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Life Is Better When You Draw It
The moments of our lives are precious, but they pass so quickly. Drawing these moments—from special trips to our daily coffee—is a way to not only slow down time, but to celebrate it. Capturing in a sketchbook what we see in front of us turns the everyday into the extraordinary. And you don’t need to be born with talent to make art! Artist Koosje Koene has shown thousands of people all over the world the simple, immensely satisfying techniques that can get anyone started on a lifetime of fulfilling fun making art. You don’t need to have an art school degree, fancy art supplies, or special skills; all you need are a few moments, and the pen and paper that will show you how special these moments can be. Part art meditation, part celebration of life, Life Is Better When You Draw It is for anyone who wants to be truly present, and joyful, in their lives.
238 pages, Paperback
Published July 14, 2022
17 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 1, 2022
I love, love every page of this book! I’ve followed Koosje on YouTube and love her view on drawing everyday and it had helped me keep up with a daily drawing habit.
I have several reference books, but they make me long to draw a specific way. Yes, drawing, finding your style, etc, etc, takes time. But with Koosje’s outlook, I just want to jump in without inhibition and forget that all. It’s all about the process and just starting.
Love, love this book! A book that I will refer to for the years to come.
I have several reference books, but they make me long to draw a specific way. Yes, drawing, finding your style, etc, etc, takes time. But with Koosje’s outlook, I just want to jump in without inhibition and forget that all. It’s all about the process and just starting.
Love, love this book! A book that I will refer to for the years to come.
February 24, 2023
LOVE this book! I’ve been following Koosje Koene on YouTube for a while and I adore her style and enthusiasm so much. Her book is an absolute gem. Not only does the reader get to enjoy her beautiful sketches and artwork, but the tone is very friendly and fun, with extremely helpful and inspiring content. Koosje Koene’s love of drawing and sparkling personality truly shines through every single page!
Because of her, I have finished two small accordion sketchbooks and on my way to finishing the very first one I started and abandoned about 20 years ago. I’m so grateful to hear her voice every time I watch a “Draw Tip Tuesday” video. And, now, I can pick up her amazing book and connect with her anytime I want.
I’m a beginner beginner (not just a beginner) artist with no training, only a passion for creativity and art. I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to light a spark under their creative soul and just DRAW! Or PAINT! Koosje Koene is awesome! 🤩💖🌸
Because of her, I have finished two small accordion sketchbooks and on my way to finishing the very first one I started and abandoned about 20 years ago. I’m so grateful to hear her voice every time I watch a “Draw Tip Tuesday” video. And, now, I can pick up her amazing book and connect with her anytime I want.
I’m a beginner beginner (not just a beginner) artist with no training, only a passion for creativity and art. I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to light a spark under their creative soul and just DRAW! Or PAINT! Koosje Koene is awesome! 🤩💖🌸
April 8, 2023
Boek is uit, schetsboek over de helft. Veel inspiratie door alle mooie voorbeelden, ideeën en tips. Heerlijk boek om niet in 1x uit te lezen maar gewoon hoofdstuk voor hoofdstuk van te genieten
April 6, 2024
Koosje’s book is like having coffee and conversation with an art friend. Just the bit of motivation you need sometimes.
June 11, 2024
Una vera manna per artisti o aspiranti tali.
O per capire che non serve essere Raffaello per prendere in mano una penna.
Libro/diario motivante e interessante, pieno di spunti per crescere nel mondo dello sketching!
O per capire che non serve essere Raffaello per prendere in mano una penna.
Libro/diario motivante e interessante, pieno di spunti per crescere nel mondo dello sketching!
August 16, 2022
If you want to get inspired and motivated to draw, get this book! It’s full of beautiful images and sketches made by Koosje herself and her words really inspired me to get started again. There’s a bunch of tips and personal stories that’ll really get you back into the drawing mood. And you’ll learn that everything can be interesting when you draw it ☺️
February 28, 2023
Mostly motivational and providing ideas of what to do or how to get into drawing if you’re afraid or out of practice. I was hoping for more technical tips or how to’s like in her videos on YouTube, but still a beautiful resource to get ideas from.
May 13, 2023
I love books about drawing, particularly a book like this one that offers a begin-where-you-are outlook.
