63: Playing With Scale—When Small Things Feel Big
Recent sketchbook pages, and upcoming events
While I was teaching a two-day workshop in Apex, NC this past week, we talked a lot about the relationship between big and small drawings on our sketchbook pages—and how they can interact. One large element, like a wide open landscape or a busy city scene, can connect with something small: a ladybug crawling across your arm, a glass of wine you enjoyed, a book you read, or a small item you picked up along the way.
But “big” and “small” don’t always have to correlate to literal scale. In the example I shared during the workshop, I was inspired by the socks and shoes one participant was wearing—so I blew them up in scale and made the outside street scene small in the background. Playing with scale this way can lead to much more interesting and engaging compositions. It’s a fun way to shift perspective and draw attention to the things you might otherwise overlook.
It also mirrors how our memories flow. Sometimes, a tiny detail takes up the most space in our minds, while the broader view fades to the background. Our stories don’t flow in neat, linear ways—so why not reimagine your sketchbook pages with that same fluidity?
Above and below are a few glimpses from my birthday in Springs—drawings from walks and quiet moments, again playing with scale. The sea near Shelter Island, the sweet farm animals next door (those round, waddling sheep are due for their spring haircut any day), and a beautiful bouquet from my parents that found its way into my sketchbook too. The flowers take up a lot of space on the right page, but the moments and drawings around them are quieter and smaller.
I drew the page below while waiting in the bleachers for my nephew’s name to be called at his college graduation. Flowers on the seats behind me, and my mother-in-law protecting herself from the harsh sun under her scarf are larger because they are things that tell a more complete story, and the view ahead shows the wider setting.
I would love to see how you play with scale, or know how this conversation inspires you. This is definitely going to be a topic at a Draw Your World meetup soon!
Just below, that’s me with my crew—head down, working on the graduation day page above. I often look like this when I’m feeling overwhelmed. I’m so glad I had my sketchbook with me—it helps me stay present, and also acts as a bit of a mask for my introverted self.
A recent share on Notes: I noticed that our museum membership cards were looking the same so I decided to draw them all and put them in a tiny wallet made of paper. When it makes sense to, I have so much fun adding interactive surprises on my sketchbook pages. I have a whole class about interactive sketchbook pages on Skillshare.
There are lots of new readers here lately, and I just want to say thank you. I’m truly honored that so many of you are looking, reading, and following along. Substack has introduced me to such a thoughtful and inspiring creative community—I’m grateful to be creating and connecting with you here.
Skillshare Live This Wednesday
After a month of handwriting and lettering, Skillshare asked me to host a Live Session! I’ll share how I turn messy handwriting into expressive, unique lettering—plus a peek at my sketchbooks, logos, and work by other artists. Then we’ll dive into a few fun guided exercises. This is free on the Skillshare YouTube channel! Click here to watch the preview and save the link.
Materials: Smooth paper, pencil, and a few black pens (Crayola markers or Microns work great!).
Draw Your World Meetups
The next meetup is on June 10th with
, and the theme is “Dogs of Brooklyn”. All invitations are shared in the subscriber chat.Brooklyn Events:
Drink & Draw With Creatively Wild
Join me on June 25th from 6-8pm for a fun workshop that I am teaching under the archway in DUMBO. This year we will be creating continuous line faces or portraits and then painting them and filling the shapes with color and collage. This is an all-level workshop. Click here to book your spot.
Coloring Wall Under the Arches
I’m excited to be part of Live at the Archway this summer in DUMBO! On Thursday, June 12th from 5-7:30pm, I’ll be taking over the Art Wall under the Manhattan Bridge with a giant 8x8' coloring book-style mural. I’ve created a custom black-and-white design just for this event, which will be printed large-scale for everyone to color in throughout the evening. I’ll be there in person while the public helps bring the piece to life—come say hi, grab a marker, and make your mark! This event is free and open to the public! RSVP here.
A Retreat in France
August 15-22, 2026
This week-long workshop at Atelier Clos Mirabel explores the art of seeing and storytelling through drawing, no matter your experience level. From abstract sketches to detailed renderings, there’s no right way to capture your world. You will learn to organize your thoughts on the page by creating meaningful visual narratives and challenge yourself to draw in new ways – all while capturing your adventures with confidence and creativity. Click here for all information. (If the retreat is sold out, you can add your name to the waitlist!)
You can now order signed and personalized copies of Draw Your Adventures from Books Are Magic. Order by July 9th!
Ambassador and Affiliate Codes
If you’d like to try out Blackwing pencils or just order some new items, please shop using this unique link: blackwing602.com/sdionbaker. When you purchase using my link, there’s no additional cost to you, and I earn a small commission. I appreciate your support!
My relationship with the US distributor of Caran D’Ache, Creative Art Materials, started back when I wrote Draw Your Day in 2018—after they saw that I have been using their materials since I was in grade school. Click here to find some my favorites on the Orange Art website.
All products from Art Toolkit are 10% off with my discount code: SDIONBAKER10
All Canvas lights and accessories are 10% off with my discount code: SDB10.
sam, you inspire me so much, and your workshop was wonderful & very inspiring as well! and this paragraph in your post really wrapped up this concept for me:
“It also mirrors how our memories flow. Sometimes, a tiny detail takes up the most space in our minds, while the broader view fades to the background. Our stories don’t flow in neat, linear ways—so why not reimagine your sketchbook pages with that same fluidity?”
so, so good!
Sam, I love your use of different scales and the play with it. I also like the idea of showing how important a certain memory is in our minds. The change of direction leads to a very interesting feel and it does not confuse me at all. Love the whole spread!!