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This season of your life is worth remembering—not just the big moments, but the little, everyday ones too. The stuff that might seem ordinary now but will feel meaningful when you look back later. These 25 drawing prompts are meant to help you slow down and notice what’s happening around you. They’re a simple, creative way to capture how life feels right now.

Over time, these small sketches and notes can turn into something really special. Months or even years from now, you’ll be able to flip through your pages and remember things you might’ve otherwise forgotten—what your days looked like, how you were feeling, even that one song you couldn’t stop singing (yes, even out loud in public... oops, was that just me?).

To be honest, most days I’m completely drained. Life with little kids is loud, chaotic, and nonstop. I’ve got more wrinkles and deeper eye bags than I used to but I’m also genuinely happy. There’s joy in this season, even when it’s hard. Journaling helps me hold onto the good parts, especially the tiny, quiet ones that could easily get lost in the blur.

You don’t have to be a great artist to get something out of this. What matters is that it’s honest and yours. Messy pages are totally fine. What you’re doing is creating something real and personal.

Featured Positive Affirmation
This season of my life matters, and I choose to remember it with love. Each day holds a memory I’ll be glad I captured.

Drawing Journal Prompts for Daily Life

These prompts help you capture the everyday details that make up your life right now.

1. What’s Your Morning Really Like?

Think about your morning routine. Is it calm? Total chaos? Somewhere in between? Pick one small detail to sketch or write about—your favorite mug, the usual breakfast, the light coming through the window.

Don’t overthink it. Just notice what’s around you. What do you see when you’re going through your morning motions? I usually catch a glimpse of our garden roses doing their thing—especially in spring when they’re showing off.

This isn’t about being poetic or perfect. It’s just about noticing what’s real right now. These little details will help you remember what this season of life actually felt like.

2. What Song’s on Repeat in Your Life Right Now?

Pick a song you’ve been playing a lot lately. Doesn’t have to be deep—just something you’re enjoying. Write down a lyric that stands out to you, even if it’s just fun or catchy.

Now draw something to go with it. Think about the vibe, a scene, or whatever pops into your head when you hear that line. Let the music guide your page. Keep it simple, make it yours, and have fun with it.

3. What’s in Your Bag?

Dump it out. Everything. The receipts, the snacks, the random crayon (or is that just me?). Every little thing tells a story about your life right now.

Sketch what you find. Maybe it’s the pen you always reach for, your go-to lip balm, or a book you’ve been carrying around but haven’t opened in weeks. Big or small, these details matter.

Lay your items out and draw them as a little collection. Add quick notes or labels if you feel like it. This is your everyday life captured on a page, clutter and all.

4. What Are You Having For Lunch?

Who else loves lunch? Not only does it signal a break from the workday but you get to fill your belly up with something delicious. What’s on the menu lately? Draw your favorite lunch of the moment!

Feel free to jot down some words around your drawing to describe the flavors or the memories that pop up. This is your chance to share not just what’s on your plate, but how it makes you feel. Happy lunchtime drawing!

5. What Are You Grateful For Today?

Creating a visual gratitude list is such a delightful way to celebrate the little moments that bring joy to your day! Why not take a moment to think of three to five things that you’re feeling thankful for right now? It could be something as simple as savoring a delicious cup of coffee, receiving a sweet compliment from a friend, or admiring the gorgeous colors of a sunset.

This fun and creative practice not only helps you tap into your artistic side, but it also lifts your spirits by shining a light on all the wonderful things in your life.

6. What’s the Weather Like Today?

How's the weather treating you today? Why not gather your art supplies and jot down your feelings in your drawing journal? Whether it’s a sunny day with clear blue skies or a cozy rainy afternoon, let those colors and textures flow to reflect the mood around you. Is it cold and windy like it was on the day I drew my entry? This fun exercise is a great way to connect with your surroundings and share your feelings through art.

7. What was a standout moment from your day?

Choosing a standout moment from your day can be a grounding and meaningful practice. It doesn’t have to be big—just something that made you pause or smile. For example, today my son picked some flowers and carefully brought them to me, just because he knows I love them. That small act filled me with so much warmth. When you illustrate your moment, try to capture not just what happened, but how it felt. Over time, these small reflections can become a beautiful record of your everyday life.

8. What Are Your Plans This Weekend?

Planning your weekend can be just as enjoyable as living it. Maybe you’re heading out for a hike, exploring a local market, or cozying up for a movie marathon at home. Try sketching a simple layout of your plans—use boxes, bubbles, or doodles to represent each activity. It’s a fun way to visualize your weekend and bring your anticipation to life on the page.

Drawing Journal Prompts for Self-Reflection

These prompts give you space to check in with your emotions, thoughts, and personal growth.

