My Capstone project for my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Communication Design from IUPUI's Herron School of Art & Design

1. Anyone Can Draw
Zentangles
by Kitley DeFelice

2. Table of Contents
It all Starts with a line......................................................................................4
Art can be whatever you want it to be...........................................................6
Structure...............................................................................................................8
AddingPatterns.....................................................................................................12
Spiral Drawings.....................................................................................................16
Think about Line Weight.......................................................................................18
Adding Color.........................................................................................................20
Appendix.................................................................................................................26
Rick Roberts & Maria Thomas..................................................................26
Stress Relief..............................................................................................26
Get Inspired - Social Media, INstagram.................................................26
Research.......................................................................................................27
Tools Included in the Kit........................................................................28
Recommended Sketchbook.......................................................................29
Alcohol Markers.......................................................................................30
Prompt List................................................................................................31
Inspiration...................................................................................................32
ExtraBlankPages.....................................................................................34

3. 4
It all starts
with a line...
If you can draw a line, you can draw a zentangle. It doesn’t have to be a straight line, it can be
curvy if you want it to be. But you can draw zentangles. Let’s begin.
Step 1. On the next page, draw a line. Use any
writing utensil you have or you can check out
recommended utensils on page 28 in the
Appendix.
Step 2. Draw another line. Draw as many lines as you want. They can
cross each other, they can be curvy or straight, they can go to
the edges of the page or not. It can be whatever you want it to
be.
Step 3. Once you’re satisfied with the lines you’ve drawn, it’s time to fill
in the spaces. Draw curved lines as shown in the example to
the left, filling in all of the spaces you created.
1
2
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4. 6
If you’ve been on social media, you might have heard about “creating without the fear of
perfection.” It's a good idea; it’s a great idea! It’s very true. How often have you wanted to create,
but you felt that you couldn’t? Do you want to create, but you keep thinking that you can’t? You can
create, it doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be amazing. Drawing zentangles doesn’t
have to be about the final product, it can be about the process. Creating and drawing zentangles
is about the meditation you experience and feel as you’re drawing the repitative shapes and
patterns (see page 27 in the Appendix), it’s not necessarily about the final artwork; it can be, but it
doesn’t have to be. It can be whatever you want it to be.
Here’s another technique you can try. Again, just use whatever writing
utensil you have. It doesn’t have to be fancy.
Art can be whatever
you want it to be
Step 1. On the next page, draw lots of lines. They can be curvy or
straight, or both. Fill the page with lines. See the example to
the right. →
Step 2. Next, where each line intersects, draw a curve connecting the
adjacent lines. See the example below. ↓
Step 3. Color in the spaces you created. See the end product example
below and to the right. ↘

5. 8 9
Structure
Think about the shapes of the structure(s) that can be filled with various
patterns (see page 12). There are many shapes that patterns can go
in. You’ve already done one, see to the right. → See another example
below. ↓
On the next pages, trying filling the spaces with some structures, that can then be filled with some
patterns (see page 12).
With any lines you create, you can still also “curve them out” like we’ve
done before. See below. ↓
"Curve out” any other shapes you
make. You can even go for more purely
geometric shapes. See the example to
the left. ←
More Examples

7. 12 13
Adding Patterns
To add to what we’ve created so far from the result of the previous activities, you can add patterns
to the open spaces. See some examples below and on the next page. If you make more spaces in
the patterns you draw, you can color them in as well, if you want.
Fill in the shapes of the
structures you've drawn! →
On the next pages, try filling the spaces with some patterns.

9. 16
Spiral
Drawings
Here’s another technique to try called spiral drawings. They may look complex, but they are
actually very easy to do. See the example above. See more examples and information including
step-by-step videos by scanning the QR code.
Step 2. Next, in one section, draw a line that starts where lines you’ve
already drawn intersect and ends a bit offset of the line it’s
following. See the example.
Step 5. Repeat this process until all of the sections are filled with these
lines.
Step 4. Repeat this until you fill up the sections with these lines. They will
naturally form curves.
Step 3. From where the line you just drew ends, draw another line,
following the same type of path you just did, starting from
where the previous line ends and ending a bit offset of the line
that you’re following along. See the example.
Step 1. On the next page, draw a basic geometric structure /shapes
for your drawing, like what we’ve done so far (see page 8).
1
2
3
5
4

10. 18
Think about
Line Weight
See the drawing above. Line weight can be utilized in your drawings to bring some variety. Using
just a regular Sharpie marker (see page 28) is a good, large line weight to use in your drawings.
In the space below, try out some markers / pens, etc. to see how big or small their line weights are.
Play around a bit, thinking about the line weights of the lines you create. Then, on the next page, try
out a drawing using a large line weight and a smaller line weight.