I had this book on my reading wish list for a few months and decided to splurge recently. I'm really glad I did: it's one of my utmost favorite creativity and drawing books. She makes the process clear and uncomplicated while also stressing each artist's individual vision.
The sections about her varied drawings of her husband were especially encouraging to me, because they emphasize that it's perfectly okay for drawings to look different each time from the "real" people/inspiration for them.
She also included great advice I haven't seen in other drawing books about drawing food. Her sections on drawing her shoes and drawing on-the-go were also tip-filled and interesting.
If you're already a professional illustrator or have taken drawing classes for many years, you are probably not the target audience for this book, but for everyone else who likes sketching and/or other forms of art and wants to learn more and would appreciate the peppy advice or the supportive encouragement to keep drawing, I highly recommend this book.
I didn't want this book to end. I'll keep this one on my shelf for continued perusals of the vivid, full-color art by the artist as well as for her ideas, supportive tips, and suggestions that I can apply as I practice and enjoy making my own doodles and keep growing in my skills.
I had this book on my reading wish list for a few months and decided to splurge recently. I'm really glad I did: it's one of my utmost favorite creativity and drawing books. She makes the process clear and uncomplicated while also stressing each artist's individual vision.
The sections about her varied drawings of her husband were especially encouraging to me, because they emphasize that it's perfectly okay for drawings to look different each time from the "real" people/inspiration for them.
She also included great advice I haven't seen in other drawing books about drawing food. Her sections on drawing her shoes and drawing on-the-go were also tip-filled and interesting.
If you're already a professional illustrator or have taken drawing classes for many years, you are probably not the target audience for this book, but for everyone else who likes sketching and/or other forms of art and wants to learn more and would appreciate the peppy advice or the supportive encouragement to keep drawing, I highly recommend this book.
I didn't want this book to end. I'll keep this one on my shelf for continued perusals of the vivid, full-color art by the artist as well as for her ideas, supportive tips, and suggestions that I can apply as I practice and enjoy making my own doodles and keep growing in my skills.
January 22, 2023
An absolute gem of a book. It's not so much an instructional "how to draw" book, but more of a motivational "you CAN draw" book, with lots and lots and lots of ideas of things to draw.
Koosje consistently emphasizes that your subject matter doesn't have to be something profound or mind-blowing. It's the fact that you're actually sitting and drawing that's important.
I feel like I've been able to keep up with a daily art practice with her advice, being okay with drawing my living room multiple times, or my cat (or attempting to draw my cat). I do consider myself an artist, so I'm not necessarily intimidated to actually draw, but I do often find myself getting hung up on making sure that what I draw is something beautiful and eye-catching, like a botanical or landscape painting.
This book has given me freedom to be okay with drawing my coffee cup - even imperfectly, all in the interest of honoring that urge to create.
I definitely recommend this book to new and seasoned artists alike. It's really fun, has lots of great little suggestions, and it's beautiful to flip-through. It's like a personal tour of Koosje's best sketchbooks.
Koosje consistently emphasizes that your subject matter doesn't have to be something profound or mind-blowing. It's the fact that you're actually sitting and drawing that's important.
I feel like I've been able to keep up with a daily art practice with her advice, being okay with drawing my living room multiple times, or my cat (or attempting to draw my cat). I do consider myself an artist, so I'm not necessarily intimidated to actually draw, but I do often find myself getting hung up on making sure that what I draw is something beautiful and eye-catching, like a botanical or landscape painting.
This book has given me freedom to be okay with drawing my coffee cup - even imperfectly, all in the interest of honoring that urge to create.
I definitely recommend this book to new and seasoned artists alike. It's really fun, has lots of great little suggestions, and it's beautiful to flip-through. It's like a personal tour of Koosje's best sketchbooks.
