Zentangle
Ranked #22 in Arts & Design, #183 overall | Donates to KIVA
Learn How to Draw a Zentangle
I use the technique of Zentangle in my own artwork, incorporating them into sketching, art-journalling and collage. Originally I created individual Zentangles, as shown on Rick and Maria's website Zentangle Homepage but then began to incorporate them into my art journals.
On this page, I will describe how to draw a Zentangle from scratch, what materials are required for Zentangles and also show you how to use the techniques imaginatively in your own work.
Note: Zentangle-inspired drawings are often called 'zendoodles'.

The Zentangle® art form and method was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. Zentangle® is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc. Learn more at zentangle.com.
More Zentangle Resources
Materials for Zentangles
Smooth watercolor paper - I use Fabriano Artistico HPFine liner pens - My favorites are Sakura Pigma Micron, size 1 to 5
Pencil
Eraser
That's it.
Sakura Pigma Micron Pen Set 6 Per Package, Black Ink
How to Draw a Zentangle
Begin small, work on a piece of paper approximately 3.5" x 3.5" (9cm x 9cm).I am using a pen for the initial steps so it shows on the scan but you should use a pencil.
Draw a border around the square of paper, about a half inch (1cm) from the edge as shown. Do it freehand and let it be 'rough'.
Draw a 'String'
Again, with a pencil, draw a light random line within the border - it can be anything but keep it simple to begin with. Rick and Maria call these lines 'strings', which helps you to visualise the kind of lines that work. You are aiming to create areas in which to doodle. Experiment until you get something you are happy with. Fill Your Zentangle
Using some of the examples on this page and on the Zentangle page begin to fill the shapes made by your string. Oh... and put some soft music on and allow your mind to wander. These simple patterns are called 'tangles'. You can see lots of them at Zentangle.com Are You Relaxed?
Keep going. Don't fret over what pattern to use, you will find as you do more, that the next pattern seems to suggest itself.My example here is very rough and I seem to have misplaced the border while scanning, but I'm sure you get the idea.
As you can see, I have worked up to the border, making my Zentangle a square, however, you don't have to do that - leaving white space can work well too.
All Done
Here is my rather rough and ready example finished.Erase all the pencil lines and use a little shading in order to make your drawing more three dimensional.
Want More?
Zentangle Workshop
Zentangle Workshop - New!
Search for Zentangle and Zendoodle Books
Zentangles in the UK
Sakura Pigma Micron Pens are Perfect for Zentangles
Sakura Pigma Micron Pen Set, 6-Pack, Black Ink
Amazon Price: $4.95 (as of 02/13/2012)![]()
Amazon reviewer, Colleen F, says, "Couldn't do without them. I am an avid pen and pencil artist. I have tried several brands of pens, these being a "must have" for me. They last quite awhile, the point stays firm, and the ink does not "bleed". The smallest is .005, largest .08. My favorites are the .005 and .01, but I own all sizes and colors. I HIGHLY recommend this set to start with, but beware - once you try these, you will be hooked!"
Another reviewer, Lynn Hoffman, says, "The perfect feel for drawing or writing. The fiber points of these pens are just rough enough to give the user a sense of the texture of the paper. It's a bit like going back to a standard transmission after years of driving an automatic. The inks themselves are, like some modern poetry, marvellously opaque. Images drawn with them scan and copy beautifully. The very smallest sizes (.05 and .1) tend to break down with rough use, but even the slightly crushed tips give a useful line on paper. Used for writing, they encourage a light grip that makes for less fatigue and there's even something pleasant about a cap that has to be removed and replaced. --Lynn Hoffman, author of THE NEW SHORT COURSE IN WINE
How to draw a Zendala
by Milliande
Using Zentangles in Other Art
When I initially discovered Zentangles, I was addicted and drew over a hundred over the course of a month or two. Eventually my enthusiasm wore off and instead I began to use the technique with other projects. I find it is very effective in my art journals. Here's an example of watercolor, collage and Zentangles combined. You can see that I used a white pen for some of the Zentangling on the man's clothes.
In this project I also decided to use Zentangles to border the facing pages.

Tangled Tile
'Zentangle' has been featured on the...
Abundance Blog
- Abundance Blog at Marelisa Online
- "For all those who feel stuck in the left-side of their brain, and who desperately want to create something and begin to awaken their right-brain hemisphere, below you'll find 17 resources-some free, some not-that will help get you started.">
Zentangle Books
Zentangles in my Journal

