hand-drawn doodle art.
hand-drawn doodle art.
Not every part of your doodle needs to represent something from real life. In fact, most of my doodles feature only a handful of recognizable elements, while the rest is filled with abstract shapes and patterns. This makes doodling easy-going and endlessly enjoyable – creativity without overthinking.
In this post, we’ll dive into geometric and abstract drawing ideas, exploring simple yet dynamic shapes like spheres, arrows, and wavy lines that can elevate your designs. For each I will provide you with 3 examples from my own art.
1. Spheres – Spheres are simple yet incredibly dynamic. I often use them to add balance and symmetry to my doodles. Whether they’re floating independently or connected by lines, spheres act as visual anchors that tie the composition together. They’re perfect for creating focal points or filling space with elegance.
2. Triangles and Pyramids – Triangles and pyramids are bold, eye-catching shapes that bring structure and strength to your designs. I like to use them to add a sense of stability, layering them to create depth, or incorporating them into abstract compositions for a dynamic effect. They’re great for breaking up softer, organic patterns.
3. Cubes – Cubes offer clean, dimensional geometry that adds depth and perspective to doodles. They can be drawn as stacked blocks, scattered throughout the composition, or even distorted into abstract forms for a surreal look. Adding shading or patterns to cubes can elevate their presence in your designs.
4. Stacked Lines – Stacking a bunch of parallel or fanned-out lines are ideal for adding structure or suggesting movement. These lines can subtly fill empty spaces or stand out as bold design elements. I love using them to frame parts of the doodle or to create radiating pathways that guide the viewer’s attention.
5. Arrows and Javelins – Arrows and javelins bring sharp, directional energy to your doodles. These shapes are excellent for leading the viewer’s eye across the page or adding a sense of motion and action. They contrast beautifully with softer or more intricate elements, creating tension and intrigue within your composition.
6. Organic Abstract Shapes – Abstract organic shapes like wavy lines, squiggles, and curls bring a playful, dynamic quality to your doodles. These shapes break up rigid patterns and add flow and rhythm to your work. I often intertwine them with mechanical or architectural elements to create a unique contrast that feels both structured and spontaneous.
7. Detached, Free-Floating Pieces – One of my favorite abstract elements is free-floating shapes. These detached pieces—whether cubes, arrows, or fragments of a larger design—add a sense of mystery and movement. They create the illusion of scattered objects in space, inviting the viewer to explore how the pieces interact with the rest of the composition.
Stay tuned for Part 5: The Ultimate Guide to Combining artmefree’s Must-Try Doodling Elements, where we’ll bring everything together! Learn how to blend architectural, industrial, nature-inspired, and abstract elements into cohesive and captivating designs.
Want to see these geometric and abstract elements in full compositions? Visit the artmefree gallery to view complete artworks that go beyond the snippets shared here. For prints, apparel, and other creative products inspired by these designs, check out the artmefree shop!
Happy doodling! Don’t forget to save this post to your Pinterest for easy reference and stay tuned for Part 5 coming soon!
