Doodling — a funny little word and an action most of us have engaged in at some point, especially as kids. When I delve into my memories, I find that many of my core memories revolve around doodling. I remember grabbing the nearest coloured pencil and sketching the most interesting object or subject around me.

Doodling is a bit like early humans picking up a stick and scratching on a cave wall to express themselves. I believe this creative impulse is within all of us!

Whenever I finished a sketch, I’d proudly show it to my parents. They always acknowledged my creations and made sure I felt validated which I am forever grateful for. This early validation was crucial and made me who I am today instilling confidence in me to explore and express myself freely through art. It taught me the value of encouragement in nurturing creativity and self-expression which in turn developed my appreciation for art as a form of personal expression rather than a structured exercise. This foundation of validation has stayed with me, influencing how I approach challenges and creativity throughout my life.

Art, to me as a kid, was never a structured activity and that holds true — art should not be structured. It was simply a way to express myself, which is the true essence of art. As I grew up, my world expanded, and I encountered many skilled artists, each with their own unique ways of expressing themselves. Along with this exposure came more structure — principles and rules to follow. Design entered my life, and I absolutely love it. However, perfectionism also crept in. Every little detail seemed crucial, and I spent countless hours fixating on flaws, regardless of their impact on the bigger picture.

Take a look at this sketch — yep, that’s me floating around in awe of how amazing the movie ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ was. The movie was so intense I didn’t want to blink. At one point, I felt like I was intruding on the characters’ lives due to the intimate nature of the story. This feeling inspired me to sketch it out, and I love doing this because it helps me remember the moment and the emotions I felt even more vividly.

There was a time when I stopped sketching frequently and forgot how much joy it brought me. This realization has made me want to take that first step again, like I did as a kid — grab the nearest pencil and start the journey anew. Sketching moments feel more valuable than taking pictures because you truly observe and delve into the moment while sketching. Although doodling is an art form without strict rules, I’ve found my methods -

1. Connecting the dots and exploring patterns

Creating dots makes me want to connect them, and once something is created, I enjoy seeing the patterns that emerge. Each dot represents a step in the journey, and connecting them feels like weaving a story with each stroke. It’s fascinating to see how a seemingly random collection of points can transform into a coherent and beautiful design.

2. Scribbling to find a subject

Scribbling makes me want to create characters with unique characteristics that emerge from the randomness. It’s a bit like cloud gazing — seeing shapes and forms in the chaotic lines and turning them into distinct figures. This method allows me to explore new ideas and personalities, giving life to unexpected characters born from the spontaneity of the scribble.

3. Filling in space

Drawing blobs inspires me to fill them with stories, creating a universe that seems endless in my mind. Each blob becomes a canvas for imagination, where I can invent worlds, characters, and narratives. It’s like discovering hidden stories within abstract shapes, allowing creativity to flow freely and unbounded by reality.

Reflecting on these methods reminds me that art doesn’t always have to be perfect or structured. Sometimes, the most meaningful creations come from letting go and allowing ourselves to play, explore, and express without constraints.

My journey with sketching has been a path of creative freedom. It has taught me to appreciate the goodness in imperfections and the joy in spontaneous expression. It’s a powerful reminder that creativity is innate. So, let’s pick up our pencils and start doodling — who knows what wonders we might create?

Lines of Expressions was originally published in Gameskraft Design on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.