Capturing memories on the go doesn’t always need long diary entries or a bag full of art supplies. With just a pen, a sketchbook, and...
hand-drawn doodle art.
hand-drawn doodle art.
I often get asked how I plan and manage to create such detailed doodles. One of the most exciting things about doodling is that you don’t need a plan—you can start with anything and let the drawing evolve. Complex doodles are often just random elements that organically connect into something visually striking.
Take my piece „Time Step“ as an example. It may seem like an intricate world of mechanical structures, stairs, and surreal elements, but it all started as random objects drawn separately. The secret to making it look cohesive is adding connections, layering details, and filling spaces with textures.
Instead of worrying about the final outcome, focus on adding one piece at a time. The structure will naturally take shape as you go.
Creating highly detailed doodles is easier than it looks. Here are some simple tricks to make your drawings look complex without extra effort:
To show how simple doodles can turn into highly detailed works, let’s break down my artwork „I-Beam“ step by step.
I began with a few loose geometric shapes and lines, with no particular idea in mind. This stage is all about setting a base to build on.
From those initial lines, I started sketching mechanical and architectural elements—beams, bolts, abstract objects—layering them naturally. To do something different this time, I covered the lower part of the paper with post-it notes before starting. This kept that area blank and created a clean, defined edge where the doodle would stop.
Instead of leaving blank spaces, I added tiny elements like squiggles, wires, and patterns to create depth and movement. This step makes the doodle look much more intricate than it actually is.
As the doodle grew, I added more shading and hatching. This final step unifies the entire drawing, making it look polished.
If you want to follow a detailed step-by-step doodle guide, check out my tutorial here –> Doodle Drawings: How to Create the Most Stunning Doodles in 5 Easy Steps.
If you’re excited to try creating complex doodles, but need a little inspiration, check out my 14-day doodling challenge with free printable guide.
This challenge gives you daily prompts to build confidence, explore new ideas, and practice layering details. It’s a great way to experiment with intricate doodles without feeling overwhelmed.
Complex doodles aren’t difficult to create—they just grow over time. By starting small, layering elements, and making connections, you can transform simple sketches into detailed, visually captivating pieces.
So grab a pen, let your creativity take over, and start turning chaos into art!
Save this post on Pinterest for future inspiration, and explore more doodle art in the artmefree gallery.
