From Reality to Doodles: How to Overcome Nervousness in Art

As an artist, I have always been comfortable drawing from reality. I love capturing still life, a landscape, or a portrait. I feel comfortable and in control when I have a reference to work from. But I must admit that it makes me nervous when it comes to doodling.

The Art of Doodling

Doodling is the act of drawing aimlessly or absent mindedly. It’s something that many of us do without even realizing it – doodling on the margins of a notebook while on a phone call, during a meeting, or even during a boring class. It’s a form of self-expression that requires no rules or guidelines, just a pen and paper. It’s a way to pass the time and keep your hands busy.

How Doodling Can Cause Anxiety?

However, doodling can be intimidating for someone like me, who is used to the discipline and structure of drawing from reality. I find myself constantly questioning my doodles – are they good enough? Are they accurate? Do they make sense? These doubts and insecurities can make doodling a stressful experience for me.

The Comfort of Drawing From Reality

Drawing from reality gives me a sense of control and structure (I’m a recovering control freak 😅). I know what I am drawing and I have a clear goal in mind. But with doodling, there is no specific subject or end result. It’s just me and my pen, creating something from scratch.

The Fear of Imperfection

The lack of structure and guidelines in doodling can be both challenging and liberating. On the one hand, I am free to let my imagination run wild and create anything I want. But on the other hand, I am also faced with the fear of not knowing where to start or what to draw. This fear often leads to me avoiding doodling altogether, sticking to what I know best – drawing from reality.

Tips for Overcome Doodling Anxiety

1. Start Small: Begin with simple shapes and patterns to ease into the process of doodling without feeling overwhelmed. Building confidence with basic elements can help diminish anxiety.
2. Practice Regularly: Set aside a few minutes each day for doodling. Consistent practice can desensitize the fear of imperfection and gradually make the process more comfortable.
3. Embrace Imperfections: Recognize that doodling is inherently imperfect and that’s part of its charm. Embracing mistakes as part of the creative journey can alleviate anxiety about the end result.
4. Experiment Freely: Allow yourself to explore various styles and techniques without any pressure. Doodling is a form of free expression, so there are no constraints to hold you back.
5. Seek Inspiration: Look for inspiration in everyday objects, nature, or even other doodlers’ work. Observation and inspiration can help generate ideas and reduce the apprehension associated with starting a doodle.
6. Create a Doodling Routine: Establishing a routine for doodling, such as during a certain time of day or in a specific environment, can create a sense of familiarity and comfort, easing anxiety over time.

Overcoming Fear Through Practice

I recently decided to challenge myself and embrace doodling. I will set aside a few minutes every day to just doodle. At first, I know it will be difficult to let go of my need to be in control and perfection. But with daily practice, I will eventually learn to relax and enjoy creating without any pressure or expectations.

Breaking Out of Your comfort Zone

By doodling I look forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new techniques and styles. I plan to experiment and explore different ways of drawing. In addition to expanding my artistic skills, I believe this will also open up a whole new world of creativity.

Embracing Doodling as an Art form

So, while doodling may make me nervous, I have come to realize that it is a valuable tool for any artist. It allows free expression and encourages us to step out of our comfort zones. And who knows, maybe one day I will become just as comfortable with doodling as I am with drawing from reality.