How to Create a Great Zendoodle or Zentangle Art Pattern

Author:
The Jetstream
Updated date:
Aug 18, 2021

I enjoy Zendoodling and inspiring others to Zendoodle some Zentangles!

What Are Zendoodles and Zentangles?

Zendoodling is the art of drawing designs using structured patterns or "Zentangles."

When you draw a Zendoodle, you’re creating a work of art, but you’re also deliberately creating a mood, focus, and state of mind.

Concentrate on drawing small blocks of patterns at a time; going with the flow lets your mind get into a calming zen state. This allows you to follow through on impulsive thoughts, so your doodle won’t be restricted by expectations, giving you an unexpected final design and a glimpse into your subconscious!

How to Create a Zendoodle: Step-by-Step With Pictures

You don’t have to be Michaelangelo to create a great Zendoodle. Because they’re based around following a series of steps focused on a set of patterns, it’s easy for beginners to get started.

Zendoodles aren’t doodles in the same sense as the star or squiggly stick man you drew while you were on the phone; they’re intricate designs built up by completing small areas of patterns at a time.

Once you get the hang of it and have a few basic Zentangles under your belt, let your mind wander and be as creative as possible! Invent your own patterns and see what your imagination comes up with.

Try not to have a preconceived idea of what it should look like; let your imagination move your hand, settle into a meditative state of mind, and you’ll be surprised with what you can do when you’re not focusing on the big picture.

What You’ll Need

Pencil
Felt-tip pen
Paper
A few basic patterns to reference

Watch a Zentangle Created From Start to Finish

Step 1

Step 1. Outline the Shape

Draw a square border outlining the shape of your Zentangle, usually about three inches wide.

Step 2. Next, divide your shape into several sections.

Step 2. Draw Strings

Use a pen or pencil to draw strings. Strings are the lines that divide the shape into individual sections.

Step 3. Fill in a Section With a Repetitive Pattern

Choose a section to start with and fill it with a repetitive pattern. Don’t spend time planning a pattern; just draw.

Step 4. Repeat step three until your Zentangle is complete. Here is a Zentangle with every section filled.

Step 4. Complete Step 3 Until the Zentangle Is Complete

Repeat step three for each section. Change the patterns, and get creative!

Step 5. Color or Shade Your Zendoodle (Optional)

Add color or shade the areas you’d like to define.

Benefits of Zendoodling

It is intuitive.
It is fun.
It is relaxing.
It leads to inspiration.
It teaches patience.
It inspires creativity.

Tips

Don’t resort to an eraser. There are no mistakes in Zendoodling. Something that you thought was a mistake might be the foundation for a new pattern or take your doodle in an exciting new direction.
Remember that with Zentangle art, you can’t fail. There is no right and wrong because there is no pre-determined solution to what you’re creating.
Check out Zentangle Patterns.com for inspiration.

Once you’re a Zendoodle master, move onto more elaborate patterns and designs. Challenge yourself to get as intricate and detailed as possible, play with different pen thicknesses, shading styles, and color combinations.

There are no limits to your imagination!

Comments

Asher Tarof on September 13, 2020:

Thank you for the Facts

Manikarnika on August 18, 2020:

Just few days before started to draw Zentangle. Your information is very useful.

Sumiti chadha on June 27, 2020:

Great thing to do

deepanjali on June 05, 2020:

hi i am from america it helped me from getting bored in this lockdown

John on June 04, 2020:

great

Ashlee on June 01, 2020:

Hi, I found this useful, thanks a lot!

someone on June 01, 2020:

Hello I just skimmed thro-

poppy on May 01, 2020:

this is really helpful

spike on April 30, 2020:

very much yes

eden on April 06, 2020:

i do not understand

rosea on March 24, 2020:

love this

crystal on March 10, 2020:

this is so amazing

Too on December 21, 2019:

This is amazing

bill on December 17, 2019:

thanks this helps aloooooooooot.

carson on December 17, 2019:

this was great thanks

josh on December 17, 2019:

thanks to this i made a cool tribute to the michel fartties

v v raghava rao on January 01, 2018:

ZENTANGLES ARE FOUND IN TRIBAL AREAS AND VILLAGES OF INDIA AS DECORATIVE PAINTINGS ON HUTS AND HOUSES

Susan Ledet on May 29, 2017:

I have been doing this for years and didn't know it had a name! I'm know for my meeting doodling at work...what they don't know is it makes me listen better!

vasantha murthy on January 19, 2017:

have been doing this and getting senior citizens do this for stress relief. found this very useful

Sarah on August 04, 2016:

thank you so much for this tutorial - I was able to put it together as a print out for my daughter for an upcoming road trip :)

Georgina Saad on July 10, 2016:

Great

juli on March 10, 2016:

cool

vasantha murthy on December 07, 2014:

like this work, Have been doing this.... page is very informative.