Travel with a pen, not just a camera:
Learn to Turn Ordinary Buildings Into Loose Urban Sketches with Pen & Ink
...even if you've never drawn before!
Imagine if you could:
- Fill a sketchbook with urban sketches that remind you not just where you were - but how it felt to be there
- Sketch even the most complex scene in minutes, not hours… without feeling overwhelmed by what's in front of you
- Quiet your inner perfectionist with quick, loose sketches that make you say, "WOW, I made that!"
- Capture not just the buildings... but the people and energy that make a city special
- Turn ordinary places into fun and unique pen sketches — no need for “perfect perspective” or precise angles
There’s something special about sketching everyday, ordinary places
…The cities from your travels
…The cute cafe down the street
…The building you pass every day
With just a pen and ink… you can capture places in a way that a camera never could.
This isn’t just drawing.
It’s seeing your world like the art it is.
After years of teaching urban sketching, here’s what I know:
Time and time again, I see it… Students who start to sketch using tutorials but get discouraged when their drawings don’t look the way they want.
The problem:
Most people do not “see” what is actually in front of them - so their drawings turn out flat, lifeless, and nothing like they imagined.
Why?
Because most tutorials only teach you how to copy… and leave you without the basic drawing skills you need to see like an artist.
For the average student, this leads to years of directionless practice. Worst of all, many start to wonder, “Do I just… not have talent?”
The truth?
It’s not you. It’s the tutorials.
Unlike most courses, I go back to the basics and teach you about perspective. That way you have a solid foundation for drawing buildings and making the angles look “right”.
Once you learn the basics you’ll be surprised at how fast your drawings improve.
More on that later. But first…
You only need a few minutes to get started:
In fact, the best urban sketches often come from fewer lines and less detail.
Because sketching isn’t about copying a photo - it’s about capturing the feeling of a place.
With the right process, you’ll be making loose, confident sketches in 30 minutes or less.
You don’t need to be an artist.
You just need a pen… and the willingness to start.
And the best part?
If you can write your name, you can already draw!
When you write your name you use lines, curves, and different shapes - the same building blocks used in sketching.
Urban sketching just shows you where (and how) to place them.
Like learning to write your name, sketching takes a little practice… but once it clicks, it’s yours forever.
Now, before I tell you more…
I Should Probably Introduce Myself:
Hi! My name is Phil. I’m a self-taught artist from Toronto, Canada, with a background in architecture.
Since falling in love with urban sketching, I’ve made a habit of carrying a sketchbook wherever I go.
Not to create perfect art… but to slow down and capture the feeling of a place. A quiet moment. A busy street. A scene I might’ve missed if I hadn’t stopped to draw it.
That simple sketchbook changed how I see the world. And I’d love to show you how it can change yours too.
You don’t need to be an artist to get started.
You just need to know what to look for and how to make a few confident marks on your page.
Soon you’ll be urban sketching with ease. Let’s get started!
Hi! My name is Phil. I’m a self-taught artist from Toronto, Canada, with a background in architecture.
Since falling in love with urban sketching, I’ve made a habit of carrying a sketchbook wherever I go.
Not to create perfect art… but to slow down and capture the feeling of a place. A quiet moment. A busy street. A scene I might’ve missed if I hadn’t stopped to draw it.
That simple sketchbook changed how I see the world. And I’d love to show you how it can change yours too.
You don’t need to be an artist to get started.
You just need to know what to look for and how to make a few confident marks on your page.
Soon you’ll be urban sketching with ease. Let’s get started!
For the first time ever! Introducing...
Urban Sketching Academy
A step-by-step course where you will use pen and ink to create 3 unique urban sketches (no previous experience required).
Watch over my shoulder as I guide you step-by-step through urban sketching. No timelapses… no rushing through… each pen stroke is explained for you to follow along.
The sketches you’ll learn are beginner-friendly without looking amateur. Soon you’ll be creating expressive urban sketches that you’ll be amazed you drew yourself!
