As someone who’s long been fascinated by the intersection of art and technology, I’ve always treated my creative tools with a sense of exploration. But when I challenged myself to use the Atelier app on my Supernote exclusively for a year, I had no idea how transformative the journey would be. This was the closest I’ve ever come to finishing a sketchbook—and what an experience it was.
Why the Challenge?
The Atelier app isn’t just another digital drawing tool; it’s deliberately simple, more like a virtual paper sketchbook than a high-powered design suite. The absence of features like perfect line tools forces you to embrace imperfections, while the inclusion of a pencil tool invites you to slow down and work intuitively.
The challenge stemmed from my curiosity: could I recreate the discipline of traditional sketching in a digital medium? Could I commit to drawing regularly, improving my anatomy skills, and overcoming the urge to hop between apps and tools?
Anatomy: My Muse and My Test
I’d never attempted anatomical drawing before. It felt like a daunting, almost insurmountable mountain to climb. But what better way to challenge myself than to focus entirely on something new? Anatomy is a discipline that requires patience, precision, and perseverance—qualities I hoped to develop alongside my art.
The Experience:
1. Starting Simple:
The first few weeks were awkward. Without perfect lines, every stroke felt messy, and the pencil tool left a raw, unfinished quality to my work. But I leaned into it, reminding myself that sketchbooks are meant to be imperfect.
2. Embracing Limitations:
Unlike other digital tools, Atelier doesn’t let you polish every mistake into oblivion. I learned to accept flaws, turning them into stepping stones for growth. By focusing on the process rather than the outcome, I began to improve in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
3. Anatomy and Growth:
Drawing anatomy taught me to see shapes and forms in entirely new ways. From skeletons to muscles, every sketch was a study in observation. Some days, I’d fill pages with rough poses; other days, I’d painstakingly shade a single hand or foot. Over time, I noticed not just better technical skill but also a newfound confidence in tackling complex subjects.
4. The Joy of Progress:
By month eight, flipping through my “digital sketchbook” revealed a clear trajectory of improvement. This was a powerful motivator to keep going. Knowing I’d worked through frustrations and stuck with a single app for so long gave me a sense of creative accomplishment unlike anything else.
What I Learned:
1. Consistency is Key:
Working in Atelier daily or weekly gave me a rhythm. Even on busy days, squeezing in a five-minute sketch kept my creativity alive.
2. Limitations Foster Creativity:
The constraints of Atelier forced me to think differently. Without relying on crutches like ruler tools, I had to be deliberate and resourceful, which strengthened my skills.
3. Digital Can Feel Traditional:
Atelier’s simplicity mirrored the tactile satisfaction of working in a paper sketchbook. By the end of the year, I didn’t feel like I’d been using an app—I felt like I’d filled an actual sketchbook.
Finishing the Sketchbook (Almost)
This challenge became more than just an experiment with a digital tool. It was a journey of discipline, growth, and a deeper connection with my art. While I didn’t technically “finish” a sketchbook in the traditional sense, I created a cohesive collection of work, which feels just as fulfilling.
What’s Next?
As I wrap up this year long challenge, I’m eager to take what I’ve learned into other creative endeavors. Atelier taught me that limitations can lead to breakthroughs and that committing to a single focus can unlock growth in unexpected ways.
For anyone out there hesitating to start a creative challenge, I’d say this: pick a tool, set a goal, and stick with it. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve in just one year.
Here’s to more sketchbooks in the future!
