15 Common Doodling Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

Oktober 27, 2024

Ever wondered why some doodles just don’t turn out the way you imagined? Whether you’re new to doodling or have been at it for a while, certain habits can hold you back. The good news? Many of these are easy to fix once you know what to look out for! Next up is a quick list of common doodling mistakes to avoid, so you can focus on having fun and letting your creativity flow. Let’s see which apply to you!

1. Not Getting Started

Procrastination and waiting for “the right moment” can keep you from actually putting pen to paper.

2. Obsessing Over the “Right” Tools

Don’t worry too much about having the perfect pen or sketchbook. Use what’s at hand and focus on creating.

3. Focusing Too Much on the End Result

Shift your focus to enjoying the journey. The best doodles often emerge when you’re not fixated on a specific outcome.

4. Not Having Fun

If doodling becomes a chore, step back and remind yourself why you started.

5. Forgetting to Use Solid Blacks

Incorporate areas of solid black to add contrast and make your designs pop.

6. Forgetting to Balance White Space

Leave some areas blank for contrast and breathing room, making the composition more dynamic.

7. Not Copying from Other Artists

It’s okay to take inspiration and learn from others’ work. Use it as a foundation to develop your own style.

8. Not Using Real Objects or Photos as References

You don’t need to come up with everything from scratch. Let the world around you be your guide.

9. Being Too Focused on Perfection

Let go of the need for every line to be perfect. Imperfections are what give character to doodles.

10. Not Varying Line Thickness

Use different pen sizes to add dimension and visual interest.

11. Getting Stuck in Repetitive Patterns

Explore new shapes, textures, and arrangements to keep your designs fresh and varied.

12. Not Letting Your Pencil Wander Freely

Don’t limit yourself to controlled, perfectly defined lines. Let the pencil wobble and wander to create organic shapes.

13. Not Using Guidelines When Needed

Lightly sketch some guiding shapes if you want to maintain symmetry or create intricate designs.

14. Stopping Too Early or Overworking the Piece

Know when to stop to avoid overcrowding your doodle—or push through if it feels unfinished.

15. Getting Discouraged by Mistakes

Treat mistakes as creative opportunities. Turn stray lines into new shapes or patterns! See my other blog post on this!

Conclusion

Did you spot a few mistakes that sound familiar? Don’t worry—every artist, no matter their skill level, falls into these traps at some point. The key is to stay playful, experiment, and remember that doodling should be about the process, not just the result. Now that you know what to avoid, why not dive deeper into your creative journey? Check out the rest of my website for more inspiration, doodling tips, and unique artwork to spark new ideas. Keep creating, keep exploring, and enjoy every line you draw!