Here’s everything you’ll get:
Module #1:
Discover the World Of Urban Sketching
Urban sketching isn’t about perfection - it’s about presence. You’ll discover how to see the world around you differently and sketch with feeling. Join me to discover exactly how you can get started with urban sketching.
- Hold your pen this way to create quick, loose sketches (hint: it's not your fingers doing the work)
- A 5-minute warm-up exercise to loosen your hand and ditch perfectionism
- The #1 mindset shift that makes sketching fun, not stressful
- What makes a good urban sketch? Discover my unique approach to sketching
- How you can use fountain pens to create varied, expressive lines without worrying about precision
- Learn how to add character to your sketches as you vary line thickness with a fube nib
- Complete PDF checklist with the tools you need to get started, and where you can find them
Module #2:
Perspective, Simplified: Add Depth To Your Sketches
Perspective doesn’t have to be technical. You’ll learn how to spot the horizon line, lock in your angles, and draw believable space - all with loose, expressive lines.
- Unlock the skills you need to draw 1-point and 2-point perspective
- How to use visual anchors like signs, people, and trees to create depth
- The key elements to look for when you start a sketch: horizon, vanishing points, and scale
- What the eye line really tells you and why it's important (hint: you see this every day)
- How to keep your proportions in check when one side of your building is smaller than the other
- What to do when your perspective feels off and how to fix it without starting over
- Why parallel lines can ruin a sketch and how to angle them just enough to feel real
Module #3:
Your First Urban Sketch: A Cozy Coffee Shop
In this module, you’ll sketch your first complete building - an interesting storefront - using shapes, linework, and story, not perspective. This is about building confidence by doing.
- What to look for before you begin drawing - a 15 second visual scan to anchor your sketch
- Do this one thing before you sketch any details
- Why sketching slower isn't always better (and how to find a good pace)
- Add depth to your sketches… without any complicated perspective
- How to use negative space - the space between objects - to tell a story in your sketch
- Where to add the most detail in your buildings and where to stop early
- What to do if your lines feel stiff or nervous
Module #4:
Your Second Sketch: A Bustling Street Corner
Take what you learned from your first urban sketch and build on those skills. Learn how to spot key angles, choose what to include (and leave out), and use loose lines and bold shadows to bring your scene to life with energy and emotion.
- My step-by-step decision-making process - what to emphasize, when to pause, and how to wrap up with confidence
- Learn to spot the framing elements that subtly structure your scene and guide the eye
- How to decide what not to draw - and why editing is just as important as sketching
- Why scrolly lines, loose shading, and sketchy repetition often feel more real than precision
- Use a few simple lines to capture the right angles and perspective in your sketch
- Discover ink painting as you use a brush pen to add expressive shadows
- The reason why your drawings may look flat or out of proportion
Module #5:
The Final Sketch: Urban Drawing on Location
Follow a complete on-location sketch using live footage - all from the comfort of your home. Ease any nerves about sketching outside by seeing first hand how the experience feels.
- Learn how to stay relaxed while things around you change - people, cars, light - and still walk away with a sketch you’re proud of
- How to pick the right angle or spot to sit and get your composition just right
- Learn to sketch faster without rushing (and discover why this can improve your sketches)
- A short checklist for choosing where to sketch without getting overwhelmed
- Why capturing the feeling of the place matters more than getting every line right
- See how I interact with people while sketching on location without losing focus
- How to determine when a sketch is done
Your Special Invitation:
This page was initially offered as a test to make sure people enjoyed the course.
Since then, 100's of students from around the world have enjoyed this course!
And the responses from them have been overwhelmingly positive.
And many of them appreciated the low price.
While private art lessons can cost $60+ per hour…
This Urban Sketching course contains 4+ hours of content that you can follow at your own pace (worth $247+).
But I know that price is out of reach for many people. Honestly? I wouldn’t be comfortable paying $119 for a course as an artist and creative.
So I want to offer you a deal…
I’ll give you the course for less than half the price.
Because I don’t have enough time to teach 100s of students privately, I’ve created the Urban Sketching Academy.
