Whether you're a seasoned crafter or not, everyone has creativity within them. Doodling may just be what you need to express this creativity! In this blog, you'll discover everything you need to know to get started with doodling, even if you think you can't draw.

What is doodling?

Have you ever found yourself absentmindedly scribbling on a piece of paper while listening to a presentation, phone call or meeting? If so, then you, too, have doodled before. Doodling is known as the act of creating random drawings, scribbles or patterns, often without a specific purpose or direction. It can range from simple lines and shapes to more intricate designs. Many people associate doodling with making scribbles during meetings or phone calls, but it can also be a form of creative expression and relaxation.

What does 'doodle' actually mean?

The word "doodle" literally means "scribble" or "little drawing". So, it's really just another term for drawing. The main difference is that when you doodle, you never plan what you will draw; instead, you absentmindedly scribble and create little drawings. Doodling isn't just
about making random drawings; it also has a deeper meaning. It can be a way to organise your thoughts, reduce stress, and even improve your concentration. For some, it's a form of meditation where the repetition of simple movements has a calming effect on the mind. Sometimes, you'll start doodling subconsciously, but you can also consciously fill a page in your scrapbook, bullet journal, or sketchbook with doodles.

Why do we doodle? 

People doodle for various reasons; we’ll explain these in more detail here.

1. Relaxation and stress reduction: Doodling can have a calming effect and helps to relax and reduce stress. It's a form of mindfulness that quiets the mind and help to dispel negative thoughts.
2. Creative outlet: Doodling provides a creative outlet to express your imagination and creativity. It allows you to experiment freely with shapes, lines, and patterns without restrictions or rules.
3. Concentration and focus: For some people, doodling can help improve concentration and increase focus. It can actually be a helpful activity during meetings, lectures, or phone calls to keep your attention engaged.
4. Self-expression: Some people doodle to express themselves nonverbally. It can serve as a form of self-expression where emotions, thoughts, and ideas are conveyed through lines, shapes, and symbols.
5. Creative inspiration: Sometimes, doodling serves as a source of creative inspiration. Doodling during your brainstorming session can lead to new ideas, concepts, or designs.

What do you need to doodle?

The beauty of doodling is that you don't need much to get started. All you need are some basic materials, such as:

• Paper: Choose paper suitable for drawing, such as drawing paper or sketch pads. But a simple notebook can also suffice.
• Pencils or pens: Use regular pencils, gel pens, fineliners (see this blog), or markers - whatever you prefer to work with.
• Optional: Coloured pencils or markers for adding colour to your doodles.

Remember, the goal of doodling is to draw spontaneously and relax, so you can use whatever materials you choose.

Drawing doodles: How to? 

The fun part about doodling is that there are no rules - you can just start! Do you still need some more explanation? Here are some tips to get you started:

• Start with a blank sheet of paper and let your pen or pencil move across the paper.
• Begin by drawing simple lines, scribbles, or shapes on the paper. You can start with straight lines, circles, waves, or other essential elements.
• Loosen your hand and draw without overthinking. Doodling is intuitive, so let your hand move freely and follow your natural impulses.
• Let your creativity flow, and don't be afraid to make mistakes - there are no mistakes in doodling!
• Focus on the moment and let your mind wander as you draw. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and the freedom of expression that doodling offers.

10 doodling ideas

Need some more inspiration for your following doodles? Below, we've listed 10 ideas for filling your paper with doodles.

1. Flowers and plants: Draw different flowers, leaves, and branches.
2. Geometric patterns: Create interesting patterns with straight lines and angles.
3. Animals: Try drawing simple animal figures like cats, dogs, or birds.
4. Typography: Experiment with drawing words and letters in different fonts and styles.
5. Abstract shapes: Let your hand move freely and create your own unique designs.
6. Food: Draw your favourite dishes or snacks - they don't have to be perfect!
7. Landscapes: Create simple landscapes with elements like mountains, sea, trees, and clouds.
8. Patterns: Create repeating patterns like stripes, dots, or waves.
9. Mandalas: Design intriguing mandala patterns with concentric circles and geometric shapes.
10. Characters: Come up with your own funny or imaginative characters and draw them in different situations.

Ready to explore the world of doodling? Whether you want to create beautiful doodles or relax and let your mind wander, doodling is a great way to express your creativity and have fun. You'll be amazed at the doodles you can create; happy doodling!