Danny Gregory: Art with a Lowercase 'a' — S1/E2

In this episode, I sit down with Danny Gregory, artist, author, and co-founder of Sketchbook Skool, to talk about how a personal tragedy late in his advertising career became the catalyst for a whole new creative life. We dig into his philosophy of art with a lowercase ‘a’, why constraints and personal projects are the best way to push through plateaus, and how travel journaling can deepen your experience of place while building your artistic voice. Running Order Introducing Danny Gregory and his approach to accessible art Danny’s shift from advertising to personal drawing practice The life-changing event that inspired Danny’s artistic journey The therapeutic role of drawing and storytelling in life challenges Recognizing style and personality in beginner artists Developing Sketchbook School and its mission to democratize art The concept of travel journaling and capturing memories in sketchbooks Using constraints and personal projects to foster growth How travel influences perception and the importance of experiencing place Travel storytelling and how sketching enhances the experience Overcoming plateaus: beginner’s mind and trying new things Rethinking practice: applying skills through projects and constraints The value of frequency, variety, and embracing life’s unpredictability in drawing Final thoughts: making art accessible and inclusive for all Resources & Links Sketchbook Skool- Danny’s online creativity and drawing school Paris in a Day - A live workshop with Danny on Saturday, May 16th! Save 15% with coupon code SKETCHNOTE Sketchbook Skool (Danny’s YouTube Channel) I Drew Across America - See Danny’s sketchbook unfold as he and his wife drove across America. Danny Gregory’s Weekly Essays Book: The Illustrated Life — by Danny Gregory Book: The Creative License — by Danny Gregory Book: Art Before Breakfast — by Danny Gregory Sponsored by The Reflective Travel Workshop Have you ever wanted to create travel sketchnotes from an experience you’ve had, just using the photos and memories you’ve got? In the Reflective Travel Workshop, I’ll guide you through my process for creating travel sketchnotes and then help you reflect on your own photos and memories so that you can make travel sketchnotes of your own trips, too! This 2-hour recorded video includes a set of downloadable, printable sketching templates and a process to kickstart your own travel sketchnoting practice. All this for just $20. Buy the Workshop for $20 Subscribe to the Sketchnote PodcastYou can subscribe to the podcast through iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube or your favorite podcast listening source.Support the PodcastTo support the creation, production, and hosting of the Sketchnote Army Podcast, buy one of Mike Rohde's bestselling books. Use code ROHDE40 at Peachpit.com for 40% off!Sketchnote Lab is Mike Rohde’s space designed to bridge the gap between sketchnote theory and practice. You don’t need to be an artist to think visually. Join Mike and learn to use sketchnotes to clarify your thinking, solve problems, and move forward. Learn more about Sketchnote Lab.Mike is the author of The Sketchnote Handbook and The Sketchnote Workbook, bestselling books that teach regular people how to start sketchnoting and build a regular sketchnoting practice.He founded the Sketchnote Army and hosts the Sketchnote Podcast, where he interviews visual thinkers to understand what makes them tick.Mike teaches recorded, live, and in-person workshops to accelerate your sketchnoting practice and provides personalized coaching for your specific visual-thinking challenges.He is the illustrator of bestselling books like REWORK, REMOTE, The $100 Startup, Honest SEO, The Culture Playbook, and The Future Begins with Z.Become a Supporting or Founding Lab Partner to support Mike’s work.Some links in Sketchnote Lab posts are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and resources I use and believe in.©2026 Mike Rohde, Sketchnote Lab