9. Have You Tried Creating a Mind Map of Your Thoughts Today?

Try creating a mind map of your thoughts today—it’s a fun way to explore your mind! Start by writing down any thought that comes to you, whether it’s a random idea or something deeper. Don’t worry about order; just let your thoughts flow freely. As you map, you may notice patterns or themes that reveal what’s on your mind, from goals to worries. This exercise can give you fresh insights, spark new ideas, and help you see connections you hadn’t noticed before.

10. How Can You Create a Self-Portrait That Reflects Your Mood?

Creating a self-portrait that captures your current mood is a meaningful way to connect with your emotions and express yourself creatively.

Think about the style you want for your portrait. Do you want it to be realistic or more cartoonish? You might decide to emphasize certain features or include symbols that represent how you're feeling. For instance, if you're feeling overwhelmed, you could draw swirling lines around your head to illustrate the chaos in your mind. If you're feeling hopeful, maybe add rays of light or flowers in the background.

This self-portrait can act as a snapshot of who you are right now, giving you a chance to reflect on how your emotions change over time. It’s a personal piece of art that tells your story at this moment. So, grab your favorite drawing tools and let your feelings guide your creation!

11. Have You Tried a Mirror Drawing of Yourself?

Take a moment to look at your reflection and sketch what you see, focusing on both your appearance and emotions. What’s your expression today? Draw it realistically or exaggerate your feelings at the moment.

Jot down any thoughts as you sketch. How are you feeling, what’s on your mind, and what’s going well? This exercise helps you reflect on both your outer and inner self. Over time, it can be a powerful way to check in with yourself.

12. How can you capture a recent moment when you felt truly present?

Mindfulness is all about being present and truly soaking in everything happening around you. Remember a moment when you really enjoyed your surroundings? Maybe it was a beautiful scene you could sketch or just the lovely view from your window. Taking a little time for this kind of activity helps you notice those small, special moments in everyday life that can bring so much joy!

Drawing Journal Prompts Inspired by Media

Turn the things you're watching, reading, and listening to into journal art.

13. What TV Scene Would You Love to Illustrate?

Think about a TV scene that really stuck with you—maybe it was a heartwarming moment, a jaw-dropping twist, or a hilarious exchange between characters. Focus on the expressions, the setting, and any details that made the scene unforgettable. You can also add speech bubbles with quotes or thoughts that stuck with you.

If you’re thinking about a dramatic finale scene, for example, capture the tension in the characters' faces and the mood of the moment. This prompt isn’t just about being creative—it’s about bringing those TV moments to life in your journal and turning your art into a personal archive of the stories that inspire you.

14. What’s a quote you love, and how can you illustrate it in your own style?

Choosing a favorite quote can be a powerful way to reflect on your current mindset. Take a moment to think about a phrase or saying that resonates with you today. It could be something uplifting, humorous, or thought-provoking. Once you have your quote, write it down in your journal, and let your creativity flow as you illustrate its meaning or emotion.

This exercise not only allows you to express your artistic side but also deepens your connection to the words that inspire you. It’s a meaningful way to document your life, capturing your thoughts and feelings visually.

15. How would you redesign the cover of the book you're currently reading?

Designing a book cover for the book you're diving into is a super fun way to express how you feel about the story. Start by thinking about the main themes and characters that stick with you. What emotions does the book bring out—joy, suspense, sorrow, or thrill? Consider how you can visually represent those vibes. You can keep it simple or go all out, depending on what you're in the mood for. This is a great way to show off your creativity while getting deeper into the story. Plus, it really helps you connect with the book on a whole new level!

16. What's a Movie Scene You Recently Loved?

Think of a scene from a movie that really stuck with you—maybe it made you laugh, cry, or feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Pay attention to the little things: the actors' facial expressions, the beautiful setting, or the overall vibe of the moment.

For instance, in a romantic film, you might imagine a couple sharing their feelings under a twinkling starry sky. Or if it’s an action-packed scene, think about the thrill of a high-speed chase!

This fun exercise is a great way to practice your drawing skills while reflecting on what made that scene so special to you. Enjoy!

Drawing Journal Prompts from the World Around You

Look outside and take inspiration from your surroundings.

17. What Did You Notice on Your Nature Walk?

Go on a short walk and keep an eye out for the little things—maybe it’s the shape of a leaf, the color of a flower, or the way the clouds are drifting. You can bring your journal along and find a spot like a picnic table to sketch, or just snap a photo and draw it later at home.

Personally, I like bringing my journal to the park and drawing while I’m there. It’s really calming and helps me slow down.