11. 20 21
Adding Color
This section will serve as an introduction to adding color into your drawings.
One option can simply be coloring in all of the shapes you draw. See an example below. ↓
Credit: @artworld11_11 on Instagram
Credit: @theartalley_ on Instagram
Credit: @doodillusion on Instagram
Credit: @mariopatterns on Instagram
This can add vibrancy to your drawings. It’s a
great, simple option for adding color into your
drawings.
Even being minimalistic, adding just some colors
can add interest to your drawings. See the
example to the right. →
However, there are many creative ways to utilize
color in zentangle drawings. The next page
covers many of these options, specifically using
highlighters.
Many of these options involve utilizing the basic household items of highlighters. See the examples
below. ↓
Take a look at this example to the left. ← Highlighters were
used to make circles of color, then using your black pen /
marker, some dots and lines as patterns were added. Use
this as a source of inspiration.
To the right, → here’s another way to use highlighters.
Utilize the chisel tip to make thick and thin strokes with
the single lines you make. Then, you can outline the
shapes you made with the highlighters to create ribbon
shapes!
To the left, ← see a very simple drawing utilizing a few colors. You
can use the point of the chisel tip of the highlighter to create this.
Simply make a bunch of dots using the colors you want, then draw
lines connecting the dots. Next, using your black pen or marker, draw
circles around where the lines intersect, and outline the lines of the
colors you drew. Finally, add some more black dots of varying sizes.

12. 22 23
On the next pages, try out some drawings yourself utilizing color.
Here is a very basic lesson in color theory to help you choose colors to create cohesive color
palettes in your drawings. The primary colors are yellow, blue, and red. If you mix certain
primary colors together, you get secondary colors. For example, mixing yellow and red, you
get orange, or mixing yellow and blue, you get green, and mixing blue and red, you get
purple.
In addition to the three primary colors, you would mix the colors next to earch other to
get the tertiary color in the middle. For example, mixing green and yellow, you get a
yellow-green. Mixing blue and green, you get a blue-green or aqua color. Mixing
orange and yellow together, you get a yellow-orange, etc.
A good rule of thumb for choosing colors that go together well is to choose
complimentary colors, colors that are directly across from each other on the color
wheel. For example, yellow and purple go well together, or red and green go well
together, or blue and orange go well together, etc.
Another way to choose colors that go well together is to choose colors near and next
to each other on the color wheel. This ensures that the colors are similar to each other to
create a cohesive color palette. These are called analogous colors.
thinpigmedia.com/blog/basic-color-theory
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14. 26 27
While working on this project, I conducted an
experiment where I designed some test pages
of some of the activities included in this book and
I gave them to someone who is the intended
audience. The "test subject" is not an artist, but
they appreciate art and would like to be able to
do something artistic themselves. I handed them
some test pages of activities I designed. What they
ended up doing was this drawing to the right. →
The test subject handed the papers back to me
and said, "It's a bird-dog."
What this tells me is that in my opinion and
viewpoint and experience, my inclination was
correct in that my intended audience often thinks
that "the only way to draw" is to draw representationally, meaning to draw something that is
clearly identifiable as something which already exists in life. Hence, the test subject's drawing they
explained as a "bird-dog." The drawing had to be something, instead of just being lines and
patterns and being about the process of making the art itself. This also shows me that this mindset
must be difficult to break, which is what I'm trying to do with this book.
In a 2022 study, (see citation below) the authors found that significant reductions in negative effects
occured in a Zentangle group compared with the control group who did not draw any zentangles.
Participants who practiced Zentangle for over 80 minutes per week experienced a significant
reduction in anxiety symptoms and an improvement in self-compassion.
A 2024 study (cited below) explored the effects of Zentange on older adults' anxiety and
happiness. The authors found that participants who attended Zentangle sessions which
incorporated instructor-led drawing and mindfulness techniques showed significant reduction in
anxiety (−7%) and an increase in happiness (+26%), with 71% percent reporting they would continue
attending or recommend it. Results suggest that Zentangle could be offered as a pleasurable
activity and a non-pharmacological addition to anxiety treatment.
Chung, S.-K., Ho, F. Y.-Y., & Chan, H. C.-Y. (2022). The effects of Zentangle® on affective well-being
among adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Occupational Therapy,
76, 7605205060. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2022.049113
Alex McCord, Sandra McKenny & Louise Horstmanshof (20 Feb 2024): Effects of Zentangle
on Older Adults’ Anxiety, Happiness, and Dexterity, Activities, Adaptation & Aging, DOI:
10.1080/01924788.2024.2317026. https://doi.org/10.1080/01924788.2024.2317026
For many, drawing Zentangles is considered “yoga for the brain,” since doing Zentangles has
calming and stress relieving effects on the people that practice it. It can also improve one’s
confidence and concentration. By drawing structured and repetitive patterns, fears like a lack of
inspiration or a fear of failure do not play a role in creating Zentangles. This allows you to let go of
expectations, and really live in the moment without having to worry about anything else.
zentangle.com
Stress Relief
Take to social media to explore all of what people are doing when it comes to drawing
zentangles. Instagram is a great place to look at art. Oftentimes, the artists even show a video of
how they do their drawings from start to finish, so you can try them out too. There is so much content
out there. Just search "zentangle," "zendoodle," "pattern drawing," "black and white drawing," etc.,
and you will find plenty more inspiration out there. And more is always being added, too!
Get Inspired! - Social Media, Instagram
Research
Appendix
Zentangles were founded in 2004, by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. Roberts, a meditator, and
Thomas a calligrapher combined their forces together and discovered the meditative effects
of creating repetitive patterns. They wanted to establish an art method that was accessible for
anyone to create. This is because they often heard that people did not have the time, ability, space
or patience to do art. In their opinion, all these reasons can be swiped off the table due to the
simplicity of Zentangle.
www.royaltalens.com/en/landingpages/zentangle
Rick Roberts & Maria Thomas

