If you're an artist or an aspiring artist looking for easy sketch ideas, look no further.
I've rounded up 20+ easy sketch ideas beginners can draw. There are also sketches perfect for the adventurous beginner.
*I've included a FREE Artist Study printable at the bottom of this post!
For more sketch ideas, check out this post with 20 Cute Animal Sketch Ideas.
You may be wondering why you should even sketch in the first place.
Have you ever heard someone say that when you're writing a first draft, you shouldn't worry about spelling and grammar errors? That the first draft is just for getting your thoughts out?
The same concept applies to sketching.
Sketching your ideas is the first step in the design process, and is something that every artist should do.
When you sketch, it doesn't have to be perfect. The purpose of your sketches is to get your ideas out quickly.
Don't worry about erasing, or trying to make sure that everything is just right.
Your main focus should be getting your ideas out uninterrupted.
Let's Gather Our Supplies
- Drawing Pencils: I love the Arteza Professional Drawing Pencils for all of my drawing needs!
- Sketch Book: The Arteza Hardbound Drawing Book is the best drawing paper ever.
- Colored Pencils: I use the Arteza Professional Colored Pencils whenever I add color to my drawings.
Easy Sketch Ideas Beginners Can Draw
Check out this collection of sketch ideas that are beginner-friendly. There are even some step-by-step tutorials.
Tiny Penguin
Here's a simple drawing of a little penguin. This is an easy drawing that's perfect for beginners.
You could even add a pop of color to your penguin.

Credit: unknown
Baby Turtle
If you're looking for a cute drawing of an animal, check out this adorable baby turtle drawing.
This drawing has a bit more detail, but it's still very beginner friendly.

Credit: unknown
The Little Mermaid
Even if you're new to drawing, you will be able to reference this sketch of Ariel from The Little Mermaid.
I think this character sketch is so beautifully drawn.

Credit: sandrasartgallery
Little Shark
If you're looking for a beginner friendly drawing, it can't get any easier than this drawing of a shark.
If you have kids, this is a very kid friendly drawing too.

Credit: unknown
Baby Alligator
How adorable is this drawing of a baby alligator? I love how you see the drawing from two different angles.
I find that to be so helpful for beginners.

Credit: unknown
How to Draw a Pumpkin
When fall rolls around, you'll probably find yourself wanting to draw a pumpkin. Especially if you have a bullet journal.
This tutorial shows you how to draw a pumpkin step-by-step.

Credit: bonjournal_
How to Draw a Braid
Here's simple step-by-step tutorial showing you how to draw a braid. It even gives tips for coloring in the hair.

Credit: kaja
Girly Dresses
If you need dress ideas for your characters, here's a variety of dresses that are cute and beginner friendly.
This is also a great reference for drawing clothes if you need practice.

Credit: weheartit
How to Draw Mickey Mouse
I really enjoy drawing Disney characters. If you want to draw a Disney character, Mickey Mouse is a great character to start with.
This step-by-step tutorial makes it easy.

Credit: weheartit
How to Draw Realistic Eyes
If you're new to drawing eyes or have trouble drawing eyes, you should find this eye study helpful.
It shows you the basic eye shape, the way light hits the eye and more.

Credit: leemarej
Camping Area
This is a really simple drawing that's perfect for beginners. This drawing features a camping area, mountains, and trees.

Credit: weheartit
Flowers in Light Bulb
I love this drawing of flowers in a light bulb. After finishing this sketch, it would look great hanging up on your wall.
You could even add some color to make it stand out a bit more.

Credit: urbankate_in_ca
Character Eyes
This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to quickly and easily draw anime style character eyes.
Once you break things down into steps, it makes it a lot easier to do.

Credit: weheartit
Small Camping Area
Here's another drawing of a camping area. This one has slightly less details and is perfect for drawing newbies.

Credit: weheartit
How to Draw a Nose
Drawing a nose can be a challenge for some; however, this tutorial shows you how to draw the easiest nose ever.
This is such a great tutorial for new artists.

Credit: katcanpaint
Nose Studies
This isn't a tutorial exactly, but it shows you how different shaped noses look from the front view, side view, and at an angle.
This is great for learning how to draw different types of noses.

Credit: carlinblake
How to Draw a Diamond
I love how simple this picture breaks down the steps it takes to drawing a diamond. It's actually a lot easier than the final step looks.

Credit: weheartit
Planets in Head
At first glance, this drawing may seem complicated. However, if you take a close look at it, you'll notice that it's actually pretty simple to draw.
I would love to give this drawing a try. Color your picture to give it a unique look.

Credit: brian_galaxy
How to Draw a Bunny
I love drawing animals, so I find this bunny tutorial to be very helpful. When following this tutorial, you'll have your very own bunny drawing in no time.

Credit: weheartit
Line Drawings
If you're a fan of line art, try drawing some of the animals pictured below. You can also draw faces, shapes and more using the line art style.

Credit: weheartit
Fingers Touching
If you'd like to practice drawing hands, you can use this picture of two hands touching as your reference.
For more, check out my post for hand drawing references and ideas.

Credit: weheartit
How to Draw a Cat
If you want to know how to draw a cat, this simple tutorial makes it easy.
Once you get down the basics, you'll be able to draw a cat with more detail.

Credit: weheartit
Winnie the Pooh
While this isn't a step-by-step tutorial, these sketches of Winnie the Pooh are still very beginner friendly.
I love the sketches of Winnie the Pooh with his honey jar.

Credit: weheartit
How to Draw a Rose
If you're interested in drawing flowers, this simple tutorial will show you how to draw a rose in three steps.
This step-by-step tutorial makes drawing a flower easy.

Credit: artisthue
Eiffel Tower with Hearts
If you love the Eiffel Tower, try drawing this simple sketch of the Eiffel Tower surrounded by hearts.
I love how perfect this drawing is for beginners.

Credit: found on Pinterest
Palm Tree Inside Planet
I love drawings of planets, which is why I've included a few in this collection.
This drawing is of a planet and stars, with a palm tree and sand located within the planet.

Credit: masa_tattooer
Camping Site
Minimalist camping sites are always fun to draw because even though they're minimalist, the finished results looks like a beautiful piece of art.

How to Draw Hands
While this may not be beginner-friendly, I thought it would be helpful for anyone learning to draw hands. Hands are one of the most challenging body parts for artists to draw.
This tutorial breaks down how to draw different hand shapes and movements.

Credit: weheartit
Flower in Heart
Here's a simple drawing that anyone can do. This drawing is of a heart that's being used to hold water and a simple flower.

Credit: masa_tattooer
Step-by-Step Eyes
Here's another helpful tutorial for drawing eyes. This tutorial breaks down each step, which helps make drawing eyes easy.
This may seem complicated at first glance, but if you look at each individual step, you'll see how easy it can be to draw eyes.

Credit: weheartit
Mouth Expressions
If you want to draw different mouth expressions for your character, this sketch shows you how to draw a smile, smirk, grin, and more.
I love the book How to Draw Anime, for drawing the mouth of anime characters.

Credit: weheartit
Face in Flower Pot
This line drawing is so simple yet creative. I love how the face is growing from the flower pot and the top of the head is a simplistic flower.

Credit: masa_tattooer
Camping Ground and Mountains
This is similar to the previous camping drawings, but includes a little bit more detail for the mountain, trees, and tent.

Credit: weheartit
Girl Characters
Here's a sketch breakdown of four different girls. Each girl has her own look and style. If this is your drawing style, you should find this reference very helpful.

Credit: weheartit
Head in The Clouds
I love how simple and creative this head in the clouds drawing is. If you're looking for something you can sketch quickly, give this reference a try.

Credit: inkbox
Bonus Free Printable
Study your favorite artists with this free Artist Study printable. Click the image to download.
