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Inspire Yourself with Doodling
Doodling is a good way to reconnect with your creative side. It’s NOT something to avoid, as you may have been told in childhood. It’s fun, easy and cheap. You can do it anywhere, even with a finger on the sand, if you are at the beach, or if all you have is a pen and some rough paper. But it does more than just stimulate you artistically. Doodling has been proven to relieve stress and tension. It also improves memory and can make it easier for you to focus. Best of all, it can leave you feeling relaxed and revitalized. There is a video of doodle patterns at the bottom of this article.
There Are Doodle Books
When it comes to doodling, you can grab a sheet of paper and start right now, in any way you like. But it can also be helpful to use doodling books. These are books filled with designs and doodles that will inspire your own pen. Zentangles can be considered a form of doodling.
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You can learn how to mix and match different patterns to create stunning images. Begin with Oodles of Doodles, Creative Doodling & Lettering for Journaling, Crafting & Relaxation by Suzanne McNeill or a book like Zentangle by Jane Marbaix. If you’d like to commit to doodling daily, then you might like One Zentangle A Day: A 6-Week Course in Creative Drawing by Beckah Krahula. Some authors expect you to buy a LOT of supplies to start zendoodling but really, if you are returning to doodles or just beginning to doodle, paper and pencil is a great way to start out. You can always add more supplies if you want to at a later time.
Use Prompts to Inspire You
Once you’ve spent some time learning more about the art of doodling, try out a few prompt books. The ideas on these pages will get your hand moving and are simple enough that you can enjoy a quiet conversation or listen to a conference call while working.
A good one to start with is Draw, Doodle, Design by Parragon Books. It contains all sorts of different pages and hundreds of prompts and the high-quality pages are perfect for markers, pencils, crayons, and more. You can find plenty of prompts and ideas at MyModernMet or on line at Pinterest or through a search engine.
Doodle with Different Tips
You can doodle with just about any pen or pencil you want to. But make sure to choose one that has a comfortable grip and doesn’t smear as you draw. A gel pen might have a vibrant color but if it leaks all over your work, it can be upsetting.
You also need to pay attention to the size of the pen tip that you’re using. Ultra-fine tips give more control and make your lines thinner, perfect for doodling small objects. Bigger tips will give you thicker lines and can be great for doodling with bold swipes. Get a set of pens with a variety of nib sizes.
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Doodling with Purpose
Once you’re done with your doodle, don’t think you have to throw it away or keep it locked away in your desk drawer. Instead, challenge yourself to use your doodles in new and exciting ways.
You could take the bird you doodled and turn it into a card for a sick friend. Try putting the heart you doodled into your child’s lunchbox, along with a quick note. You can even take your doodles and use them to mod podge an old item.
Rediscover the simple joy of doodling. Not only is it fun, it’s also the perfect way to de-stress after a long day.
Video Of Doodle Patterns
Watch this video for ideas of great patterns you can create easily. The only sound is music, so no need for headphones.