How To Get Better At Doodling: 9 Game Changing Tips
Learning how to doodle is more than just scribbling on paper; it’s a fun, creative escape that anyone can enjoy! But if you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank page wondering where to start, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
Whether you’re dreaming of filling your notebooks with quirky art, leveling up your Bullet Journal, or just soothing your busy mind, doodling is a skill you can actually improve with practice and a few key tips.
This post will walk you through how to get better at doodling with nine practical, game-changing hacks that will boost your confidence and creativity. Grab your favorite pen, and let’s get to it!
Unlike what you might believe (because I definitely believed that), creativity and doodling aren’t a special gift only a few are born with; it’s a skill anyone can learn. Yeah, even if you’ve never done anything creative, you can become a master doodler.
And here today I’ll be sharing the best tip on doodling to help you master this skill and grow your creativity.
And be sure to check the end of the post for more resources and a FREE course on doodling for beginners.
This post may contain affiliate links. They will be of no extra expense for you, but I receive a small credit. Please see my Disclosure for more details. Thank you for supporting Masha Plans!
How To Get Better At Doodling
Learning a new skill can be hard and intimidating, but there are plenty of simple tips and tricks you can use to help you on this journey.
I’ve been learning and improving my doodling skills for years, so here are the best tips that have helped me and thousands of other people become better at it.
1. Start With Basic Shapes
You can doodle anything and everything with this simple tip – everything is made of basic shapes. Circles, squares, triangles, and wavy lines – if you can draw these, you can doodle anything you want. By mastering these simple shapes, you’ll create a foundation for more intricate designs later.
Here’s a quick exercise to try: Draw a row of circles and turn each one into something different, like a sun, a donut, or a smiley face. You’ll be amazed at how versatile basic shapes can be!
This little exercise will help you start developing the skill of seeing things as a set of basic shapes.
2. Practice Regularly
As much as I wish there were one little thing you could do once and then become a master of doodling, this is not how it works. The truth is, the best way to improve is, like with any other skill, to practice more.
Set aside dedicated time every day—even if it’s just five minutes—to put pen to paper.
Create a “doodle habit” by keeping a small notebook close by. Waiting for your coffee to brew? Doodle. Taking a quick work break? Doodle. These small moments add up, helping you build muscle memory and refine your skills.
And yes, I recommend you use a journal for doodling so you can keep everything in one place and easily see your progress.
3. Observe And Imitate
Want to get better at doodling? Start paying attention to the world around you. That apple on your desk? Doodle it. The coffee cup in front of you? Add it to your sketchbook. Observing everyday objects and drawing them helps train your eye to see shapes and patterns.
It’s also okay to imitate other artists when you’re just starting out (because, spoiler alert, every artist started somewhere). Follow your favorite doodlers on Instagram or Pinterest and recreate their work to understand techniques.
Just remember to add your own flair as you grow and develop your personal style.
4. Experiment With Different Tools And Mediums
All you need to start doodling is a pencil, but supplies can help us improve the look of doodles and find unique styles. I also find that using high-quality supplies that you love will make the practice of doodling more fun.
I know for sure I doodle more every time there is a new shiny pen for me to experiment with.
Whether you’re partial to a classic black pen or curious about colorful markers, switch things up to see what works best for you.
Here are some great tools to try:
- Pencil – here I would recommend having not just any pencil but the one with a comfortable grip, and you will be using it a lot. My top choice is Pilot Dr. Grip.
- Gel pens – they are very smooth to write with and they can come in so many beautiful colors! And if you use a colorful gel pen instead of a usual black fineliner, it really creates a different effect. I would definitely recommend trying Sakura Gelly Roll, which is the best gel pen.
- Markers – speaking of color markers, they can help you add all typed OSF colors to your doodles. You can play around with how you add color and what colors you use, and see how it changes the doodle. I recommend getting Crayola Super Tips, since they are affordable and come in 100 colors!
- Digital doodling—maybe this will suit you better. Why not give it a try and see if you enjoy it?
Don’t underestimate how changing your tools can inspire an entirely different doodling style.
5. Embrace Imperfection
No matter how long you’ve been doodling, your doodles are not going to be perfect. There is always something that can be done better. And guess what? That’s the point! Doodling is about freeing your creativity, not stressing over every little squiggle or wobbly line.
Forget about whether it looks “good.” Instead, focus on letting your hand move freely and enjoying the process. It’s often the imperfections that give doodles their charm.
Bonus tip: If you’re feeling stuck, turn “mistakes” into something intentional. A stray line can become a vine, and a smudge? Instant shadow effect.
6. Seek Inspiration and Learn from Others
Other creators and artworks are perfect inspirations to help you on your journey; we all start that way.
- Browse art books or websites like Pinterest for new ideas.
- Watch online tutorials on YouTube for fun concepts and techniques.
- Join doodling communities on forums or social media. Sharing your work and receiving feedback can be a huge boost to your confidence and creativity.
And if you need some recommendations for these, check the end of the post. I have plenty of resources to inspire your doodling journey.
Most importantly, remember that inspiration isn’t just found in art. A nature walk, a colorful café, or even a random pattern on a rug can spark your next doodling idea.
7. Incorporate Doodling Into Daily Life
The secret to getting better at doodling is to make it a part of your routine. Doodle wherever and whenever you can.
Jotting down notes during a meeting? Add a quick border or cute icons. On a call? Doodle designs in the margins of your notebook. This can also help with memory retention since it seems like you remember things better if you doodle at the same time.
Carry a small notebook with you at all times. You’ll be surprised how many moments in your day are perfect for a quick doodle session. It’s all about making it second nature.
8. Use Prompts and Challenges
Staring at a blank page can feel daunting. That’s where prompts and challenges come in!
Try:
- Prompt lists like “draw something that makes you laugh” or “sketch your favorite dessert.”
- Challenge themes like #doodleaday or #inktober to stay motivated and get creative ideas.
These fun exercises push you to explore new styles and ideas, helping to take your doodling skills further.
And if you’re looking for challenges like these that also come with doodling tutorials, be sure to check my Patreon, where you can get new prompts and new doodling tutorials every month!
9. Reflect And Evolve
Looking back at your old doodles can inspire you in ways you might not expect. Flip through your sketchbook to see how far you’ve come and identify areas for improvement.
Set small, achievable goals to evolve further. Maybe you want to work on shading techniques or experiment with intricate patterns. Whatever it is, tracking your progress and pushing boundaries will keep your love for doodling alive.
And there you are. Here are some simple tips for you to follow so you can improve your doodling and bring this creative skill to the level you want.
Doodling is a joyful, creative outlet that’s just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re doodling basic shapes in a notebook or creating more complex designs, these 9 tips can help you refine your skills and discover your unique style.
Free Doodling Course
Did you think I would leave you without some freebie? Nope, I want you to master and succeed on your doodling journey, so I have created a free doodling course where I walk you through everything you need to know to master doodling, sharing all my best tips, tricks, and techniques.
Just sign up using the form below, confirm your subscription, and all the details will be sent straight to your inbox.
More Resources
Are you looking for more resources and tips to help you improve your doodling skills? I’ve got you covered; there is so much more to share.
Check out these blog posts next:
- Best Books On Doodling Flowers
- 9 Cute Self-Care Doodles: Step By Step Tutorials
- 7 Free Doodling Courses To Unleash Your Creativity
>>> What tips helped you the most on your doodling journey? Share with us in the comments!
Hope this post was interesting. If you find it so, please share! If you enjoy my content and want to show your appreciation, please consider supporting me with a cup of coffee.
And remember: Keep Bullet Journaling, and Don’t Be A Blob!
