Have you ever found yourself staring at those intricate doodles on Instagram or Pinterest, thinking, “There’s no way I could ever do something like that”? I know I have.
It seemed like those people were born with some innate talent that I just didn’t possess. But I’ve learned something important: anyone can doodle. You don’t need to be a natural-born artist, and you definitely don’t need to strive for perfection.
I’m on a personal art learning experience, just like many of you. I’m here to tell you that doodling is one of the most accessible and enjoyable forms of art out there.
It’s about letting go of the need for flawless lines and embracing the simple joy of putting pen to paper (or stylus to tablet!). So, if you’ve ever felt intimidated by a blank page, let me show you how to start filling it with your own unique doodles.
Start with Easy Doodles
Let’s ease into this. We’re going to start with the absolute basics. Think of the simplest things you can imagine. How about a cloud? I find it easiest to begin with the familiar.
Start with a series of connected curves – think fluffy, rounded shapes. Maybe add a few smaller bumps and dips within the larger form. There’s no need to overthink it. Seriously, just let your hand move freely. And there you have it – a cloud!
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The beauty of doodling is that it thrives on imperfection. No two clouds are exactly alike in real life, right? So, don’t worry if your lines are a little wobbly or uneven.
Those imperfections are what make your doodle unique. They add character and a sense of whimsy.
Now, let’s try another one – a flower. This is a classic doodle, and for good reason. Start with a simple circle for the center of the flower.
Then, draw some basic petal shapes around it. Don’t feel like they need to be perfectly symmetrical or uniform. In fact, it’s better if they’re not!
Try making some petals round and full, while others can be a bit more pointed or elongated. Let your creativity guide you.
Once you’re happy with the petals, add a stem – just a simple line extending downwards. You can add a couple of leaves to the stem as well, using basic leaf shapes.
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See how quickly something recognizable starts to take shape? It’s almost like magic, but it’s really just about breaking things down into simple forms.
Build Up on Easy Doodles
Alright, we’ve got some basic shapes under our belts. Now, let’s see how we can build on them and create something a little more interesting. This is where the real fun begins. It is fun and anyone can do it.
That simple cloud we drew earlier? Let’s transform it into a rainy cloud. Draw some straight lines coming down from the bottom of the cloud, varying the lengths to make it look more natural. Just a few simple lines, and suddenly your cloud has a whole new mood.
Or, if you’re feeling a bit more dramatic, let’s turn that cloud into a lightning storm. Instead of straight lines, draw some jagged, zigzag lines extending downwards.
Experiment with different angles and thicknesses. You can almost feel the energy of the storm, can’t you?
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Now, let’s revisit that simple flower. How can we add some detail? Try adding some small dots in the center to represent the stamen. Or, maybe draw some delicate swirls on the petals to give them some texture.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add a little bee buzzing around the flower. Draw a simple oval for the bee’s body and a smaller circle for its head.
Then, add some tiny lines for its wings and legs. It’s amazing how just a few small additions can bring your doodle to life.
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This is the essence of building up your doodles: layering simple shapes and details to create something more complex and engaging. Let your imagination run free, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
Use Reference and Draw
Here’s a technique that I found incredibly helpful when I was starting out: using references. It is easy. It’s a way to train your eye and understand how to simplify complex objects.
Don’t feel like you have to pull everything out of thin air. There are so many sources of inspiration around you.
Open up Google Images or Pinterest and search for things that catch your eye. It could be anything – a piece of fruit, a piece of clothing, a building, or even an abstract pattern.
Or, just look around your room. See that coffee mug on your desk? Try doodling it. Don’t aim for photorealism; that’s not the goal here. Instead, try to capture the basic shape of the mug – the cylindrical body, the curved handle.
Looking at references can give you tons of ideas and help you figure out how to break down complex objects into simpler forms.
It’s not cheating; it’s a valuable learning tool. It’s a way to study the world around you and translate it into your own unique doodle style.
See a cool pattern on a piece of fabric or a wallpaper design? Try doodling that pattern. It’s a great way to practice different types of lines and shapes and expand your visual vocabulary.
Draw a Page Full of Doodles
Now for an exercise that really helped me boost my confidence: filling an entire page with doodles. This might sound daunting, but trust me, it’s incredibly liberating.
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Don’t worry about what you’re drawing. Just let your pen or stylus flow across the page. Draw those simple clouds and flowers we practiced earlier. Add some random lines, shapes, and patterns.
The goal here isn’t to create a masterpiece; it’s to get comfortable with the act of drawing and to fill that intimidating blank space. I love filling blank spaces with doodles!
Don’t judge your doodles. Just enjoy the process of creating. Let your hand move freely, and don’t overthink it. The more you fill that page, the more you’ll realize that you can create. You’ll see that you’re capable of filling a space with your own unique marks.
And honestly, when you look at a page full of your own doodles, even if they’re simple, it’s a pretty awesome feeling. It’s tangible proof that you’re creating something, that you’re expressing yourself visually.
Doodle Daily
Just like any skill, doodling gets better with practice. Think of your creativity as a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly. The most effective way to improve your doodling and unlock your creative potential is to make it a daily habit.
Even if it’s just for five or ten minutes, carve out some time each day to doodle. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate or planned. Just grab your sketchbook or your tablet and doodle whatever comes to mind.
Maybe doodle your breakfast while you’re eating it. Doodle your surroundings during your commute. Doodle while you’re on a phone call or during a boring meeting (I won’t tell!). The key is to keep those creative juices flowing. To keep your pen and your mind in motion.
The more you doodle, the more comfortable you’ll become with different lines, shapes, and patterns. You’ll start to develop your own unique style.
You’ll find yourself seeing the world in terms of doodles, noticing interesting shapes and textures that you might have overlooked before.
And you’ll be amazed at how quickly your skills improve. It’s all about consistency and practice, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
Start Your Doodle Practice
So, there you have it – a beginner’s guide to the wonderfully imperfect and liberating practice of doodling. There’s no pressure to be perfect or to create masterpieces.
Embrace those wobbly lines, have fun with it, and just let your creativity flow. It’s a form of self-expression that’s accessible to everyone, regardless of artistic background.
I’m on this art path, and I’d love for you to join me. Pick up a pen, find a piece of paper, and start doodling. You might surprise yourself with what you create. What will you doodle first? I’m curious to know!