At first, it felt like an indulgence. Why spend hours sketching when I had so much work to do? But what I didn’t realize was how much drawing was sharpening my UX skills in ways I hadn’t expected.
- It improved my observation skills. When I draw, I notice details I’d usually overlook—shadows, spacing, proportions. The same applies to UX design, where subtle tweaks in spacing, typography, and hierarchy can completely change how users experience a product.
- It taught me patience. In UX, I iterate constantly, refining designs to improve usability. Drawing works the same way—I start with rough lines, refine the form, and adjust until it feels right. It reminded me that good design takes time.
- It boosted my creativity. Sketching without constraints helped me explore ideas more freely. When I got back to UX work, I found myself thinking more creatively, solving problems in ways I hadn’t before.
- It made me more mindful. Instead of rushing through tasks, I became more intentional in my design choices. Just like how every line in a drawing contributes to the whole, every element in a UI should serve a purpose.
Making Creativity a Habit
Now, I make it a point to set aside time for drawing every weekend. It’s not about becoming an amazing artist. it’s about training my brain to slow down, observe, and create with more intent. And surprisingly, by taking this time away from screens, I feel more productive, inspired, and focused when I return to my UX work.
If I ever feel stuck or burnt out, I turn to drawing. It’s become my way of resetting, and I’ve seen the impact it has on my work. Taking time for creativity outside of UX has actually made me a better designer.