15. 28 29
Recommended Sketchbook
Since I personally like to use alcohol markers (see page 30), I use an Ohuhu brand sketchbook
that’s specifically made for use with the alcohol-based ink of the markers.
• 10 x 7.4 inches - about / close to B5, which is my favorite size - big enough, but not too big.
I also use this pouch (see above and to the left)
in B5 size so that my sketchbook setup (at least
in black and white before adding color) can be
portable.
When picking a sketchbook for yourself and your
practice of drawing zentangles, think about what
else you would like to do in your sketchbook. If
you'd like to work with more mediums than just
ink—like paints—you could use a mixed media
sketchbook.
In case you’re wondering what I use to make my zentangle drawings, here are the main tools I use.
1. Sakura Microperm Pen 05, 0.45 mm, Black
These are the basic black pens I prefer. I like these best because they’re alcohol-based (like
a Sharpie). In my opinion, the pens being alcohol-based makes the drawing experience feel
better and “more full.”
2. Sharpie Permanent Marker, Fine Point
These markers are good for larger line weights (see page 18).
3. Mechanical Pencil, 0.9mm
Mechanical pencils are good because you don’t have to sharpen them like traditional wooden
pencils. Also, I tend to be heavy-handed when I use writing utensils, so I like a thicker pencil lead
to withstand the pressure when I use the pencil.
4. Midori Multi-Ruler, 30cm
I like tools that are portable and space-saving.
5. Compass
Having a compass handy is helpful for when
you need to make perfect circles or curves. Be
sure to choose a compass where you can put
your own wrting utensil in it to make the marks.
Tools Included in the Kit
1
2
3
4 5

16. 30 31
Alcohol Markers
For color, I personally like to use alcohol-based markers. These are good because they are very
blendable.
The set of alcohol markers
I have are Ohuhu brand.
Blendable
Prompt List
See below for some words to help you get ideas flowing for more zentangle drawings. Don't take
these ideas literally, think about the forms and shapes you think of when you say these words.
• Runny
• Spiral
• Symmetry
• Asymmetrry
• Swirl
• Silly
• Geometric
• Melting
• Aggressive
• Adorable
• Agreeable
• Dream
• Spiders
• Path
• Dodge
• Map
• Drip / Drop
• Bounce
• Wander
• Rise
• Castle
• Dagger
• Plump
• Frost
• Chains
• Scratchy
• Celestial
• Shallow
• Remove
• Beast
• Sparkle
• Massive
• Enormous
• Rush
• Fire
• Gargoyle
• Scurry
• Scallop
• Flame
• Bouquet
• Trip
• Match
• Nest
• Crab / Crabby
• Empty
• Kind
• Scrape
• Salty
• Tempt
• Ego
• Gear
• Crystal
• Vessel
• Knot
• Spirit
• Fan
• Pressure
• Sour
• Stuck
• Roof
• House
• Helmet
• Compass
• Collide
• Crater
• Loop
• Sprout
• Fuzzy
• Open
• Leak
• Splat
• Connect
• Spark
• Crispy / Crisp
• Patch
• Sliver
• Slither
• Wisp
• Blade
• Slippery
• Armor
• Outpost Rocket
• Storm
• Trap
• Dizzy
• Sleep
• Chef
• Rip
• Dig
• Hide
• Music
• Float
• Ominous
• Crawl
• Ring
• Freeze
• Build
• Enchanted
• Frail
• Swing
• Snow
• Dragon
• Ash
• Overgrown
• Legend
• Wild
• Ornament
• Misfit
• Sling
• Tread
• Treasure
• Ghost
• Ancient
• Dark
• Coat
• Ride
• Injured
• Catch
• Ripe
• Poisonous
• Tranquil
• Roasted
• Drooling
• Exhausted
• Star
• Moon
• Precious
• Flow / Flowing
• Cruel
• Whale
• Guarded
• Clock
• Weak
• Broken
• Angular
• Swollen
• Scorched
• Breakable
• Fragile
• Drain
• Muddy
• Chop
• Expensive
• Prickly
• Stretch
• Thunder
• Gift
• Jolt
• Slice
• Double
• Swift
• Divided
• Underwater
• Long
• Sword
• Shy
• Crooked
• Screech
• Gigantic
• Run
• Shattered
• Teeming
• Fierce
• Mysterious
• Graceful
• Filth / Filthy
• Cloud
• Deep
• Furious
• Trail
• Juicy
• Blind
• Squeak
• Climb
• Fall

17. 32 33
Credit: @thecalmcreator on Instagram
Credit: @kristiinakaunisaho on Instagram
Credit: @zentangledmama
on Instagram
Inspiration

18. More pages for zentangle drawings!

19. © 2024
Kitley DeFelice
kitleydefelice.com