begin because you don’t have to commit to a finished illustration.

1. Minute 1: Choose a subject and sketch its largest shapes.
2. Minutes 2–3: Add recognizable details.
3. Minute 4: Add a background or a few decorative elements.
4. Minute 5: Add shadows, patterns, or one unexpected detail.

Stop when the timer ends, even if the drawing isn’t finished. You can always continue if you are enjoying it.

What if you still can’t decide?

Give yourself fewer choices instead of searching for the perfect idea.

Pick the first object you see, draw something using only circles, or sketch the same subject in three different styles. You can also use a random idea generator to make the decision for you.

Try the Things to Draw generator for a quick subject, or use the Drawing Prompt Generator when you want a subject combined with a setting, style, or creative challenge.

The important thing is to start. Your first drawing doesn’t have to be impressive; it just has to get your pencil moving.