Now I could charge $247 or more to host local workshops.
But you’d need to come back for multiple sessions, which can be a headache to coordinate and to fit into your schedule.
Instead with the Urban Sketching Academy, you can learn at your own pace no matter where you are. I am so confident that you’ll learn to sketch buildings in no time.
So I’m going to give it to you for a steal.
You won’t need to pay hundreds for private lessons.
Heck, you won’t even need to spend $247.
You can get everything we’ve discussed, plus some incredible bonus for $47.
P.S. When you sign up for the course, you get personalized feedback on your drawings. I’ve had dozens of students request feedback… and might not be able to keep up with the demand.
For now, the price will stay at $47. But once I can no longer keep up with all of the feedback requests I will need to increase the price.
So if the next page doesn’t load… I’m sorry, but the deal has ended!
P.S. If the next page doesn’t load… I’m sorry, but the deal has ended!
Not to mention you'll be backed by my...
30-Day Money Back Guarantee
One email. Your money back. No questions asked.
Why? Because I want you to experience the joy of sketching without any worries.
Try the course for 30 days risk-free. Practice your sketching and feel the satisfaction of turning a blank page into an urban sketch that you can be proud of… a sketch that you made!
If you feel like the course isn’t right for you…
Then I will send you a 100% refund.
No questions asked.
All you need to do is send me a quick email to alex@startletsgetcreative.com within the first 30 days of your purchase and I’ll refund your entire investment.
We've had over 500+ students go through this Urban Sketching class! Here’s what they are saying...
But that's not all!
Get 3 Free Bonuses When You Join Today
Bonus #1:
Sketch Reviews: Personal 1-on-1 Feedback With Examples
Have you ever wondered: “Am I doing this right?” Enroll now and get personal feedback. Submit your sketches and get feedback to build your confidence and fix what’s not working.
- Submit your sketch on the course website and get direct feedback from me - what works, what doesn't, and what to try next
- Learn through others too: access real critiques from past students and see common mistakes
- Gain inspiration from other students as you begin to urban sketch in your neighbourhood
Bonus #2:
Sketchbook Tour: Inspiring Urban Sketches
Ever wonder what a real urban sketchbook looks like - mess and all? In this behind-the-scenes bonus, I’ll flip through pages from my own sketchbooks and share the stories behind each sketch. You’ll see the good, the imperfect, and the lessons hidden in both.
- Watch as I walk you through finished sketches, rough starts, and what I learned from each page
- Get inspiration for your own travel sketches with practical advice for sketching on the go
- See how even messy, quick sketches can capture a place beautifully
Bonus #3:
What’s In My Urban Sketching Bag
Curious what tools I actually carry when I sketch on location? In this bonus, I’ll show you everything in my sketching kit - from my favorite pens to the one surprising item I never leave home without.
- A full walkthrough of my go-to tools (and why I use them)
- How I keep my kit lightweight and travel-friendly
- The small things in my bag that make sketching on location easy and fun
- The sketchbook I use - and what to look for when choosing your own
- Budget-friendly tools if you're just starting out
This is what you're getting when you sign up now to the Urban Sketching Academy:
Lifetime access to Story-Driven Sketching with step-by-step instructions, drawing techniques, custom projects, and more (value: $247)
- Module 1: Discover the World Of Urban Sketching
- Module 2: Perspective, Simplified
- Module 3: Your First Urban Sketch - A Cozy Cafe
- Module 4: Your Second Sketch - A Bustling Street Corner
- Module 5: Your Final Sketch - Urban Drawing on Location
- Detailed Materials List for the supplies you'll need to get started
- Video, audio, and text formats of the course for you to learn, no matter where you are
- 100% Risk-Free Money Back Guarantee
Plus These Amazing Bonuses:
- Bonus 1: Sketch Reviews (value = $38)
- Bonus 2: Sketchbook Tour (value = $15)
- Bonus 3: What's in My Urban Sketching Bag (value = $29)
Total Value: $329
Get started for a one-time payment of…
P.S. If the next page doesn’t load… I’m sorry, but the deal has ended!
