7 Tips for Doodling for Beginners

Doodling for beginners. You might be thinking, “Isn’t all doodling a beginner thing?” Unfortunately, I think most people think of doodling as a type of nonsense art for people who can’t draw. I’ll admit that I was probably part of that crowd. Or maybe at the very least, I thought it was just silly little drawings that students or employees did when they should have been paying attention to the lesson or meeting taking place.

(Photo Credit: 123RF.com Image ID: 19416618 Copyright: bloomua)

Turns out, some doodlers take their art quite seriously and their doodles can get quite elaborate. But don’t let that hold you back! Doodles can be as simple as you want. They can be cute, whimsical, or complex. Doodlers Anonymous is a great site to feast your doodling eyes on.

(Photo Credit: 123RF.com Image ID: 88110409 Copyright: 9george)

The idea behind doodling is mostly to have fun.

Doodling for beginners, or anyone for that matter, is to have fun. It’s something you do while not really thinking about doing it. It’s almost a stream of thought activity…especially if you’re supposed to be paying attention to a lecture.

However, if you’re a beginner, you’re likely going to overthink things anyway. It’s human nature. So, here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Use drawing tools you’re comfortable with. There are countless types of pens, pencils, and markers. You don’t need expensive supplies to get the job done. If you want to start with pencil and go over it with a Sharpie later…great! Sketchbook? Okay. Printer paper? That’s great, too. It’s up to you.
2. Draw what you see in front of you. Pens, coffee cup, brush, lipstick, wedge of watermelon, your sandwich…literally, whatever.
3. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s a doodle. It’s not going to hang in the Louvre.
4. Fill a page with variations of the same subject. How many different ways can you draw a pen or your coffee cup? It’s a great way to challenge your imagination and creativity.
5. Decide on a theme. Fill your pages with themes. Doodling numbers or doodling shapes could offer countless doodles. Doodling plants might be a nice change of pace. Or maybe doodling with words is up your alley.
6. Turn inanimate objects into characters. Give your lipstick a smiley face, arms and legs. Add eyes and a mouth to a watermelon wedge. It’s not that difficult to get creative with otherwise mundane objects.
7. Remember that there is no wrong or right way to doodle. Just start. Your technique will be refined with time and practice. Yes, the P word. Practice makes everything better. Your confidence will grow, and your own personal style will emerge that make your doodles unique to you.

Keep them simple or go as complex as you want. There aren’t any rules with doodling, only tips. Since there are no rules, go for it and have fun!

Further Reading:

Doodling: More Than You Might Think