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Hi Reader ,

Most of the time when I doodle, I lean into familiar patterns — the ones that come easily to my brain and pen. I love the comfort that comes from those well-known lines. No matter how many times I draw them, each doodle turns out a little different… because that’s just how doodles are! I also rarely start in the same place or with the same “string” (those little spaces to doodle in).

Once a year though, I’m intentional about stretching myself with new patterns. In October, a tradition was started years ago by someone (and then passed along and reinvented by others — as good creative traditions often are). I found my path in it through something called Inktober Tangles.

During this month, I follow a list of new patterns that challenge my brain and creativity to expand — to explore beyond my usual lines. Sometimes one of those patterns becomes a new favorite and joins my regular repertoire. Most of the time, it’s simply an exercise in creativity and growing my visual vocabulary.

The time lapse video above includes patterns from this year’s Inktober Tangles so far. You can see short step-by-step versions of individual patterns on my Instagram Stories (or Highlights) and in my Reels this month.

When last did you add to your visual vocabulary? Most of the time, doodling is the calming, grounding rhythm of repeated lines. But every once in a while, it’s good to stretch and grow — to see what new lines, shapes, and patterns want to join the story. It’s so rewarding to explore and discover new favorites.

Let me know which patterns are speaking to you this month!

Until next time,

Doodle On!

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PS. If you're interested in a Doodle-Along, DoodleU will be open for Buy-Ins again this month. It will be held on October 22, at 7pm (eastern) and we will doodle through several of the Inktober Tangles to create something fun together. Hit "reply" to let me know if you're interested.