I hope you enjoyed this Zentangle page.
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Going to give it a go?
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naheedahsan
Feb 8, 2012 @ 12:15 pm | delete
- These are beautiful
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JoshK47
Feb 6, 2012 @ 12:02 pm | delete
- Wow - very cool looking! Never heard it called zentangle before, very interesting. Blessed by a SquidAngel!
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entertainmenteveryday
Feb 6, 2012 @ 11:35 am | delete
- I love it! I learned so much and will give it a try soon. This would make for a great pice of artwork in my home.
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Tipi
Feb 3, 2012 @ 11:41 am | delete
- I really need to send this to my oldest son, he is so good at doodle art and zentangel. You are a remarkable artist. Amazing artwork.
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jimmyworldstar
Feb 1, 2012 @ 5:17 pm | delete
- These zentangles look amazing, I might try one later on. When you make a lot of repeating shapes you get great results and shapes like in the pictures above.
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oxfordian
Jan 16, 2012 @ 1:33 pm | delete
- I'd never heard of this before! These are beautiful and I can't wait to try it.
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Tolovaj
Jan 16, 2012 @ 12:47 pm | delete
- Thanks for introducing this form of at. I saw something very similar in one school few weeks ago and had no idea it has special name. It is pretty simple but very effective and with A LOT possibilities to explore.
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Nancy LA_Woman00@yahoo.com
Jan 6, 2012 @ 9:22 pm | delete
- I love Zentangle; and am glad to see that there is a name to describe it! True, many of us used a similar techniqueat one time or another. Mine was with a rapidograph in the late 60's & 70's. I am going to try it agian, this time using Micron pens as recommended.
Many Thanks ~ I appreciate your site!
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Samantha
Dec 14, 2011 @ 9:31 am | delete
- Thanks for the info. I used to do drawings like this when I was in high school in the '80s. I would start with a border of something I was looking at, like a cup. Then I would section it off and fill each section with doodles. I was learning Japanese at the time, so I would often draw patterns based on kanji. I haven't made one of these since I was in school. Seeing these reminds me of a time when I used to be creative!!! I now have a 6 year old daughter who is very creative. I think it is time I introduce her to this technique.
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SimplyTonjia
Dec 8, 2011 @ 3:49 pm | delete
- Love this lense.
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Chris
Dec 4, 2011 @ 12:25 am | delete
- If you are truly interested in what Zentangle is and where it began please look at the Zentangle website at www.zentangle.com. Anyone who has been trained by its creators understands that it is not a doodle. As a CZT (Certified Zentangle Teacher) I recommend you inform yourself before informing others.
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theraggededge
Dec 4, 2011 @ 6:35 am | delete
- Chris, I have been following Rick and Maria's progress since before Zentangle.com was even born. I first 'met' them years ago on an unrelated list. Rick and I had some email correspondence connected to the benefits of Zentangle for home-schooling. People were encouraged to download PDFs and share Zentangle freely. I visit the site, I have the kit. I can't be a CZT because I live in the UK.
My Squidoo pages and blogs have sent thousands of people over to Zentangle.com over the last couple of years and have made $s for charity.
However, if I produce a piece of work in the Zentangle manner and wish to call my creation a Zentangle, I will. If I want to call it a doodle, I will. There appears to be a certain element within the CZT community which promotes a holier-than-thou attitude and it does not give a very good impression to the rest of us.
I recommend that you take care of your own art and leave me to my own.
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Chris
Dec 4, 2011 @ 9:24 am | delete
- It is true, you may call it anything you wish. CZT training is open to anyone. People from all over the world attended the last training seminar. While you may see my comment as holier-than-thou it is not my intent to present my understanding in that manner. It is merely to share what I have learned through it's creators. Your tangles are an expression of your artistic nature and they are beautiful. I wish you continued enjoyment in whatever avenue you pursue to share it share it with those of us who recognize your talent. Continued success, also, on your charity endeavors.
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PJ_Deneen
Dec 26, 2011 @ 5:24 pm | delete
- This is the second instance so far where I've seen "certified" Zentangle teachers act like jerks. It certainly doesn't make me want to go to their website. Like another reader who commented, I did a very similar technique in the 80s. This type of art is hardly new. This was a great lens. More power to you for speaking up.
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Chris
Dec 27, 2011 @ 11:49 pm | delete
- Ouch.
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charlino
Nov 24, 2011 @ 10:38 pm | delete
- I've always considered doodling as a form of art, but never knew the formal name of it until recently. Love your display of zentangle art, information, and supplies.
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WriterJanis
Nov 23, 2011 @ 2:19 pm | delete
- Never heard of this before. Thanks for the info. I love to doodle.
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SheilaSchnauzies
Nov 20, 2011 @ 1:40 am | delete
- I haven't doodled in ages... I'll probably be doing it tomorrow, though! Blessed by a Squid Angel today. Great lens!!!
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aquarian_insight
Nov 15, 2011 @ 4:15 pm | delete
- I am a chronic doodler, so this lens actually excited me! I will be trying it. You have amazing lenses and that is why I listened to your advice! Thank you...I'm off to zentangle!
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traveller27 Nov 12, 2011 @ 11:25 am | delete
- Thumbs up - great lens!
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TheRaggedEdge
by theraggededge
Drawing Zentangles is my favorite way to relax. My second favorite way is to make pages about them.
I am proud to say that these lenses (pages) of mine...
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