September 4, 2022
I was prompted to purchase Koosje Koene's book after I became acquainted with her work at the instructional website Sketchbook Skool. Her weekly "Draw Tip Tuesday" video segment is inspiring and her friendly detailed instructions gave me the confidence to give drawing a try. Her book is a wonderful companion piece and motivational tool. I love Koosje's varied and colourful illustrations. Importantly, she emphasizes the fun and meditative aspects of drawing as a rewarding practice that can enrich and enhance quality of life for individuals who enjoy creative practice. I would recommend this book for folks who would love to draw but are afraid to start, folks who used to make art but have gotten out of the habit, and folks who do draw regularly and would like the inspiration to keep going. This is a book I will treasure and refer to and re-read regularly for motivation and for the pleasure of looking at Koesje's lovely drawings. I am so pleased I purchased the book as a reference tool and as my own personal cheerleader prompting me never to give up and to enjoy creative practice.
February 23, 2023
Much like her YouTube channel, this book is incredibly motivating! Anyone who struggles to get into the habit of daily sketching should take a look. Not only does Koosje Koene espouse that you can't help but get better at drawing/making art by daily practice but she also makes a great case that this practice is personally beneficial and is therefore as important to fit into my daily regime as meditation, exercise or eating well. For someone who is often time-crunched, this was a light bulb moment. When I take time to write a to-do list or jot things in my journal, I don't feel like I'm robbing time away from 'more important' tasks but I often felt this way about taking time to myself to draw/paint. Now I have a deeper understanding of just how deeply my emotional health is impacted when I do art activities and also that I'm creating a record that impacts me (a person who enjoys and resonates with art) deeper than a photograph.
December 28, 2022
I have followed Koosje Koene's YouTube Channel since 2019 for her Draw Tip Tuesday, and I find her to be encouraging and helpful as I explore sketching.
Her book is print-on-demand so when I ordered thru Amazon, it still took 2-3 weeks to be delivered, and I was excited when I found it in my mailbox.
I like her illustrations and the accompanying text. I encourage you to read it and seek out the boxes titled. "Try This" for suggestions.
Her book is print-on-demand so when I ordered thru Amazon, it still took 2-3 weeks to be delivered, and I was excited when I found it in my mailbox.
I like her illustrations and the accompanying text. I encourage you to read it and seek out the boxes titled. "Try This" for suggestions.
July 30, 2024
An incredibly beautiful and inspiring book for anyone from curious about sketching to professional artists. Really helped me to get out of my head and into my sketchbook. It’s packed with inspiration and ideas to get you going and the philosophy of Koosje is just oozing out of the pages. Very encouraging and cosy and just plain good vibes. Highly recommend reading this and having it on your shelf/coffee table to keep coming back to. It would also make a lovely gift!
September 6, 2022
Life is Better When You Draw It is a great way to spark ideas for my sketchbook and ways to stack habits to help fit new things into my existing schedule. Koosje writes with a wonderful, warm, and sincere tone which makes starting and keeping a sketchbook seem less intimidating. I’ve followed Koosje’s work for a long time, and the book is beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully written to inspire, encourage, and offer practical advice.
January 17, 2023
I give this one 5 stars because it's good but a bit too much of people drawing for my liking. Even then it inspired me to try and sketch people, I am very afraid of drawing people but I am giving it a try. Not a lot of new information but at least there aren't any basic drawing lessons. I am looking for inspiration to keep a sketchbook not technical lessons which I have seen plenty.
November 16, 2023
Koosje Koene has written an art book for artists everywhere! I must begin by telling you just how beautiful the book looks! It’s eye candy for any sketchbook artist or urban sketcher, beginner or intermediate artist. It’s even great for someone who’s stuck or unmotivated!
Then there is the lush color and smooth, thick and sumptuous pages that will move your spirit…and that’s without reading her thought provoking and wise words to make you want to fill your own blank pages!
It’s one of the best art books in my library! A must have in my humble opinion!
Then there is the lush color and smooth, thick and sumptuous pages that will move your spirit…and that’s without reading her thought provoking and wise words to make you want to fill your own blank pages!
It’s one of the best art books in my library! A must have in my humble opinion!
September 20, 2024
Koosje was my person 'way back when' I was just getting into sketching. It's a pleasure to read 'Life is Better When You Draw it' as I hear her voice, having watched her Drawing Tip Tuesday segments for years. I'm glad she has a book to be shared with people who need encouragement. I'm going to take it slow reading this and savouring her shares.
