Sketchbook submissions to The Drawing Year All you need to know

A key component of The Drawing Year applications is your sketchbook submission. Students have three options of how to submit their sketchbooks. This guide explains the process.
PP_Close_RDS_RORY_LANGDON-DOWN_SHOREDITCH_SELECTS_A 29
DSCF2947__RDS_EASTBOURNE_SELECTS_B-1

This guide outlines everything you need to know about submitting sketchbooks, from what to include to how to submit.

Application requirements  

As part of The Drawing Year applications, prospective students must submit a portfolio of 20 works, a personal statement, referees, and 1 or 2 sketchbooks.  

Sketchbooks can demonstrate explorations with various media, research, and writing. They can also convey ideation and processes. 

Specifications 

Sketchbook submissions must meet these criteria:  

  • Sketchbooks must be no larger than A3 in size  
  • If your sketchbook is made up of loose sheets, they must be bound together securely. Please note, folders, portfolios or rolls will not be accepted
  • You must not submit more than 2 sketchbooks 

Whether you submit sketchbooks as part of your online application or via post, be sure to give yourself enough time to prepare and organise your sketchbooks to avoid missing the deadline. 

PP_Close_RDS_RORY_LANGDON-DOWN_SHOREDITCH_SELECTS_A 89

How to submit sketchbooks    

There are 3 options to submit your sketchbooks: in-person, by post, or online. 

If submitting in-person or by post, please know that we take good care of your sketchbooks and endeavour to return them to you safely. However, the School accepts no liability for the loss or damages of works submitted as part of the application process. 

See specifications for each approach below. 

Option 1: In person

Sketchbooks submitted in-person must be dropped off on the 14th, 15th, or 16th April 2026 between 10am – 6pm. 

Sketchbooks are to be dropped off at:  

The Royal Drawing School 

19-22 Charlotte Road 

London  

EC2A 3SG 

In-person sketchbook submissions must be labelled with the applicants full name, email, and phone number.

Sketchbooks that are dropped off in-person will be available for collection at the School on the 12th, 13th, and 14th May 2026. 

Option 2: By post  

Applicants may deliver their sketchbooks direct to the Royal Drawing School. Sketchbooks delivered by post must arrive no later than Thursday, 16th April 2026. 

Postal submissions:  

  • Must be well packaged and protected for transit
  • Include a fully prepaid, stamped and addressed return envelope or a payment delivery label if returning by courier  

Postal submissions are to be sent to: 

The Royal Drawing School 

19-22 Charlotte Road 

London  

EC2A 3SG 

Option 3: Online

We understand that submitting physical sketchbooks is not always possible.

Digital sketchbooks (in PDF or video format) can be accepted if applicants are unable to submit physical sketchbooks. 

Digital sketchbooks must meet the following requirements:  

If in PDF format: 
  • Must not exceed 20 pages total.
  • Each PDF page should contain 2 pages of your sketchbook.
  • Not include cropped images. 

If in video format: 

  • Not exceed 2 mins in length. 
  • Be sure to include the whole sketchbook in the video frame; only including your hands flicking through the pages 

Regardless of format, each file should not exceed 10MB. 

Digital sketchbooks are submitted as part of The Drawing Year online application form, in the ‘Sketchbook submission’ section.

Digital sketchbooks files should be named following this pattern: 

‘Sketchbook 1-Applicant First Name-Applicant Last Name’ 

‘Sketchbook 2-Applicant First Name-Applicant Last Name’ 

RDS_RORY_LANGDON-DOWN_SHOREDITCH_SELECTS_A 8-3

One more thing

Don’t worry about perfection — a good sketchbook doesn’t need to include finished or well-polished pieces.  

Sketchbooks comprise:   

  • Studies, notes, and observational drawings 
  • Creative experimentations and idea development  
  • A range of media or subject matter