Artist insight

Dibujante Nocturno reveals his drawing techniques, why the best sketchbook isn’t the most expensive and how to beat creative block

Draw anywhere and everywhere. Always carry a sketchbook and take it with you no matter where you are – whether you’re standing in a queue, on the train, having coffee with friends or at a family lunch. These are the mantras that I live by every day. It doesn’t matter if you get the art right or wrong – the key is to maintain momentum and enjoy drawing so you can practise with passion! This helped me to fall in love with the creative process.

Drawing is my way of living in the moment. I’ll draw while having a coffee in a bar, and my mind will be focused on the present. Having a gentle conversation while drawing gives me a sense of peace.

It’s important to practise drawing in a sketchbook on a daily basis. It’s a good habit to get into, because this perseverance helps us to improve as artists and achieve our objectives. This regular practice enabled me to create a range of quality art, which led to the publication of my own artbook – available via 3dtotal.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re practising for a commission, developing a personal project or just drawing for fun – the important thing is to pick up that pencil or pen and start making marks on paper.

1 TRY DRAWING WITH A BALLPOINT PEN

I have a lot of fun drawing with a BIC pen, because it enables me to sketch softly, at a low opacity – just as if it were a pencil. I love being able to start drawings in a carefree way, with very soft lines that make it possible to ‘flow’ and be creative on paper. There’s definitely something about the ink in this pen that fascinates me. I’ve tried drawing with all kinds of pens, ink markers and stylographs, but I always come back to my favourite ballpoint pen. Perhaps it’s because I’m able to draw so smoothly with it that captivates me.