3 Mistakes Beginners Make While Doodling (And How to Avoid Them)

Doodling is fun and relaxing but when you’re just starting out, it’s easy to feel stuck or unsure. Many beginners make the same small mistakes that can take the fun out of drawing.

In this post, we’ll show you 3 common doodling mistakes and simple tips to avoid them. With a little practice and the right mindset, you’ll feel more confident and creative with every doodle.

Common Doodling Mistakes

Mistake #1: Trying to Make Everything Perfect

Many new doodlers think their drawings need to look perfect. They erase lines, get frustrated, or compare their work to others. But doodling isn’t about perfection, it’s about having fun and letting your ideas flow.

How to avoid it:

Don’t Worry About Mistakes – Wobbly lines and uneven shapes add character to your doodles. Let them be!
Try Continuous Line Drawing – Draw without lifting your pen. This forces you to accept mistakes and keep going.
Doodle in Pen First – Skip the pencil and use a pen. This helps you stop overthinking and just enjoy the process.

Pro Tip: Use a pen or marker instead of a pencil sometimes. It helps you commit to each line and stop overthinking.

Mistake #2: Drawing the Same Thing Over and Over

It’s normal to doodle the same shapes like hearts, stars, or smiley faces again and again. But if you never try new things, your doodles might start to feel boring.

How to avoid it:

Challenge yourself to try something new each time you doodle. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Try drawing a new object, animal, or even a made-up creature. Look around your room or outside your window for inspiration.

Fun Idea: Make a doodle challenge. Write down 10 random things (like “banana,” “robot,” “cloud with a face”) and try to doodle them all in one page.

Mistake #3: Thinking You’re “Not Good at Drawing”

Many beginners stop doodling because they believe they’re not talented. But doodling is not about being the best artist it’s about enjoying the process. If you keep telling yourself you’re not good, you’ll stop before you even get better.

How to avoid it:

Remember, everyone starts somewhere. The more you doodle, the more your hand and brain will learn to work together. Instead of focusing on the final result, enjoy the act of creating.

Positive Reminder: Every artist was once a beginner. Keep going, and you’ll improve with time.

Bonus Tips to Keep Doodling Fun

• Use a doodle notebook – Keep all your doodles in one place. It’s fun to flip through and see your progress.
• Watch doodle tutorials – You can find step-by-step videos or blogs to learn new ideas.
• Keep It Simple – Basic shapes (circles, lines, dots) can turn into amazing designs.
• Have Fun – Doodling should feel relaxing, not stressful.

Doodling is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to be creative. Don’t worry about being perfect. Try new ideas, give yourself time to grow, and most importantly have fun with it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

2. Do I need to be good at drawing to doodle?

Nope! Doodling is for everyone. You don’t need to be a great artist. It’s all about having fun and letting your ideas come out on paper.

3. What should I doodle if I don’t know what to draw?

Try drawing shapes, faces, animals, food, or even things around you. You can also make up silly creatures or patterns. Anything goes!

4. Is it okay if my doodle looks messy?

Yes! Messy is totally okay. Doodles don’t have to be neat or perfect. The fun part is just drawing whatever you feel like.

5. What tools do I need to start doodling?

Just a pencil or pen and some paper. You can also use markers, notebooks, or digital drawing apps if you want. There’s no right or wrong tool.

6. Can kids doodle too?

Of course. Doodling is perfect for kids. It’s a great way for them to use their imagination and have fun with art.

7. What if people laugh at my doodles?

That’s okay! Not everyone will understand your style, and that’s normal. What matters most is that you enjoy it. Keep doodling and be proud of your art.