The Ritual of Café Sketching

How I find inspiration between sips of matcha and pages of art

After years of urban sketching, one setting I feel deeply connected to is cafés. I love a good nature sketch, but nothing beats the feeling of sitting in a cozy and beautifully designed café, with a sturdy table for my art materials, a delicious drink, and something sweet or savory on the side.

Over the past decade, I’ve explored countless spots here in San Diego, and I’ve found something special and sacred about being in a café. Each one feels like a portal into mindfulness, quiet productivity, and meaningful conversations that spark inspiration and joy. It’s like I leave all of my worries and problems outside the door and tell them, “Sorry, you’re not allowed”. Once I step in, I’m invited to slow down and notice everything.

As a Taurus rising, I live through my senses. Cafés are absolutely my favorite places for that. I love the kind and gentle interaction with the barista, the soft hum of conversation, the clinking of cups, and the whir of espresso machines. Also, the aroma of roasted coffee beans and fresh pastries, the rhythm of someone typing nearby, the soft lighting, the aesthetic decor, the flow of people…it all becomes part of the page when I start sketching.

In Human Design, my environment is Mountains, so I often find a cozy corner where I get a clear view of the space. Sometimes it’s the front counter while watching the baristas work their magic. Other times, I settle into a nook with the whole café in sight, quietly observing with my art materials in front of me.

Here are a few things I love to sketch:

• A pastry or meal beside my drink of choice

• The full view of the baristas behind the counter

• Random strangers who catches my eye

Café sketching is my version of journaling in public. It’s quiet, observant, and intimate. It keeps me connected to the outside world and anchored to my inner one. It’s never about creating a masterpiece; it’s about true presence. About simply being in the moment and appreciating every second of it. There’s no pressure, no rules, and no judgment. It’s just me, my sketchbook, pencil, ink, and watercolor having a soulful conversation with the space around me.

While I’ve taken sporadic breaks from café sketching over the years, my intention for 2025 (and beyond) is to return to it with fresh eyes and let my creativity do its thing. So far, here’s what I’ve captured (and yes, I’m a matcha girlie):

Next time you set foot inside a café, notice the little details of it all. Let your senses guide you! There is always a quiet kind of magic waiting to be seen. ✨

Do you have a ritual that helps you slow down and observe the world?

• I love cafés so much that I created an immersive gratitude guided visualization meditation, inspired by one-on-one conversations with a loved one inside a cozy café. Become a Blooming Insider to experience it for yourself: November 2024 Journaling Session - Gratitude

• Here are a few of my favorite cafe sketches that I filmed for my YouTube channel over the years: