I like drawing, doodling and writing on actual paper because it helps me think better. There are at least three reasons:
The physical movement relaxes/quiets/distracts my brain enough that I can put my attention where I want it.
The only interface is the pencil and paper. There are no settings to tweak or apps to check. It’s just me and my thoughts and place to make them visible.
Paper is nonlinear. I can draw and write in any direction. I can rearrange sheets of paper. I can jump around.
Next time you need to work something tricky out, try putting your devices to sleep and working it out with a pencil and some blank paper.
You all were shy about sending me your terrible bird drawings, so here are my early sketches for a zombie thing I did (it’s on my Instagram):
Here are my notes for last week’s TREE:
Nonlinear. Messy. It’s not art, it’s visible thinking.
Fourth drawing
Do this whole exercise on one sheet of paper.
With a pencil, draw the most careful, timid little circle you possibly can.
Now draw the fastest, boldest circle you possibly can. Move from your shoulder and elbow. Don’t let your drawing arm touch the table. Only touch the paper with your pencil.
Draw about 30 more circles this way, all over the paper. Stay loose and draw fast.
Our brains are wired to see patterns, shapes, faces, things. We see them even if they aren’t really there. That’s why finding shapes in clouds is fun.
Take a look at your paper full of circles. What do you see? Maybe it’s a face or creature or vehicle. Whatever you see, draw over it with a pen or marker so that anyone else can see it too. If you want, send me a photo to share with everyone.
Draw daily
Jeff
Not Olivia. Dua Lipa was here a few songs ago. NIN are a bit intense first thing in the morning. So here’s a rather poppy Zep from their Physical Graffiti album:
The Memory of TREE playlist – every song from every email:
Drawing as visible thinking. Brilliant!!