When you sit down to draw, pick something that caught your attention. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just capture the feeling. Add a few words about how the walk made you feel or anything you were thinking about. It’s a simple way to connect with your surroundings and enjoy a little creative moment.

18. What’s a Day Like Through Your Pet’s Eyes?

Imagine life from your pet’s point of view. Sketch their day—waking you up, lounging in a sunny spot, playing with a toy, or waiting for a walk.

Capture the little things: tail wags, head tilts, or their favorite cozy spot. Add thought bubbles for what they might be thinking. It’s a fun way to celebrate your furry friend’s world!

19. What’s Your Favorite Outfit?

Think of an outfit that makes you feel great—fashionable, stylish, comfortable or full of memories. Sketch it in your journal, paying attention to the colors, textures, and little details.

Don’t forget the accessories! Add your go-to shoes, favorite bag, or that necklace you always wear. Then jot down where you wore the outfit and how it made you feel. It’s a fun way to celebrate your personal style and the moments tied to it.

20. What’s Going On in the World?

Pick a news story that caught your attention—maybe something uplifting, important, or close to home. Sketch the parts that stand out: the people, the setting, or any little details that help tell the story.

If it was a protest, you could draw the crowd, their signs, or the energy of the moment. Add a few notes or thoughts about why it mattered to you. It’s a creative way to stay connected and make sense of what’s happening in the world.

21. What Scent Takes You Back?

Think of a smell that brings back a memory—maybe fresh cookies, ocean air, or your favorite perfume. Now draw the scene that comes to mind. It could be a kitchen, a beach, or a moment with someone special. You can also jot down a few notes about how it made you feel. It’s a simple way to turn a memory into something visual and meaningful.

22. What Stood Out to You at a Local Cultural Event?

Visit a local festival, art show, or cultural celebration and take in the sights, sounds, and energy around you. Bring your sketchbook and draw what catches your eye—colorful outfits, lively performances, food stands, or even the crowd itself.

Try to capture the feeling of the event, whether it’s people dancing, chatting, or enjoying the music. You don’t have to draw everything—just focus on the moments that stand out to you. It’s a fun way to connect with your community and turn the experience into something personal.

Drawing Journal Prompts for the Imagination

Let your mind wander and get creative with these imaginative prompts.

23. What Did You Dream About Last Night?

Dreams are such a fascinating peek into our minds, filled with odd moments, colorful feelings, and surprising twists! If a dream lingers in your thoughts after you wake up, why not try sketching it out? Focus on the parts that really caught your attention—a lively conversation, a quirky setting, or a familiar face acting completely out of character.

No need to stress about making it perfect—just capture the essence! It’s a fun way to reflect, sort through emotions, and maybe even find a little clarity in the chaos. Trust me, I can’t be the only one who wakes up thinking, “What on earth was that?” Enjoy exploring your dreams

24. How Would You Visualize Your Feelings?

Take a moment to reflect on how you're feeling right now. Grab your favorite drawing tools and illustrate your emotions. Just focus on what you're truly experiencing. It can show the whole range of emotions you feel over the course of a day.

This exercise helps you visually express your emotions, giving you a creative way to process and understand how you're feeling in the moment.

25. What Does Your Dream Life Look Like?

Take a moment to picture where you’d like to be in the next few years. What does your dream life look like? Perhaps you envision a cozy home filled with warmth, love, and laughter, where every corner reflects your personality and creativity. Imagine soft, inviting colors on the walls that make you feel at peace the moment you step inside. Maybe there are lush green plants that breathe life into the space. You can almost hear the sound of joyful conversations and laughter echoing in the background as you gather with loved ones. Picture your friends and family sitting around a beautifully set dinner table, sharing stories and delicious meals, creating unforgettable memories together.

On the flip side, maybe your ideal life is set in a lively city, where each day offers fresh adventures and opportunities. You can see yourself thriving in a job that sparks your enthusiasm, waking up every morning looking forward to what you’ll do. Whatever big ideas you have in mind, it’s super important to take a step back and look at the little things. Those details really matter when it comes to making your dreams happen, and each of them can make a huge difference in creating an amazing and satisfying future.

Whether you’re sketching cozy moments at home or capturing joyful times with friends and family, these 25 drawing journal prompts are here to help you slow down and reflect. Life can be a whirlwind, but taking a little time to creatively jot down what you’re experiencing can really clear your mind, boost your gratitude, and even help you heal.

There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to illustrate your life. Think of these prompts as friendly suggestions, and let your drawings become a personal time capsule of what truly matters to you right now. One day, you might look back at these pages and uncover feelings, growth, and moments you didn’t even realize you wanted to remember.

So grab your favorite pen, pencil, or brush, and let’s get started!

25 Drawing Journal Prompts to Help You Remember This Season of Life