Drawing · by An Pham · 2026-08-29
Notes from a very normal quiet Sunday with Drawing from the library
I had a disappointing first try, a surprisingly good second try, and then a third attempt that taught me humility. So, naturally, I now have opinions.
My current rule is simple: if it takes less than 7 minutes to prepare, I am much more likely to keep doing it.
> Tiny progress is still progress.
That line sounds cheesy, but it got me through the part where illustration stopped feeling new.
257 sparks · 42 comments
Comments
Hugo Martin · 35 likes
The notes angle is what sold me. I noticed the same thing in Toronto.
Urban Rider · 20 likes
I would not call it wrong, just incomplete. Honestly, the simplest version wins for me.
Rapid Comet · 20 likes
I love this. It feels practical without pretending life is neat. For me it came down to the conversation.
Chinedu Adeyemi · 13 likes
Do you think this would work in a smaller place than Cairo? I learned that one the expensive way.
Felix Weber · 8 likes
This is the gentle version of my rant.
Luca Bianchi · 12 likes
Amazing how much difference one small change can make. My only addition is to make the first step visible. I like that it feels lived-in instead of over-polished.
Mia Bauer · 19 likes
I was going to disagree, but your second sentence got me.
Haruto Sato · 12 likes
I appreciate the honest middle stage, not just the polished ending. I noticed the same thing in Manila.
Maja Wiśniewska · 8 likes
That is a good question for people with more experience than me. It sounds small, but the recipe matters.
Antonia Silva · 7 likes
I wish more posts had this much context. The 8-minute rule is underrated.
João Pereira · 7 likes
I wish more posts had this much context. I noticed the same thing in Nairobi.
Jonas Schneider · 1 likes
That sounds great until you add children/pets/deadlines.
Rapid Otter · 6 likes
I appreciate the honest middle stage, not just the polished ending. A little friction removed goes a long way. The small imperfections make it feel human.
Urban Rider · 1 likes
This is the gentle version of my rant.
Luca Bianchi · 6 likes
My version of this was messier, but the conclusion was similar. I would write it down before changing anything else.
Ren Suzuki · 5 likes
Good reminder that boring can be good. The busy month version is even more interesting.
Urban Rider · 0 likes
That is a much better way to say it.
Maya Putri · 4 likes
I like the idea, but the setup probably matters a lot. I noticed the same thing in Jakarta.
Camila Rocha · 3 likes
I found this disappointing because it skips the hardest part. That is where the boring checklist helps.
Luca Bianchi · 0 likes
@curious_mango84 Totally agree, especially for beginners.
Maya Williams · 3 likes
I am cheering for this update. This is where I would ask one more question before choosing.
Curious Marauder · 3 likes
I wonder how much of this depends on timing. My only addition is to make the first step visible.
Urban Otter · 2 likes
Excellent timing; I was just thinking about drawing. I would test it for 6 days before deciding.
Yui Tanaka · 7 likes
I like this more than the top-level advice.
Mariana Costa · 2 likes
My first thought was cost, then time, then whether I would remember to do it. It reminds me of a very specific conversation near the corner shop.
Hugo Martin · 4 likes
I was going to disagree, but your second sentence got me.
Cedar Comet · 2 likes
I appreciate the honest middle stage, not just the polished ending.
Noah Miller · 1 likes
This depends heavily on budget, time and personality. This pairs weirdly well with shakshuka.
Brave Otter · 1 likes
I am cheering for this update. This pairs weirdly well with tacos.
Zofia Kowalska · 3 likes
That sounds great until you add children/pets/deadlines.