Design Things to Draw When Bored: A Creative Escape into the World of Doodles

Boredom is often seen as a negative state, but it can also be a gateway to creativity. When you find yourself with nothing to do, why not pick up a pen and start drawing? The act of drawing can be incredibly therapeutic, allowing you to express yourself in ways that words cannot. In this article, we will explore various ideas for things to draw when you’re bored, ranging from simple doodles to more complex designs. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a complete beginner, there’s something here for everyone.

1. Abstract Patterns and Shapes

Abstract art is a great way to let your imagination run wild. You don’t need to worry about making things look realistic; instead, focus on creating interesting patterns and shapes. Start with simple geometric shapes like circles, squares, and triangles, and then build on them. You can add lines, curves, and other elements to create a more complex design. The beauty of abstract art is that there are no rules—you can create whatever feels right to you.

2. Nature-Inspired Drawings

Nature is a never-ending source of inspiration. When you’re bored, try drawing elements from the natural world. You could sketch a tree, a flower, or even a landscape. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try drawing animals or insects. The key is to observe the details in nature and try to capture them in your drawing. You don’t have to be perfect; the goal is to enjoy the process and let your creativity flow.

3. Fantasy Creatures

If you’re a fan of fantasy, why not create your own mythical creatures? You can combine elements from different animals to create something entirely new. For example, you could draw a dragon with the wings of a bat and the body of a lion. The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your imagination. This is a great way to escape from reality and immerse yourself in a world of fantasy.

4. Character Design

Creating your own characters can be a fun and rewarding experience. Start by thinking about the personality and backstory of your character. What do they look like? What kind of clothes do they wear? Once you have a clear idea, start sketching. You can create a whole cast of characters and even develop a story around them. This is a great way to practice your drawing skills while also exercising your creativity.

5. Architectural Drawings

If you’re interested in buildings and structures, try your hand at architectural drawings. You can sketch famous landmarks, or create your own imaginary buildings. Pay attention to the details, such as windows, doors, and textures. This type of drawing can be quite challenging, but it’s also very rewarding. You’ll learn a lot about perspective and proportion, which are important skills for any artist.

6. Mandala Art

Mandalas are intricate, circular designs that are often used in meditation and spiritual practices. Drawing a mandala can be a very calming and meditative experience. Start by drawing a circle, and then add patterns and shapes within it. You can use symmetry to create a balanced design, or go for a more free-form approach. The process of drawing a mandala can help you relax and focus your mind.

7. Cartoons and Comics

If you enjoy humor and storytelling, try drawing cartoons or comics. You can create your own characters and develop a storyline. The great thing about cartoons is that they don’t have to be realistic—you can exaggerate features and expressions to create a more humorous effect. This is a great way to practice your drawing skills while also having fun.

8. Surrealism

Surrealism is an art movement that explores the world of dreams and the subconscious. When you’re bored, try drawing something surreal. You could combine unrelated objects, or create a scene that defies logic. The goal is to create something that is both strange and intriguing. Surrealism allows you to break free from the constraints of reality and explore new ideas.

9. Typography and Lettering

If you’re interested in words and letters, try your hand at typography and lettering. You can create your own fonts, or design words and phrases in a creative way. This is a great way to combine art and language. You can experiment with different styles, such as calligraphy, graffiti, or even 3D lettering. The possibilities are endless, and the results can be very impressive.

10. Zentangle

Zentangle is a form of structured doodling that involves creating intricate patterns within a defined space. It’s a great way to relax and focus your mind. Start by drawing a simple shape, such as a square or circle, and then fill it with patterns. You can use lines, curves, and other elements to create a complex design. The process of creating a Zentangle can be very meditative, and the results are often stunning.

11. Portraits

Drawing portraits can be a challenging but rewarding experience. You can start by drawing yourself, or ask a friend or family member to pose for you. Pay attention to the details, such as the shape of the face, the eyes, and the mouth. You don’t have to be perfect; the goal is to capture the essence of the person. This is a great way to practice your observational skills and improve your drawing technique.

12. Still Life

Still life drawings involve drawing objects that are arranged in a specific way. You can use everyday objects, such as fruit, flowers, or household items. The key is to observe the details and try to capture them in your drawing. This is a great way to practice your shading and texture skills. You can also experiment with different compositions to create a more interesting drawing.

13. Fan Art

If you’re a fan of a particular movie, TV show, or book, why not create some fan art? You can draw your favorite characters, or create your own scenes. This is a great way to express your love for a particular fandom while also practicing your drawing skills. You can share your fan art with others online, or keep it for yourself as a personal project.

14. Patterns and Textures

Creating patterns and textures can be a fun and relaxing way to pass the time. You can experiment with different techniques, such as cross-hatching, stippling, or shading. You can also create your own patterns, such as stripes, polka dots, or geometric shapes. This is a great way to practice your drawing skills while also creating something visually interesting.

15. Collage

If you’re feeling adventurous, try creating a collage. You can combine different elements, such as drawings, photographs, and text, to create a unique piece of art. This is a great way to experiment with different mediums and techniques. You can also use collage to tell a story or convey a message. The possibilities are endless, and the results can be very creative.

16. Doodles

Sometimes, the simplest drawings can be the most satisfying. Doodling is a great way to pass the time and let your creativity flow. You can start with simple shapes and lines, and then build on them. The key is to not overthink it—just let your hand move freely and see where it takes you. Doodling can be a great way to relax and clear your mind.

17. Cultural Art

Exploring different cultures through art can be a fascinating experience. You can draw inspiration from traditional art forms, such as Japanese ukiyo-e, African tribal art, or Indian mandalas. This is a great way to learn about different cultures while also practicing your drawing skills. You can create your own interpretations of traditional art, or combine elements from different cultures to create something entirely new.

18. Sci-Fi and Futuristic Designs

If you’re a fan of science fiction, why not create your own futuristic designs? You can draw spaceships, robots, or even entire cities. The key is to let your imagination run wild and create something that looks like it belongs in the future. This is a great way to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of your creativity.

19. Emotions and Expressions

Drawing emotions and expressions can be a powerful way to convey feelings. You can create a series of drawings that explore different emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger, or fear. This is a great way to practice your drawing skills while also exploring the human experience. You can use facial expressions, body language, or even abstract shapes to convey emotions.

20. Collaborative Drawing

If you’re bored with drawing alone, why not try a collaborative drawing? You can work with a friend or family member to create a piece of art together. You can take turns adding elements to the drawing, or work on different parts of the same piece. This is a great way to share ideas and create something unique. Collaborative drawing can also be a fun way to bond with others and explore new creative possibilities.

Related Q&A

Q: What are some easy things to draw when you’re bored? A: Some easy things to draw when you’re bored include simple shapes, patterns, and doodles. You can also try drawing nature-inspired elements like flowers or trees, or create your own abstract designs.

Q: How can I improve my drawing skills when I’m bored? A: When you’re bored, you can improve your drawing skills by practicing different techniques, such as shading, perspective, and texture. You can also try drawing from life, or experiment with different styles and mediums.

Q: What are some creative drawing ideas for beginners? A: Some creative drawing ideas for beginners include drawing cartoons, creating your own characters, or experimenting with patterns and textures. You can also try drawing from your imagination, or create a collage using different elements.

Q: How can I make my drawings more interesting? A: You can make your drawings more interesting by adding details, experimenting with different styles, or combining different elements. You can also try drawing from different perspectives, or create a story around your drawing.

Q: What are some relaxing drawing activities? A: Some relaxing drawing activities include creating mandalas, doodling, or drawing abstract patterns. You can also try drawing nature-inspired elements, or create a Zentangle. These activities can help you relax and focus your mind.