You know those days when you walk into your studio with big plans and… nothing happens?
That was me when I went to film for this tutorial. I had a whole list of tutorials ready to film, but I just wasn’t feeling it – no creative spark, no “teachy” energy. So instead of forcing it, I grabbed my sketchbook, a pen, and decided to just doodle and chat.
Sometimes, creativity needs a little warm-up. And that’s exactly what this turned into.
Supplies Used
No fancy supplies needed for this one.
- Archer + Olive Notebook
- Micron Pens (sizes 01 and 03)
Rather watch than read? Check out the full video by clicking the video below!
Let’s Get Started!
I went into this zero expectations – none. I just wanted to create SOMETHING.
Step #1: Keep it Simple
I didn’t overthink it. I pulled out one of my bullet journals from Archer + Olive and a couple Microns. I mostly used the Micron 03 but added the Micron 01 for details.
I started drawing random shapes – frames, borders, little imperfect outlines – and decided I’d fill them with flowers later. The key was not to plan too much. Just start putting marks on paper.
Step #2: Let Go of Perfection
Some days, creating is like exercise – you don’t always want to start, but once you do, it feels good.
Even the simplest doodles can pull you out of a rut. These weren’t perfect or groundbreaking, but with each little shape, I felt my mood lifting. By the time the page was filling up, I was already happier than when I’d sat down.
Step #3: Limit Your Tools
One trick that always works for me: limit your options.
When I traveled long-term, I only had two or three tools with me, and I was more creative because I wasn’t overwhelmed with choices. Today was the same – one pen, one notebook, and that was it.
Step #4: Fill the Shapes (and Let Your Mind Wander)
Once my frames were on the page, I started adding flowers – daisies, leafy stems, random buds. Some real, some totally made up.
While I doodled, I talked through life updates:
- We just bought a new house (!!!) in our dream neighborhood – total “forever home” potential, but it needs a lot of love.
- I’m loving the community over on Patreon. It’s been such a joy connecting with creative people there.
- I’ve been feeling the itch to try new crafts, beyond calligraphy, and might start sharing those experiments.
Step #5: Add Details
After the flowers, I grabbed a light grey marker to fill in some background shapes for contrast. Did I regret the shade I picked? Maybe. But the whole point was to experiment, not obsess over perfection.
Why This Works
Even when you’re not “in the mood” to create:
- Starting small matters – a simple page of doodles is enough.
- The more you fill the page, the less each individual imperfection matters.
- Creating for yourself – not for content – can be the best reset.
By the end, I had a full page of doodles, a lighter mood, and even the energy to maybe film another tutorial. This might just become a series: my little creative warm-ups before I dive into bigger projects.
Your Turn!
Next time you’re feeling uninspired:
- Pick one or two tools.
- Start with random shapes.
- Add simple motifs – flowers, leaves, whatever feels easy.
- Keep going until the page feels full.
You don’t have to make “good” art – you just have to make something. And who knows? You might just doodle your way right out of your creative slump.
Want More?
If you want flower ideas to fill your own doodle pages, I have a whole printable library inside my Patreon with step-by-step guides. It’s also where I share behind-the-scenes stuff like this, plus all my latest creative experiments.
And finally, your dad joke…
What rhymes with orange…
No it doesn’t.
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