Too Many Ideas, Not Enough Action? (Try This Prompt)
Hi,
Ever sit down to sketch... and freeze?
It’s not that you lack inspiration—if anything, there might be too much of it. Between Pinterest boards, screenshots, and swirling ideas, choosing where to start can feel overwhelming. That’s not your fault—it’s how the brain works.
There’s a principle in psychology called Hick’s Law, which says the more choices you have, the longer it takes to decide. Sometimes, that delay leads to no action at all.
That’s where design prompts help.
A simple, clear prompt is a springboard. Prompts remove the pressure to choose and give your brain something to latch on to. They create an opportunity to seize the satisfaction of starting—and finishing—a sketch. That feeling builds momentum.
Here’s this week’s sketch prompt:
Sketch Prompt:
“Draw a cocoon-shaped coat with a single closure.”
The cocoon was first popularized in the early 20th century by Paul Poiret, and later reimagined by Charles James in the 1940s and ’50s. The “cocoon” silhouette is voluminous at the shoulders and tapers at the hem. Feel free to play with proportion and explore this shape as outerwear or evening wear. Consider how fabric choice affects its structure and mood.
✨ P.S. Missed last week’s prompt?
Last week’s sketch prompt: vintage-inspired sundress: low waist, fitted bodice, and full skirt.
You can see the sketch example here and watch a screen recording of the sketch process on Youtube.
More soon,
Amiko