Looking Ahead to 2025: Sketching, Sharing, and Staying Inspired

As we step into 2025, I wanted to share my plans, hopes, and challenges for the year ahead. This not only keeps me accountable but also lets you know what’s coming up!

Spoiler alert: there’s a lot to look forward to, including new courses, reworked classics, and exciting live events. Let’s dive in.

Staying True to What Matters

The online world moves fast, but my focus remains clear: creating quality, engaging tutorials that reflects my personal values and passions. Making art accessible, enjoyable and a positive experience. Removing barriers, and basically having a bit of fun. With that in mind, here’s what’s on the horizon.

SketchLoose: Thriving and Growing

SketchLoose.co.uk continues to be my main focus. It’s been amazing to see so many of you thriving with your sketching! The interaction, feedback, and live elements bring so much energy and inspiration. Watching how each of you interprets challenges keeps me motivated and excited to create.

• New Beginners’ Course: To help new sketchers build confidence and master the basics, I’ve launched a dedicated beginner’s course. Check it out here.

• Course Updates: While I won’t add new courses this year, I’ll be reworking older ones to align with my latest techniques and production standards. These updated courses will shine even brighter while staying fully supported.

In-Person Events: The Real-World Sketching Buzz

Live events are a huge highlight! Colin and I have already sold out two weekends and a week-long workshop. There’s still space in a couple of later dates, so check availability here. These events are rewarding and energizing, and I can’t wait to share more updates as we go.

• Online Weekends: Plans are underway for interactive, live-streamed weekend workshops featuring talented guest artists. These will focus on ink and watercolour sketching, with plenty of sharing and positivity. Stay tuned!

Sketching outside is also so so different from sketching inside. Not in skills, really, but in confidence and mindset. Sharing this, and unleashing more sketchers onto the outside world if something of a passion of mine.

SkillShare: Doodles and Fun Projects

I’ll continue releasing monthly classes on SkillShare, focusing on lighthearted, doodly projects perfect for relaxation. This platform’s flexibility has taught me so much, and it’s a fantastic way to connect with a broader audience.

Below is my latest class on SkillShare - all about doodling dogs. Expect more like this in the year to come.

YouTube: Building, Learning, and Sharing

YouTube remains a key part of my creative journey, even if it’s a constant learning curve! I’ll keep producing videos and have a growing list of ideas to explore. For those interested, I’ve also launched channel memberships—a simple way to support my work for less than the price of a coffee. Learn more here.

I've recently also taken to filming with two cameras. I'd be interested in any thoughts on this from intrigued watchers :) I won't be doing it for every video, but if it's helpful or interesting... I'll prioritise it!

Etsy and Beyond: Art for Everyone

Despite new EU regulations limiting sales to European buyers, I’ll continue adding my paintings to Etsy for everyone else. It’s not about making big profits—I just love the idea of my work finding homes with people who appreciate it.

You can find my Etsy on this link - https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/tobysketchloose

A Sneak Peek at My Upcoming Book

Yes, it’s happening—my first officially published book! It’s a lighthearted guide filled with creative sketching projects to spark your imagination. Expected late 2024 (at the earliest!), I’ll share more updates as the release date approaches.

No picture for this today... just a sneaky update if you read this far ;)

Life Outside the Studio

On a personal note, life is just as busy and fulfilling! Tash and I got married last year (almost a decade together!), and we’re renovating a campervan—expect to see it at future workshops. Betty, our dog, keeps us on our toes with agility training and canicross. Running remains a passion for me, despite a neck injury last year, and I’m working toward getting back to the distances that bring me joy.

Very serious athletes above!

I'm also going to be doing a bit of fundraising this year - my first project is to fundraise for the RSPCA. I'm aiming to raise £500 and if you'd like to give anything you can find out more here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sketchloosefordogs

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting, creative year, and I’m so grateful to have you all along for the journey. Whether you’re sketching with me online, joining an in-person event, or following along on YouTube, thank you for being part of this vibrant community.

Here’s to a year of creativity, connection, and plenty of happy accidents with ink and watercolour! Let’s sketch it out together.

Explore Courses | Join a Workshop | Support on YouTube