67: Draw Your Adventures is Here

Book parties, my studio tour is live!, and some recent sketchbook pages

Today, Draw Your Adventures is officially out in the world.

This book is the third in a series that has become deeply personal—each one shaped by my own personal practice and growth, and also what I hope others might connect to.

This one is about noticing. It’s about capturing our big and small adventures through drawing and writing—not perfectly, but honestly. It’s full of prompts and reflections to help you slow down, look more closely, and turn your everyday journeys and experiences into visual stories.

When I was chatting on a live with my friend

Nishant Jain

we talked about a page in my first book, Draw Your Day, that featured a few unrelated and random elements from a super stressful, adventurous day when my older son was little. A few words on the page read, “It’s been one of those days…” and just that small phrase is all it takes to bring it all back. That’s the thing—it doesn’t really matter what you draw in the moment. What matters is that you’re noticing, slowing down, and processing. The act of drawing has always soothed my nervous system and helped me see the world around me with calm and appreciation. It doesn’t need to be beautiful or important—just draw what calls to you, and draw it with an adventurous spirit. Even a mundane moment becomes something more when you take time to look closely.

Like the others, this book encourages a kind of time capsule. A way to keep record of where you’ve been—not just geographically, but emotionally, creatively, and mentally.

Books take a loooong time to make. And once they’re out, they belong to everyone else. It doesn’t get easier with time, but for me, each book release is equally humbling and strange. I hope Draw Your Adventures finds its way to the right hands and encourages you to keep a sketchbook, or return to yours (or make a whole series of art based on your experiences).

How much more can I say that wasn’t shared in this post:

and then in this one:

Thank you to everyone who pre-ordered—I am truly grateful. If you feel like sharing any thoughts, photos, or especially your drawings, I’d love to see them. You can tag me on social media or share here on Substack. Every bit of visibility helps this book find its way to more people, and I appreciate your support more than I can say.
PLEASE leave reviews! Orders and reviews (yes, preferably positive 😅) mean so much to authors—it truly makes a difference.

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My Skillshare Studio Tour!

If you’ve ever thought about taking the leap and renting a separate studio space, I can tell you—if I can make it work, so can you. There are so many practical and responsible ways to do it, and often just committing to the space is what pushes you to work with more focus and intention. A bit of a “build it and they will come” energy.

In this studio tour, I share more about my creative journey—especially the shift I made from design to drawing and illustration. The Skillshare team made the whole day feel relaxed and fun, and I loved showing them around and talking through how I work. Their editing skills are incredible—they really captured the spirit of the space and the conversation.

I hope you enjoy watching!

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Book Parties!

Join me for the release party for my new book, Draw Your Adventures—TONIGHT at Dawn’s ‘til Dusk, 33 Main Street, in Brooklyn, NY, from 6-8pm.

Anyone who brings proof of a pre-order OR their own copy of the book for me to sign will receive a free second copy of Draw Your Adventures!

There will be drinks, light snacks, and my favorite treats from One Girl Cookies. I can’t wait to celebrate with you all!

For those of you who can’t make it to the in-person book party, I’m also hosting a virtual one in just a few days, on Thursday, July 17th at 11am EST on Zoom! This one’s going to be extra fun because my son Ian will be joining me to do a little Q&A

I love having friends who are so casually genius and generous with their ideas. I asked

Dan Blank

if he had any thoughts for my virtual book launch party and he suggested one of my boys host a Q&A. To have my son take part in the celebration this way will mean so much to both of us. Luckily he’s not shy and said yes right away. Thank you, Dan!

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Pre Book-Launch Sketchbook Pages

I made a new sketchbook last week and started filling it with calming drawings and paintings to help settle my nerves as I approached publication day.

A house with pylons on Girard Drive, seen on a morning run.

Painted with my friend Charlotte Hamilton. Water is always a nice challenge. (Page 140 in Draw Your Adventures shares a prompt to paint the horizon.)

A puddle at the end of Springs Fireplace Road in Springs, NY.

Finding small and calming things to draw just a few days before pub day.

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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.

All of my books can be found here.

All of my Skillshare classes can be found here.