​

Hi Reader ,

A common theme keeps popping up for me lately, and it resonates deeply with one of my main ideas — Process over Product.

When I encourage people to doodle, I often hear, “I’m just not creative,” or “I don’t know how to doodle.”

But here’s the thing — creativity isn’t about perfection or polished results. It’s about process.

Roxanne (aka @SuperDoodleGirl) recently shared a post that gave me a fresh perspective. She talked about ways to make “ugly art.” Her list included things like:

• Work quickly.
• Use colors you don’t like.
• Draw with your non-dominant hand.
• Use bad supplies.

What a freeing idea! When we lower our expectations about what the finished product should look like, we actually open the door to creative joy. We stop stressing about the outcome and start enjoying the process — the act of creating — which, if you ask me, is what we were created to do. (#createdtocreate)

So if you’re someone who struggles to “let go” of expectations, try this instead: Change your expectations. Let your lines be messy. Let your colors clash. Let the art be “ugly” — and let yourself be amazed at what shows up anyway.

This week during DoodleU: Inktober Edition, we’ll be doing just that — playing with new Tangle patterns and exploring how beautiful the “imperfect” can be.

🗓️ Wednesday, October 22 at 7pm (Eastern)​
It’s also my birthday bash so we’ll stretch our usual 60 minutes into a relaxed 90-minute creative hangout.

If you’re a TimeOut for Teachers member, this is already part of your monthly self-care time. If not — you’re invited to join the fun!

Let’s let the lines play while our brains catch up and our hearts are nurtured. Who knows — we might even make some perfectly ugly doodles. Chances are equally good that we’ll make something pretty amazing.

Either way, we’ll slow down, enjoy community, and create. And I can’t wait.

Until next time,

Doodle On!

​

PS. Don't forget to check out @SoDoodleDe this month. I'm sharing the Inktober Tangle patterns each week in a variety of ways. It's fun to practice them to find ways for them to play together.