Make (Sneaky) Art

Observe your world through the pages of a sketchbook and find art in the everyday moments of ordinary life. How would life change if, whenever you found a free moment, you reached for a sketchbook instead of your phone? Make (Sneaky) Art is not just a guide to drawing on location; it is a way to actively engage with our world and reclaim our attention spans. After moving to the United States, author Nishant Jain began carrying a sketchbook to better understand his new world and learn to draw. Hesitant to do “this silly thing” in public, he developed a practice of sneaky art—making quick, secret sketches from observation inside a small sketchbook. Make (Sneaky) Art is the culmination of this journey of self-education—to become an artist and a more mindful observer of the world. In this book, you will find: - Techniques to draw your environment: Learn to draw as a way to be present in your world, free from the distractions of devices and notifications.- Ideas to overcome your imposter syndrome: Let go of the baggage that prevents you from following your creative instincts.- Tips to sustain a lifelong sketchbook habit: Integrate sketching into your daily routine, wherever it takes you. Today is the day to begin the visual journal of your life.

Nishant Jain, also known as The Sneaky Artist, is an artist, writer, and former neuroscience student who left his PhD program to pursue art and writing full-time. His unique approach to “sneaky sketching” has resonated with fans around the world, inspiring them to capture their surroundings quietly and authentically. Through his workshops, newsletter, The SneakyArt Podcast, and social media, Nishant shares his love for observing and documenting life in real time, encouraging artists to embrace simplicity and find joy in small, daily sketches. Instagram: @thesneakyartist Website: sneakyartist.com

INTRODUCTION  CHAPTER 1 WHAT AND WHY: BEING SNEAKY IN THE PURSUIT OF ART  > We Live in a Beautiful World  > Why I Started Being Sneaky  > Good Reasons to Be Sneaky  > A Toolkit for Sneaky Art  > The Art Is Sneaky Too  CHAPTER 2 BEFORE THE BEGINNING: DEFEAT THE BLANK PAGE 25 > What Is a Blank Page to You?  > EXERCISE: Free Your Lines  > If You See Something, Draw Something  CHAPTER 3 FIRST STEPS: GET STARTED QUICKLY 33 > Keep It Simple  > Build a Curiosity Spiral  > Mapping and Using Anchors to Find Your Way  > Layers! Layers! Layers!  > Quick Drawing Challenges  CHAPTER 4 GOOD IDEAS: ON THE PATH TO STYLE  > How Do You Find Your Style?  > Trusting Your Instincts  > Accuracy vs. Precision  > Writing and Drawing Are the Same Thing  > EXERCISE: Learning to See  CHAPTER 5 SMALL IS BIG: DRAW TINY PEOPLE  > A Five-Step Guide to Drawing a Tiny Person  > Who Are Tiny People?  > How/Why I Started Drawing Tiny People  > EXERCISE: Drawing Tiny People at the Café  CHAPTER 6 THE FINISH LINE: HOW TO STOP  > The Other Big Obstacle  > Let Curiosity Guide the Way  > Understanding Your Circumstances  > Go Outside-In  > Three Levels of Details  > Why Three Levels?  > You Are the Filter  CHAPTER 7 THE GIFT OF ATTENTION: FINDING INSPIRATION IN YOUR WORLD  > Seeing Through a Sketchbook  > Tips for Drawing in Outdoor Spaces  > Tips for Drawing in Indoor Spaces  > Tips for Drawing While Traveling  CHAPTER 8 MORE GOOD IDEAS: REASONS TO KEEP A SKETCHBOOK  > What Is a Sketchbook For?  > What Is the Best Sketchbook?  > An Invitation to Spend Time  > The Gift of Attention  > Room for Magic  > A Chance to Discover Yourself  > A Record of a Changing World  > A Way to Remember Everything  CHAPTER 9 VISUAL DIARY: BUILD A SKETCHBOOK HABIT  > Find a Community: The #OneWeek100PeopleChallenge  > Make Time from Nothing: The Five-Minute Habit  > Keep It Fresh: Look for the New  > Keep It Challenging: Change Sketchbooks!  > Keep It Real: The Secret Sketchbook  CHAPTER 10 WHAT’S NEXT: CONCLUDING THOUGHTS  > Be the Curator of Your Own Gallery  > Give Art to Friends and Family  > Leave Art for Strangers to Find  > Join a Local Art Group  > Teach Others  > Be (Un)comfortable  > Be More Human Than Ever Before  ABOUT THE AUTHOR  INDEX