12 Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Old Sketchbooks and Unused Sketches

Ever stared at a pile of old sketchbooks, wondering what to do with all those unfinished drawings and forgotten ideas? I had the same thought before creating my original art book, DIZZY! Sketch Collections. Instead of letting my sketches collect dust, I compiled and edited them into a single, official sketch artbook. Some of the sketches I didn’t use even found a second life as artwork for my website, Anitoku.com.

If you have stacks of sketchbooks and unused sketches, don’t let them go to waste! Here are 12 creative and useful ways to repurpose them for your artistic growth and benefit.

1. Turn Them into an Artbook

Compile your best sketches into a professionally printed artbook.
Great for portfolio showcases, selling to fans, or personal keepsakes.
Edit and add artist commentary to give readers insight into your process.
Self-publish using platforms like Blurb, Lulu, or Kickstarter for funding.

DIZZY! Sketch Collections Dark Variant Front & Back Cover — DIZZY! Sketch Collections Dark Variant

2. Digital Portfolio & Website Content

Scan and upload select sketches to your art website.
Use them as background elements, blog illustrations, or design accents.
Share progress shots or process GIFs to engage your audience.
Optimize for SEO by writing blog posts or captions around each piece.

3. Concept Recycling for Future Projects

Flip through old sketchbooks and revive abandoned ideas.
Some unused sketches can inspire new characters, stories, or illustrations.
Merge multiple unused concepts into fresh and unique designs.
Keep a separate “idea vault” notebook to store old sketches for future reference.

4. Make Printable Art & Stickers

Digitize sketches and turn them into stickers, prints, or even apparel designs.
Upload to sites like Redbubble, Society6, or Printful to sell passive income products.
Convert character sketches into sticker packs for digital artists.
Create limited-edition prints from your best old sketches.

5. Use as Coloring Pages

Convert sketches into black-and-white line art and print as coloring pages.
Great for personal practice, giveaways, or even a printable coloring book.
Sell a digital PDF pack of coloring pages on Etsy or Gumroad.
Host a coloring contest using your old sketches for engagement.

6. Redraw & Level Up Your Art

Pick old sketches and redraw them with your current skills.
Helps measure progress and develop your unique style.
Challenge yourself with a "Draw This Again" comparison post.
Experiment with different art styles or color techniques on old pieces.

7. Sell or Gift Signed Sketches

If you have loose pages, sign and sell them as one-of-a-kind originals.
Offer custom sketch sales as patreon rewards or exclusive merch.
You can also gift special sketches to friends or loyal followers.
Create a “lucky dip” mystery sketch sale to add excitement.

8. Turn into Zines or Mini Comics

If you have a series of related sketches, turn them into a small comic or zine.
Sell at conventions, online, or use as a portfolio piece.
Combine your sketches with short stories or concept notes.
Make an interactive art zine with DIY elements like stickers or activities.

9. Create Animation or Motion Art

Scan a sequence of sketches and turn them into a GIF or short animation.
Use apps like Procreate, Photoshop, or Clip Studio Paint for frame animation.
Post animated sketches on Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter for engagement.
Try creating a flipbook animation using old sketchbook pages.

10. Use as Inspiration for Teaching or Tutorials

Break down sketches into step-by-step guides for teaching others.
Could be used for YouTube videos, social media tutorials, or an online course.
Turn progress sketches into “before and after” learning resources.
Offer an art mentorship program using your old sketches as examples.

11. Transform Sketches into Tattoo Designs

Convert old line art or character drawings into tattoo-style flash sheets.
Sell custom tattoo designs to clients or shops.
Upload to marketplaces like Etsy for digital tattoo templates.
Collaborate with tattoo artists to adapt your art for their clients.

12. Make Creative Scrapbooks or Collages

Cut out old sketches and arrange them into mixed-media collages.
Create a mood board of past ideas for future inspiration.
Use them in art journaling, sketchbook covers, or framed decor.
Experiment with repainting over old sketches in a new style.

Conclusion

Your old sketchbooks and unused sketches hold so much untapped potential—don’t let them go to waste! Whether you’re compiling them into an artbook like DIZZY! Sketch Collections, selling them as prints, or transforming them into digital assets, there are countless ways to make your past work benefit your future growth.

Try one (or several) of these ideas and give your old art a second life! Got a unique way you’ve repurposed your sketches? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear it!