+
Pssst... One more thing...
Special (Time Limited) Bonus
I have made this Special Bonus only for those who JUMP IN NOW. It is only available before the timer hits 00:00:00.
If you click the “buy now” button and the next page doesn’t load then it’s too late.
Special Bonus:
Essential Fountain Pen Care
Sketching while you travel is magical - but smudged fingers, clogged pens, and messy ink refills can ruin the flow. In this bonus workshop, you’ll learn how to treat your fountain pen like a pro, so it works with you, not against you.
- When and how to clean your pen (and what happens if you don't)
- Exactly what tools to have on hand… and which expensive ones you can skip
- Shortcuts for cleaning fountain pens learned from my time working at a fountain pen store
- A simple method to avoid inky fingers, even if you're refilling while sitting in the park
- How to add ink to your pen… without getting your hands dirty
- Discover the difference between cartridge, converter, and piston-fill pens - and when to use which
Get Everything PLUS The “Essential Fountain Pen Care” Special Bonus:
P.S. If the next page doesn’t load… I’m sorry, but the deal has ended!
FAQ
You will get instant access to the student portal when you complete your purchase.
Having trouble with course access? You can email alex@startletsgetcreative.com for support.
This is an online course that you can take anywhere in the world. All lessons are pre-recorded (and you’ll keep lifetime access to everything) so you can watch this course at any time.
The entire course is self-paced, and you can rewatch the videos any time. Of course, you can watch all the videos on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Forever! Once you enroll, you have lifetime access to all course materials, including all future updates. You can move at your own pace and come back any time.
Yes! This is a ONE-TIME ONLY purchase of $47. You will not be charged more, it’s not a subscription program. Once you buy the course you get lifetime access. Sweet, right?
If you want to request a refund, email alex@startletsgetcreative.com within 30 days of your purchase and you’ll get 100% of your money back, no questions asked.
You don’t have to make the final decision about participating in the course right now. Sign up to lock in the special (time-limited) offer, see if you like the course, and then make your final decision.
Of course, I can only afford this guarantee because I know how great the course is.
Yes! All of the video lessons include French, Spanish, German, and Russian subtitles — so you can follow along in the language you’re most comfortable with.
The audio is in English, but you can turn on French, Spanish, German, or Russian subtitles at any time, and they’ll appear right on screen as you watch.
The Urban Sketching Academy is for all skill levels. Even if you’ve never sketched before… or if you’re already comfortable with sketching… I’m confident you will learn something new and finish with fun and unique sketches.
You’ll need pens and paper to get started. All the supplies are affordable and can be ordered online or in person at your local art store. Don’t worry - I’ve included a full materials list inside the course.
No worries! You don’t need to be creative to learn urban sketching. It all comes down to the same basic skills that anyone can learn.
I will break down the process for you step-by-step with instructions you can follow at your own pace.
No problem! You can get in touch with alex@startletsgetcreative.com for any questions. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
To recap, here’s everything you will get:
Lifetime access to The Urban Sketching Academy with step-by-step instructions, drawing techniques, custom projects, and more (value: $247)
- Module 1: Discover the World Of Urban Sketching
- Module 2: Perspective, Simplified
- Module 3: Your First Urban Sketch - A Cozy Cafe
- Module 4: Your Second Sketch - A Bustling Street Corner
- Module 5: Your Final Sketch - Urban Drawing on Location
- Detailed Materials List for the supplies you'll need to get started
- Video, audio, and text formats of the course for you to learn, no matter where you are
- 100% Risk-Free Money Back Guarantee
Plus These Amazing Bonuses:
- Bonus 1: Sketch Reviews (value = $38)
- Bonus 2: Sketchbook Tour (value = $15)
- Bonus 3: What's in My Urban Sketching Bag (value = $29)
And the special time-limited bonus “Essential Fountain Pen Care” ✍️ (value: $50)
Total Value: $379
Get started for a one-time payment of…
P.S. If the next page doesn’t load… I’m sorry, but the deal has ended!
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