How to Draw Anything From Memory (Sketch Blast)
Why Drawing From Memory Feels So Hard
If you’ve ever tried to draw something without reference, you’ve probably noticed how difficult it can be.
That’s because drawing from memory relies on:
understanding form
spatial awareness
and a well-developed visual library
The good news is—this can be trained.
What Is the Sketch Blast Exercise?
Sketch Blast is designed to:
improve your understanding of form
help you break objects into simple shapes
and strengthen your ability to draw from memory
Instead of copying a reference, you’ll draw a real object from multiple angles.
How It Works
You’ll need:
a simple object
paper
a pen
a timer
Choose something nearby, like:
a mug
a book
a bottle
a phone
Set your timer for 10 minutes.
Now begin sketching the object repeatedly from different angles.
Start With Simple Shapes
Before focusing on detail, break the object down into basic forms:
cylinders
boxes
spheres
For example, a mug can be simplified into:
a cylinder (body)
a curved shape (handle)
This makes it easier to:
understand structure
remember the object
and redraw it later
Explore Different Angles
Rotate your object and sketch it from:
front
side
top
angled perspectives
Each new angle reveals new information.
This builds a deeper understanding of how the object exists in 3D space.
Don’t Focus on Perfection
Just like the other exercises, this is about exploration—not refinement.
The goal is to:
draw quickly
try multiple variations
and stay loose
Over time, accuracy improves naturally.
Why This Exercise Works
By repeatedly drawing an object:
you reinforce its structure in your mind
you improve spatial awareness
you reduce dependence on reference
Eventually, you’ll be able to:
recall objects more easily
sketch ideas faster
and create more freely
Connecting This to Creativity
When you no longer rely on reference for every idea, you gain creative freedom.
You can:
experiment more
iterate faster
and explore ideas without interruption
This is where creativity becomes fluid.
Want to Go Deeper?
In my full class, I show how this exercise connects with the others to build a complete creative system.
You’ll also learn how to turn these sketches into finished ideas.
[Watch the full class on Skillshare]
Next Post: How to Turn Simple Ideas Into Unique Concepts (Creativity Blast)
