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!

What do you need for doodling?

So often times I get asked why I doodle.

My honest answer is the point of the activity. Because it relaxes me. I love how I can start with no plan, and through simple redundant careful movements, it becomes this thing bigger than the sum of its parts.

In terms of materials, honestly its just plain paper and a pen. If you would to invest in materials for a bigger pay off- here is what I use.

Micron pens

Walmart has then at an affordable price

Note Pad that wont bleed (I prefer  mixed media notebook)

Available on Amazon

And if you like color here's what I use (Warning: I find color makes decision making infinitely more difficult as you not only have to keep track of shapes, but alternating palettes as well so I recommend sticking with black for beginners)

Walmart

Welcome to my Blog!

I am a newbie when it comes to doodling/zentagles/zendoodles, but I thought I could share what I know with you all and perhaps you could share with me as well! My posts will contain images and links to videos that I find helpful in explaining or elaborating on my ideas but most often will not be my own creations so I will be giving credit to the creators.

So, what are zendoodles?
Were you ever in class and as your teacher or professor was attempting to impart essential information to you, your pen would lazily drift to the margins of your lined notebook and begin creating mindless repetitive shapes? Those are the basic concepts behind zendoodles also known as zentangles.

Interestingly, a google search produced no concrete authorities on this meditative drawing, but I was able to find out that it originated in 2005 from a calligrapher who was doing just what was previously described. Drawing repetitive doodles and achieving a meditative feeling as a result. If you research, you can locate the blog of this calligrapher and her former monk husbands clear methods for doodling. Mine are slightly different so I will just go with how I developed my own.

Zendoodles are meant to be relaxing and fun. There is no plan when you put your pen to your paper the first time, and often no overarching drawing you aim to complete (this can be accomplished in a deliberate manner however we can discuss that later). Basically, you allow your pen to create redundant shapes, building upon your previous one until your page is full or you are satisfied with your outcome.

Here are examples of simple or individual zentangles