Doodle art is a versatile and fun way to express creativity. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, there’s always something new to learn. Here are ten mind-blowing doodle art techniques that will elevate your artwork to the next level. Each technique includes step-by-step guides and video tutorials to help you master them. Plus, we’ll showcase some fantastic submissions from our Doodle Art Club community!
1. Mandala Doodles
Mandalas are circular designs that represent the universe. They are created by repeating patterns around a central point.
Steps:
- Draw a small circle in the center of your paper.
- Add layers of patterns around the circle, working outward.
- Use a compass to keep your circles even.
Video Tutorial: Create Stunning Mandalas
Photo/Video credit. YouTube Channel: charvi ashtekar
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2. Negative Space Doodles
Negative space doodles focus on the space around and between the subjects of an image rather than the subjects themselves. This technique creates visually striking and dynamic compositions by emphasizing the contrast between filled and empty spaces.
Steps:
- Start by drawing the outline of a simple shape or object.
- Instead of filling in the object, fill the space around it with patterns, lines, or doodles.
- Experiment with different patterns and textures to create depth and interest.
Video Tutorial: Exploring positive and negative space
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This technique is great for adding a new dimension to your doodle art and can produce some really interesting and unique results.
3. 3D Illusion Doodles
Create eye-popping 3D effects with simple doodles. These illusions add depth and dimension to your art.
Steps:
- Draw a simple shape (like a cube or a cylinder).
- Add shading to create a light source and shadow.
- Use overlapping lines to enhance the 3D effect.
Video Tutorial:
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4. Pattern Mixing
Combine different patterns to create unique and complex designs. This technique is great for filling larger spaces.
Steps:
- Choose several different patterns.
- Draw a basic shape or outline.
- Fill different sections of the shape with different patterns.
Video Tutorial: Zen-Doodle, Doodle Patterns
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5. Floral Doodles
Floral doodles are perfect for adding a touch of nature to your art. They can be simple or highly detailed.
Steps:
- Start with a basic flower shape.
- Add details like petals, leaves, and stems.
- Experiment with different types of flowers and compositions.
Video Tutorial: How to Layout and Design Floral Illustrations | Drawing Flowers
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6. Abstract Doodles
Let your imagination run wild with abstract doodles. There are no rules, just free-flowing creativity.
Steps:
- Start with random shapes and lines.
- Add patterns and textures.
- Use color to enhance the abstract feel.
Video Tutorial: Easy Abstract Art Anyone Can Do!
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7. Character Doodles
Bring characters to life with simple doodles. This technique is great for storytelling and creating fun scenes.
Steps:
- Draw basic shapes for the head and body.
- Add features like eyes, mouth, and hair.
- Experiment with different poses and expressions.
Video Tutorial: Doodle art for beginners || How to doodle || Doodle art cartoon
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8. Geometric Doodles
Use geometric shapes to create intricate and precise designs. This technique is perfect for symmetry lovers.
Steps:
- Draw a grid or use a compass for precision.
- Fill the grid with geometric shapes.
- Add patterns and shading to enhance the design.
Video Tutorial: Simple Geometric Patterns | Geometric Pattern Design
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9. Doodle Lettering
Combine doodling with typography to create beautiful and unique letter designs.
Steps:
- Choose a word or phrase.
- Sketch the letters with basic shapes.
- Add doodles and patterns to each letter.
Video Tutorial: Zentangle art alphabet – Letter A
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10. Watercolor Doodles
Combine doodles with watercolor to add a splash of color and texture to your art.
Steps:
- Create a doodle with waterproof ink.
- Use watercolors to fill in the doodle.
- Experiment with different color blends and techniques.
Video Tutorial: Watercolor Doodle ideas for beginners
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Share Your Doodles!
We love seeing your creativity! Share your doodle art using #DoodleArtClub for a chance to be featured in our next post. Happy doodling!
I have done 760 doodles between 1998 and 2023. The biggest number in a year was approximately 200 when we had Covid Lockdown (2020). They are of all different styles, but if you would like to see a few (say 6) of what I consider my best, let me know.
Denys Wheatley
That’s amazing, Denys — what a wonderful body of work and creative history!
We’d love to see your art. Please apply here and share a few of your favorite doodles with us:
https://doodleartclub.com/our-artists/
Looking forward to discovering your work!
My doodle work through Lockdown (Covid-19) 2020 will soon be published by Balboa Press in 3 books. They will be available starting probably a month from now, and can be found on Amazon as well as a number of other sites.
There will be at least one more book which deals with the value of not just having doodles drawn in black and white, but in enhancing them by colouring them in. Thus it combines two means of reducing stress – drawing a doodle and then colouring it in.
Those who want to see more fully the relationship between all these things and mental problems might like to read my book published in 2012 by Springer entitled “BioPolArt – Art and Bipolar Disorder – a personal perspective.” ISBN 978-94-007-4871-2.