Last week’s doodling journey took a fun twist♥♥ — it’s like everywhere I look, the world is showing me doodles! It feels as if now that I’ve chosen this as my learning project, my eyes have started catching every line, swirl, and scribble that I earlier missed.
Activities Last Week
After deciding to learn doodling, I’ve been paying attention to how doodles are used in everyday design — from packaging to apps to traditional art forms. This week, I didn’t just draw; I observed doodles in action all around me.
It all started with a trip to McDonald’s. I was missing my favorite McVeggie Burger — it’s a vegetarian burger we get in India, but not here in Canada (still hurts, honestly!). When I visited a McDonald’s here recently, the paper bag caught my attention — it had doodle art all over it! I forgot about the missing burger for a second because my eyes were glued to the artwork. The playful sketches, random objects, and curvy lines made me realize how much doodling has entered modern branding and marketing.
That little discovery gave me my next idea — to recreate a doodle inspired by the McDonald’s bag. I’m planning to try it my next drawing project!
Doodles Hidden in Everyday Apps
Then came another “aha” moment — when I opened WhatsApp. I’ve been using it for more than a decade, but I only just realized that its default chat wallpaper is filled with doodles! Planets, chat bubbles, clocks, emojis — all scattered around like mini artworks. I laughed at myself — how did I never notice this before? Maybe I didn’t have a doodler’s eye back then. Now, even a simple wallpaper feels like inspiration.
Doodling in Tradition: The Beauty of Henna
And since this week is special — we Indian married women are preparing for Karwa Chauth — my feed is full of mehndi (henna) designs. While scrolling through Instagram, saving my favorite patterns, it struck me: henna designs are doodles too! The repetitive lines, floral curves, mandalas, and symmetry — they all fit perfectly into the doodle family. I couldn’t help but see the artistic overlap.
This made me appreciate how doodling isn’t limited to notebooks; it’s part of our cultural and artistic expressions too. What’s even better? These traditional designs can inspire modern doodle patterns. I’m planning to try merging both styles in a future post!
Online Inspiration & Learning
This week, I continued exploring doodling tutorials on YouTube and Pinterest.
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I really liked a channel called “Doodle With Me” — it breaks down doodle art into simple steps. The only thing I found challenging was the video speed; I had to pause often to follow along.
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Pinterest, on the other hand, is my new obsession! It’s filled with easy ideas like “doodle borders” and “tiny doodle icons,” which I’m planning to use for my next practice sheet.
- During my first doodle art I really struggled with the type of pens I need to do the finest work. I ended up getting the thick nib which did not give me what I was actually looking for. Thanks to YouTube, I found the following video that helped me to find the exact tools for doodling. However, this video tells about Mandala Art, nevertheless, Mandala is also king of doodling. So yes! it works for me.
Both platforms are helping me not only learn how to doodle but also notice where doodles live around me.
Reflection: Seeing the World Through Doodle Eyes
If second week was about learning doodling’s history, last week was
about realizing how present it is in our daily lives. From food packaging to phone apps to cultural traditions — doodles are literally everywhere!
It feels funny to admit, but my eyes only “get doodled” now — I see patterns where I never did before. And that’s the beauty of learning something new; it changes how you see the world.
Next Steps
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Recreate my version of the McDonald’s doodle bag art.
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Try combining henna-inspired patterns into my doodle pages.
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Keep exploring Pinterest boards and YouTube for more easy beginner designs.
This week wasn’t just about drawing; it was about observing art in the ordinary.
And honestly, that’s what makes doodling magical — it’s hidden in plain sight, waiting for someone to notice.
Stay tuned! My next post will include my first attempt at mixing modern doodles with traditional Indian mehndi patterns — let’s see how that goes!
I’m like how you have connected mehndi designs with doodling and plan to explore that further. It’s so true that once we are aware of something it is so apparent everywhere, whereas previously we never took note before.
Doodling works best I think with ink or pen that flows. When I was in art school we often used Sakura Pigma Micron Pens which are archival, and waterproof meaning you can do washes over or use with other media. I also liked Faber Castel Pitt Pens which are also lightfast, and water-resistant. I also noticed that a number of artists purchased these when I worked at Opus Art Supplies. Coptic Markers are popular to build up layers of colour, blend and for their vibrancy. I used to doodle more years ago in my sketchbooks and have gotten away from it. It is such a good practice.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! I’m glad you liked the mehndi-doodle connection, it’s fascinating how mehndi designs also follow lines, curves, and zig-zag patterns, connecting everything together to create intricate, beautiful designs. Seeing this made me realize that traditional art forms can really inspire modern doodles. Your pen recommendations are super helpful; I’m excited to try Faber-Castell Pitt Pens and Coptic markers, though those Sakura Pigma Microns sound amazing, if they’re pricey, I might have to think twice before buying, haha! Doodling really is so versatile and fun.
I loved reading this, Neeraj! It’s so cool how you’ve started noticing doodles everywhere; it really shows how learning something new changes the way we see the world. I never realized how much doodling appears in everyday things like packaging and apps until you mentioned it. The McDonald’s bag example was such a fun observation, and I think recreating it will make for an awesome next project.
I especially loved your idea of blending modern doodles with traditional henna designs. It reminded me of when I practiced henna during our Eid celebration; the flow and patterns felt like doodling. Lately, I’ve also been learning about different types of metallic and acrylic pens for scrapbooking, and I can see how those would add a beautiful shine to doodle art, too.
Your post really inspired me to look for creativity in the small things around me. Can’t wait to see your next one with the fusion of mehndi and doodles!
Hi Neeraj,
It’s interesting how once you start doodling, you begin to see doodles everywhere. Learning something new changes what you notice in the world. As a science teacher, I see that same shift in perspective when students suddenly start spotting patterns they’d never noticed before. The McDonald’s bag example captured that perfectly. Made me want to pick up a pen and try a few doodles myself!
I really liked how you connected modern design to traditional henna patterns; it’s a thoughtful reminder that creativity often lives at the intersection of the everyday and the cultural. I’m looking forward to seeing how your blend of those styles turns out.
Hey Neeraj,
Wow, your doodling journey sounds amazing! I love how you’re noticing doodles everywhere from McDonald’s bags to WhatsApp backgrounds and even henna designs. It’s so cool that you’re blending modern doodles with traditional patterns. Your observation skills are inspiring, and I can’t wait to see your next creations. You’ve definitely made me want to look at the world through “doodle eyes” too
Hey Neeraj,
I really enjoyed reading your post! It’s amazing how you’ve started noticing doodles everywhere — from McDonald’s bags to WhatsApp wallpapers to mehndi designs. I love how you connected modern doodling with traditional henna art; that’s such a creative idea! Your reflections show how learning something new can truly change the way we see the world. Can’t wait to see your version of the McDonald’s doodle bag and the mix of mehndi-inspired patterns next week! 🎨✨