Zentangle: A Step-by-Step Guide to a More Peaceful You

Author:
Kawai
Updated:
May 5, 2024 10:25 AM EDT

Zentangle Step-by-Step Guide

Zentangle Art is a simple yet intricate art form to practice mindfulness and de-stress. So what exactly is Zentangle Art?

According to the official website, "The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns."

The idea of Zentangle Art is to get individuals to dedicate time to a specific task (i.e., drawing), and while doing so, they are practicing mindfulness which can help them to relax. This art form is very straightforward, and it is something that can be learnt by anyone. You do not need to be creative or artistic to do it, as it requires only learning basic and simple steps and techniques to create complex and intriguing designs.

I got a chance to attend a session on how to Zentangle for beginners at a conference and have never looked back since.

So here is a step-by-step guide for beginners:

What You Need To Start Your Zentangle Art:

A quiet place free from distraction (during my lesson, our teacher put on some soothing music and used an aroma diffuser for that extra 'Zen').

A pencil (ideally a 2B pencil).

Paper (I used a special Zentangle paper which is 100% cotton paper cut into a square shape during my lesson. However, I believe any type of acid-free paper will do). You can easily find cheap acid-free paper tiles to Zentangle in art shops or online.

Black ink pen (The brand of the pen used in class was a Sakura Pigma Micron. I believe this is the common brand used in Zentangle, but I think any smudge-proof fine black pen will also do). You can use any kind of pen thickness, but to draw detailed patterns, it is easier to use a thinner pen tip. The Sakura Pigma Micron pen that I am currently using has a 0.25mm thickness, but there are many types to choose from (i.e. 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.45 and 0.5mm).

Paper blending stump or tortillon (for you to do smudging to get a 3D effect).

My first Zentangle piece (tile on the right)

The Zentangle Step-by-Step Process

The process involves 8 simple steps. These include:

1. Gratitude & Appreciation: Zentangle’s main aim is to help you achieve a calm and peaceful state – it is not to draw the best and most beautiful art piece. So the first and most important step is to prepare yourself mentally for the session by quietening your mind and heart. Appreciate where you are and what you are about to do. Tell yourself to be grateful that you have this special time for yourself. Bring your mind to a more conscious level. Being able to express gratitude and appreciation is also a key step in finding real happiness.

2. Corner dots: Next, you can start the drawing process by first drawing a dot at each of the four corners of your paper.

3. Border: Draw a border by simply connecting the dots.

6. Shade: In order for the patterns to stand out or "pop out," you would need to do shading to create shadows to give it a 3D effect. Shading is done by using the paper blending stump. When deciding on where to shade, imagine what the different areas look like when light is hitting at a certain angle. For example, is there a pattern above another pattern? If so, the top pattern will cast a shadow on the pattern below—so you should lightly shade a shadow.

In addition, if you draw round lines (e.g. circles), you can emphasize the shape by shading on one side (e.g. shading half the circle lightly along the line).

Note: Shading is not compulsory, and personally, I find some pieces look better with no shadows.

7. Initial & date: After you have completed your drawing, you will need to initial to acknowledge your creation (as all great artists do!).

8. Appreciate: Take some time to admire your artwork. It is important that you really look at and admire your work—this helps to give you a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Don't use this time to criticize your work—e.g., the line is crooked, there is too much shading, the circle is not round enough, the patterns are not unique. Just look at your art and appreciate the effort that you have put in.

And that’s basically it!

Zentangle Art Pointers

Your drawing does not have to be perfect. There is no right or wrong in your drawing, and any perceived "mistakes" you made may turn into new designs that may surprise you. That is why the use of erasers is usually not encouraged in this practice.

Be mindful of your hand posture. Feel free to rotate the paper around when you draw, and don't twist your hand when drawing. It is important to feel comfortable and calm during the whole experience.

Zentangle is an abstract art form, so don't plan too much. Just let your creativity be free-flowing and spontaneous.

If, for some reason, you are stressed out trying to think of what to draw, you can also search online for Zentangle artwork done by others and just copy the design. You do not have to draw patterns within a square. You can draw patterns on basically any outline. Some of my favorite searches are "Zentangle animals" and "Zentangle outlines."
If you like, you can add some colors to your pattern.

Be comfortable while you are drawing. Don't rush yourself and just enjoy the process.

I hope you enjoyed this step-by-step guide. Happy drawing!

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.