The huge range of prompts includes found objects such as leaves, clocks, buttons and jewellery, along with more subjective suggestions such as 'something that smells good' and 'items in your pocket', to encourage you to sketch everyday items you may not have considered before.
All of the challenges are suitable for beginners and teaches the principles of drawing and art, with the aim of encouraging people to relax, have fun, and get creative!
At the start of the book Susan provides an introduction explaining why she has written the book, how to use it, and the benefits and reasons for cultivating a daily sketching habit. There is also a simple chapter on tools and materials, followed by a consideration of mindset and creativity when approaching the 100 prompts.
Also included are some warm-up exercises to help awaken the creative brain and inspire you to think more broadly about the prompts that she provides. The book is illustrated throughout with Susan's own responses to the prompts, in a mix of black and white sketches in pen or pencil, plus coloured illustrations, paintings and even collage – all intended to add interest, to inspire, and to enliven the reader.
Susan Yeates is an artist, author, podcast host and TEDx speaker. She has written and self-published four books including Learning Linocut (2011), an Amazon no. 1 bestseller, and Learn to Earn from Printmaking – An essential guide to creating and marketing a printmaking business (2016). Susan's first title for Search Press, Beginner's Guide to Linocut, was published in 2018.
Susan obtained a fine art, printmaking degree from Loughborough University and has been teaching art courses and workshops both in person and online since 2003. She also co-runs a pottery café in Woking, Surrey. Susan’s TEDx talk, Create your mandala universe – collaborate for a beautiful life, was broadcast in 2020.
Susan runs an annual 30-day sketching challenge every January through her website susanyeates.co.uk and on Instagram (@learninglinocut) and Facebook, encouraging people to develop a daily sketching habit.
Susan lives and works in Woking in Surrey, UK, and continues to teach printmaking and sketching through online courses. Susan is passionate about inspiring others to get creative and also hosts a podcast called Creativity Talks.