Look at a Drawing Example, Then Try Another Possibility
An example can make a starting shape feel usable without becoming an answer to reproduce. The useful question is what kind of choice the example shows.
A separate activity to try
Look at whether an outline is used as a whole subject or a small component. Name the choice before discussing the character. Then return to an unused space and consider another role for the same beginning.
Look at the next choice
If the artist wants to start near the example, change only one decision on separate paper: its orientation, purpose, or a feature. A small variation can be worth trying without needing an entirely new theme.
Decide whether to continue
The Shape Drawing Challenge book provides six illustrated examples for each of its 16 shapes. The examples and the artist’s own responses have different jobs: one shows possibilities, while the other explores a personally chosen outcome.
Use a published book for another starting task
How to Draw: Sketchbook offers use the blank space for reference practice or independent ideas. Compare that task with Shape Drawing Challenge’s repeated outlines and open-ended responses. The practice suggestions in this article are website-created activities, not additional printed features being claimed for either book.
Keep the next idea open
Shape Drawing Challenge gives artists 16 repeated beginnings, six illustrated examples per shape, and room for 480 independently chosen drawings.