When life feels busy or overwhelming, finding a calming creative outlet can make a big difference. One of the simplest and most relaxing ways to...
hand-drawn doodle art.
hand-drawn doodle art.
Pen drawing is slow, intentional, and quietly powerful. Because you can’t erase or undo lines, it naturally encourages you to go with the flow. This helps quiet perfectionism and invites mindfulness.
Each mark you make is a decision, and that focus is what makes the process so peaceful. It becomes less about the final result and more about the act of drawing itself.
One of the best things about pen drawing is how accessible it is. You don’t need advanced skills to enjoy it. In fact, the simplicity of working in black ink helps remove pressure.
You’re not trying to blend colors or layer paint—you’re just putting lines on a page. It’s about getting into a creative rhythm and seeing where it takes you.
Here are a few simple ways to start today:
Doodle repeating shapes (lines, spirals, dots)
Fill a page with slow, intentional crosshatching
Draw objects from your desk with loose lines
Try blind contour drawings where you don’t look at the page
Sketch imaginary machines or plants from your mind
All of these ideas are low-stress and require zero planning. If you’re looking for more structure, check out the post on drawing practice tips that help you sketch more often.
Doodling is a fun and relaxing way to explore creativity, and now you can start your journey with my free workbook!
The Art of Doodling is a printable workbook designed to help you discover and improve your art skills, no experience needed. At artmefree, it’s all about embracing creativity in a simple, enjoyable way, whether you’re just starting out or looking for fresh inspiration.
16 pages packed with fun doodling exercises ✨
Helps improve and level up your drawing skills ✏️
Features pattern ideas and step-by-step guides 🗒️
Includes examples alongside open space to explore 🎨
Download it now and start doodling!
You only need one pen to get started, but here are a few favorites if you want to explore:
0.4mm fine liners for balanced detail and control
0.1mm or 0.05mm pens for delicate, tiny lines
Thicker pens or brush pens for bold contrasts
Sketch on plain white paper, scrap paper, or inside a dedicated sketchbook—it doesn’t matter. What matters is making space to draw.
Since you can’t erase pen marks, mistakes are bound to happen. Instead of seeing them as flaws, treat them as part of the drawing’s character.
This mindset shift is one of the reasons pen drawing is so therapeutic. It teaches acceptance, patience, and creative freedom.
Make pen drawing part of your daily or weekly rhythm. You can:
Keep a pen and notebook by your bed
Start your day with a 5-minute sketch
Unwind at night by doodling while listening to music or a podcast
These small moments add up. Before you know it, you’ve built a peaceful, consistent art practice.
If you’re looking for a calming, accessible way to create, pen drawing is one of the easiest and most rewarding places to start. With no setup and no pressure, it gives you a quiet space to explore, unwind, and reconnect with your creativity.
Save this post on Pinterest to come back to when you need a peaceful sketching session
Visit the artmefree shop to see original pen-drawn designs on prints and products
Let your pen guide you, one line at a time.
