Creative blocks happen to everyone. Sometimes it’s hard to even start drawing—especially when your doodles feel repetitive, messy, or meaningless. When that happens, one of...
hand-drawn doodle art.
hand-drawn doodle art.
Getting stuck creatively is totally normal. What helps is to keep moving—literally and creatively. Exploring different doodling styles can:
Break routine – A new style interrupts repetitive patterns.
Open up new ideas – Changing direction often leads to surprise discoveries.
Build confidence – Trying something new shows you can figure it out.
Make drawing fun again – No rules, just play.
Sometimes all it takes is a fresh perspective (or pen stroke) to get back into the flow.
Before jumping into new styles, it helps to take a quick look at how you usually draw.
What do your doodles tend to look like?
Are they mostly structured and neat?
Do you always start with circles or spirals?
Are you filling the page edge-to-edge, or do you stick to corners?
Do you always reach for symmetry or avoid straight lines?
We all build little creative habits—sometimes without realizing it. While there’s nothing wrong with having a go-to style, staying in that comfort zone too long can make things feel stale. Think of it as a creative bubble—or even a friendly little prison. The key is to notice it, then shake things up.
When looking at the styles in the next section, try choosing the ones that feel least like you. The ones that make you go, “Hmm… I never do that.” That’s a sign it might open something new.
And don’t just try something new—also challenge yourself to avoid your old patterns on purpose.
Always draw swirls? Try only sharp angles and zigzags.
Tend to fill every corner? Leave big areas of blank space.
Usually go detailed? Try bold, minimal shapes instead.
Stick to symmetrical layouts? Let things grow unevenly and see what happens.
Always start in the middle? Begin in the corner or draw “backward.”
It might feel awkward at first—but that’s exactly the point. That awkwardness means your brain is stretching. That’s where new ideas often come from.
Each of these styles can be mixed, layered, or repeated. Try them all, or pick one to focus on for a week.
Stick to just lines—straight, curved, jagged, spiraled. See how much variety you can get with line weight, direction, and spacing. Great for warming up or zoning out.
This style is all about letting your pen wander. Think blobs, vines, spirals, and flowing forms that grow naturally across the page. No rulers, no structure—just fluid motion.
Use simple shapes like triangles, squares, and circles, then repeat or stack them to build rhythm. Perfect for when you want structure and visual order.
Instead of drawing objects, draw the space around them. Outline invisible shapes by doodling around them. It’s a great way to train your eye and shift your thinking.
Tiny, detailed doodles that fill small corners of a page. These can be patterns, textures, or mini-scenes. It’s ideal for relaxing, especially when time is limited.
Combine styles! Try geometric shapes with flowing lines or negative space mixed with micro doodles. These mashups are where new ideas are born.
Some days call for neat grids. Other days? Swirls and chaos. The point is to explore and respond to how you’re feeling, not force a certain outcome. These styles are tools—not expectations.
When things feel off, switching your doodling style can help shake things up and bring back the creativity.
At artmefree, most drawings begin as a blend of these styles. There’s no script—just a pen, blank paper, and curiosity. Sometimes it starts with a tight geometric form. Other times, a loose organic swirl turns into something more structured. The result? A unique flow that grows into detailed abstract artwork.
Many of the designs featured in the artmefree shop and gallery come straight from moments like these—doodles that started without a plan and evolved naturally.
When creativity feels stuck, exploring new doodling styles can be just what’s needed. Try one today—or blend a few—and see where your pen takes you. No pressure, no rules—just play and enjoy the process.
➡️ Pin this post so you have it when inspiration dips
➡️ Browse the artmefree shop to see where these styles can lead
