Drawing doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, the simplest lines can say the most. These simple line drawings are perfect for anyone who wants...
hand-drawn doodle art.
hand-drawn doodle art.
Divide your page into 4, 6, or 9 equal sections. Each one becomes a small canvas where you can try different patterns, drawings, or moods. This layout works great for days when you want to explore multiple ideas at once—without filling a whole page with one theme.
Place a single drawing, symbol, or cluster of marks in the center of the page, leaving negative space around it. This layout creates a sense of calm and makes the focal point stand out. It’s perfect for featuring a bold doodle or intuitive abstract design.
Think of this like a floating collage. Let different elements—shapes, objects, doodles—drift across the page with plenty of space between them. This layout invites randomness and freedom, perfect for relaxing sketchbook sessions.
Draw a border or frame around the page or just around a portion of it. The frame can be neat or messy, straight or organic. Inside, fill with a drawing, quote, or pattern. This layout adds structure while still giving you flexibility.
Dedicate the entire page to one pattern or texture. This could be tiny circles, lines, vines, or mechanical doodles. The repetition is calming, and the result is often surprisingly beautiful. It’s a great go-to when you want to draw without overthinking.
Divide your page in half—either top and bottom or left and right. Use each side for contrasting themes: light/dark, smooth/textured, planned/spontaneous. This layout helps explore opposites and adds a strong visual structure.
Doodling is a fun and relaxing way to explore creativity, and now you can start your journey with my free workbook!
The Art of Doodling is a printable workbook designed to help you discover and improve your art skills, no experience needed. At artmefree, it’s all about embracing creativity in a simple, enjoyable way, whether you’re just starting out or looking for fresh inspiration.
16 pages packed with fun doodling exercises ✨
Helps improve and level up your drawing skills ✏️
Features pattern ideas and step-by-step guides 🗒️
Includes examples alongside open space to explore 🎨
Download it now and start doodling!
Let your drawing evolve across the page in one continuous direction—like left to right or corner to corner. This style works well with abstract lines, intuitive marks, or unfolding doodles. It creates rhythm and tells a visual story.
Break the page into horizontal bands, like layers. Fill each layer with a different drawing, texture, or idea. This layout resembles a comic strip or geological cross-section and works beautifully for process sketches or step-by-step ideas.
Start with something in the center, then draw outward in a circular or spiral form. The page feels like it expands as you go. You can mix words, lines, and doodles to create motion and energy.
All of these sketchbook page layout ideas can be used again and again—with endless variations. The key is to let each layout support your creativity, not limit it. Whether your drawings are neat or chaotic, abstract or personal, the layout gives the page a beginning.
For more inspiration, take a look at the sketchbook-style prints and drawings in the artmefree gallery. Each piece starts intuitively, with no plan—just pen and flow. These same ideas can guide your own sketchbook practice.
You’ll also find affordable reprints of my hand-drawn designs in the shop that evolved directly from pages like these. Perfect for turning your love of drawing into something you can hang, share, or gift.
If you’ve ever stared at a blank page unsure where to start, these sketchbook page layout ideas are here to help. With just a few layout tricks, you can build pages that feel complete, expressive, and totally yours.
Save this list for your next journaling session—and when you’re ready for more visual ideas, explore the gallery or browse the shop for black and white art rooted in sketchbook creativity.
