How to doodle

First, come to the understanding that there is no right or wrong way for this to turn out. It is simply a way for you to expend the ink in your pen and enjoy yourself while doing so. Mistakes are easily fixed, and in the end, it will all appear as if each line, dot, or squiggle was meant to be exactly where it is.

Second, it may be easiest for beginners to begin at the corner of the page and work your way out, resulting in a section of a circle. Like this:

This allows doodles to have an arc shape, however doesn require you to be able to create perfect circles when you draw.

Now- I could spend several paragraphs explaining the process, or simply allow you to see my favorite videos to see it in action. Here are short concise videos:


This first one is not time lapse, bit I think it helps demonstrate the repetitive motions.

This second video is sped up and shows the building of one item to another. Notice the solid lines that separate one pattern from another. Also, just because the circle started on one side doesn't mean another circle cannot be added:

This last tangle I love because if you look at each line mark individually they are incredibly "imperfect" and, for lack of a better word, wonky. However, the final product is amazing. When watching this video, I encourage you to pause it through out and look at the imperfections, and compare them to how you interpret them when the picture is "complete".

How do you know when a doodle is done?

The drawing is done when you are done. I have had fun with this idea now that I have been doodling for a while. My earlier images are simple with large patterns. I now revisit them and add small details to each one making them more intricate. I simply suggest that you keep the intricacy level consistent across all patterns.

 If you start a pattern with tiny alternating dots the size if you pen, then the "feel" of the over all drawing will be detailed and ornate. If your drawings are large and spacious, the feel of the drawing will be more sprawling and bold.

Happy Doodling!