Operation Snowflake
For those who live in the Northern Hemisphere, winter can be a cruel, cold and dark time.
This December, we recommend a simple warm-up that is not only seasonal, but is a reminder that winter also comes with so much joy and beauty.
This exercise is inspired by the amazing geometry that results when water molecules bond to form snowflakes; each one completely unique and exists for but a brief moment in time.
Captured using Sketchbook 6.2.3 on iPad Pro.
Outline
Using the Symmetry Tool in Sketchbook or Sketchbook Pro, create a series of snowflake designs.
Create them on their own individual layer or reposition the tool each time to make a collage across your canvas.
Try to keep your sketches loose and get into the rhythm of making one after the next. They don’t have to be perfect.
Like real snowflakes, each one will be unique. Even if you try to make them the same, your hand will produce different variations in every stroke.
Challenge yourself to explore different techniques. Get into the creative flow.
Change things up with a dark background to create snowflakes in traditional white.
Make as many designs as you like. You may find you end up more than you expected.
If you found this exercise enjoyable, feel free to repeat operation-snowflake as needed. :)
Extras
As a warm-up, your collection of drawings don’t have to have any other purpose other than to limber up or to lift your spirits… OR you can choose to have a bit more fun with them:
Save them as individual images with alpha to use as stickers on photos or in text messages.
Share a ‘snowflake-a-day’ on social media to brighten up the day for others (we’ll love to see them too).
Create custom brushes with them in Sketchbook Pro or with the Premium Bundle
We’ve converted our collection into this set of 24 brush stamps. Download them, import them and paint up a storm!
Remember, drawing is fun… sharing your creations multiples that fun!
All the best!
Brush set created in Sketchbook 6.2.3 on Samsung S11 with Android 15