Why it is worth joining
Your Takeaways
How to join our hive
Step by step guide
Step 1: Complete the Sign-up form (it’s free!)
Step 2: Follow @elinaellis + @indigobee.academy for updates & prompts
Step 3: Share this post in Instagram with your friends (in stories or re-post) – sketching is more fun together!
You’ll Receive:
Weekly sketchbook prompts Tips & encouragement from our community Updates straight to your inbox
A sketchbook is not about “perfect drawings.” It’s about freedom. This marathon is your safe place to try, make mistakes and experiments!
how it works
Start Sketching
During 4 weeks you will receive inspiring prompts with different themes to make your sketchbook more exciting 🙂
It’s completely up to you how often you will draw — daily, weekly, or simply whenever you can.
Use Any Materials
You can use any sketchbooks – from a tiny pocket notebook to a big pad, whatever feels right for you
Any materials are welcome – pencils, pens, markets, watercolours, or even coffee stains – it’s your choice!
Get Creative Support
🤝 join our community at @Indigobee.Academy and @ElinaEllis that inspires and encourages
💌 Share your sketches in Instagram and tag us to get support, and a chance to be featured.
Meet Elina Ellis
Who is delivering
The marathon is created and delivered by Elina Ellis, award-winning illustrator and author, based in the UK, whose books are published worldwide.
Elina has years of experience teaching drawing and illustration, and she knows exactly how to help people open up their creativity and fall in love with sketchbooks.
She will guide you step by step, share her own sketchbook pages, and inspire you to build a habit that lasts.With her playful approach and professional insight, you’ll not only improve your drawing skills but also gain confidence in expressing your ideas. Elina believes that everyone has a unique creative voice—and she’s here to help you discover and celebrate yours.
Elina Ellis
Children's Book Illustrator-
You’ll conquer the blank page every week with thoughtfully designed prompts that spark your creativity; -
fill your sketchbook with joyful, fearless drawings that celebrate progress over perfection;
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discover how sketching can be simple, enjoyable, and fully achievable, even in small bursts.
🗓️ You will develop a steady habit of drawing that keeps your creativity flowing consistently;
🤝 become part of a supportive community that encourages your growth and inspires new ideas;
🖌️ start seeing your sketchbook as a playful, safe space to experiment, explore, and express yourself.
What Participants Say
Feedback
Oh, wonderful! Finally! For me, the previous marathon was a real breakthrough. It was extremely interesting. The work I created for the marathon greatly advanced my portfolio and gave a fresh boost to new ideas. Later, these works even participated in a national illustrators’ exhibition, so of course I will gladly take part in the new marathon. I really enjoy the variety of themes and prompts offered to participants. Eleni Ellis’s marathon stands out as especially valuable compared to other drawing challenges.
Shobushki
Illustrator
It was amazing! I participated in two marathons and loved both! The second marathon, where we drew every day for a month, was something! For me, It marked a major turning point in my drawing. That’s when I started drawing without fear of making mistakes, stopped doubting myself, and just practiced. I participated every single day, and it really paid off. During that marathon, I grew so much as an artist. The atmosphere was incredible! The participants’ work was truly amazing, and everyone was so friendly and fun that I didn’t even hesitate to share something that “didn’t turn out perfect.” I highly recommend it—there was so much learning, fun, and enjoyment! In that marathon, everyone won!
Iryna Boiko
Illustrator
Hello, Elina, it was a pleasure to attend your Sketchbook workshop! Your teaching style and communication are fantastic, and the various exercises you assigned were truly inspiring! Filling an entire sketchbook seemed impossible before taking your workshop, but now I'm overflowing with inspiration! I'm really looking forward to your next workshop, maybe in Italy! Thanks for all the advice and tips you shared with us - a real treasure!
Chiara Franceschetti
Illustrator @le_facciotte