July 13, 2025
I have been following Koosje on Instagram for a while now and I was thrilled when she wrote a book. I finally bought it and read it in a couple of days! I love her advice, which is nothing more than her outlook on life and her own philosophy. The drawings inside are amazing, and I am so grateful she included some from her early days as an artist too. Can't wait for book no.2!
April 28, 2025
I loved it, the wonderful drawings, the stories, the topics, the ideas and suggestions how to draw I loved all. The overal design, and the feeling of creativity, fun and excitement this book gives me makes me put a pen on paper immediately, every day, everywhere. Thank you Koosje for creating this!
October 23, 2022
Inspirational and plenty of practical exercises.
January 20, 2023
Most inspiring book about sketching ever!
March 1, 2024
10/10 would recommend
March 23, 2024
A wonderful, inspiring book about finding the joy in drawing anything and everything!
Read
December 4, 2024Ridiculous price.
August 10, 2025
Im a big fan! The book is beautiful, fun but mostly inspiring. So what are you waiting for? Start drawing and have fun!❤️🫶
September 26, 2022
I like Koosje's philosophy around drawing: draw, draw ANYTHING, because it makes you sit or stand still and reflect a bit, draw for your own sake and don't care about other people's "rules". I also appreciate her way of keeping things simple – you just need pen and paper. This book is crammed with Koosje's very inspiring text and drawings.
July 21, 2025
Overall Rating: 5 stars
27/12/24 → 03/01/25
‘Drawing has made me feel as though I’m truly awake and aware in my life, and truly living it’
In April of 2023, I was binge-watching Koosje Koene’s videos under the covers of my bed while I was on holiday in Torquay - I had just discovered what urban sketching was and had just done my first urban sketch that afternoon. It was questionable but I carried on and I’ve been drawing every day since May 26th 2023 and I can’t put into words how much it has changed my life. I’ve been lacking recently; I’m stressed about studying art amongst the hell that is UCAS applications so I was looking for something to inspire me and this book did that.
Koosje Koene’s obvious passion for urban sketching and being creative is written beautifully and engaging - it made me smile and felt very personal. She is optimistic towards making ‘mistakes’, and the process as a whole - this feels like a breath of fresh air. I believe that the general art community is negative in its thinking of ‘this has to be perfect!’ (from my own experience) so putting an uplifting outlook on the process of drawing is refreshing and I think ultimately more beneficial to an artist.
Another thing that struck me about this book was the layout design by Tosca Lindeboom - it was visually exciting with each of Koene’s illustrations providing a purpose in strengthening her words. I did spend a few minutes on each spread of a drawing because I just *love* Koene’s work and the side annotations made me analyse why I love them.
Overall, anyone who is interested in urban sketching and illustration would greatly benefit from this book and Koosje Koene’s optimistic attitude - it was a lovely read that had me itching to draw.
27/12/24 → 03/01/25
‘Drawing has made me feel as though I’m truly awake and aware in my life, and truly living it’
In April of 2023, I was binge-watching Koosje Koene’s videos under the covers of my bed while I was on holiday in Torquay - I had just discovered what urban sketching was and had just done my first urban sketch that afternoon. It was questionable but I carried on and I’ve been drawing every day since May 26th 2023 and I can’t put into words how much it has changed my life. I’ve been lacking recently; I’m stressed about studying art amongst the hell that is UCAS applications so I was looking for something to inspire me and this book did that.
Koosje Koene’s obvious passion for urban sketching and being creative is written beautifully and engaging - it made me smile and felt very personal. She is optimistic towards making ‘mistakes’, and the process as a whole - this feels like a breath of fresh air. I believe that the general art community is negative in its thinking of ‘this has to be perfect!’ (from my own experience) so putting an uplifting outlook on the process of drawing is refreshing and I think ultimately more beneficial to an artist.
Another thing that struck me about this book was the layout design by Tosca Lindeboom - it was visually exciting with each of Koene’s illustrations providing a purpose in strengthening her words. I did spend a few minutes on each spread of a drawing because I just *love* Koene’s work and the side annotations made me analyse why I love them.
Overall, anyone who is interested in urban sketching and illustration would greatly benefit from this book and Koosje Koene’s optimistic attitude - it was a lovely read that had me itching to draw.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews