How to Use Drawing to Think More Clearly

Drawing is a powerful tool that can help us think more clearly and creatively.

Whether you're an artist or not, the act of putting pen to paper (or stylus to screen) can help you process and organize your thoughts, clarify your ideas, and find solutions to problems.

In this blog post, we'll explore how drawing can help you think more clearly and provide some tips on how to use it effectively.

How Drawing Brings Out Your Creativity

First, let's look at how drawing can help you think more clearly. When you draw, you engage both your left and right brain, which can help you process information and ideas more effectively.

The left brain is responsible for logical, analytical thinking, while the right brain is responsible for creative, intuitive thinking. By using both sides of your brain when you draw, you can process and organize information in a more holistic and creative way.

Drawing can also help you develop more your ideas and better understand complex concepts.

When you draw, you have to break down ideas into visual elements, which can help you understand them more deeply. This is why drawing is often used in fields such as architecture, engineering, and design - it allows professionals to better understand and visualize complex concepts and ideas.

Finally, drawing can be a powerful tool for problem-solving. When you draw, you have to look at a problem or challenge from a different perspective, which can help you find new and innovative solutions. This is why many companies and organizations use techniques such as design thinking, which combines visual thinking and problem-solving to come up with creative solutions to complex challenges.

Practical Ways Drawing Enhances Your Creative Thinking

Now that we've explored the benefits of drawing for thinking more clearly, let's look at some tips on how to use it effectively:

Set aside dedicated drawing time: Make time to draw on a regular basis, whether it's for a few minutes a day or a few hours a week. The more you practice, the better you'll get, and the more you'll benefit from the cognitive and creative benefits of drawing.

Experiment with different mediums: Try different drawing mediums such as pen and paper, markers, or digital drawing tools to find what works best for you. Experimenting with different mediums can help you find your own style and voice as an artist.

Start with simple subjects: When you're first starting out, try drawing simple subjects such as objects or landscapes. This will help you get comfortable with the drawing process and build your skills.

Seek feedback: As you get more comfortable with drawing, consider seeking feedback from others, whether it's from friends, family, or a professional artist. Feedback can help you improve your skills and grow as an artist.

How to Use Doodling to be More Creative

Doodling is often thought of as a simple pastime, but it can have real cognitive benefits, including improving problem-solving skills and promoting creativity.

Now, we'll explore how doodling can lead to thinking clearly and list several applications for it in both personal and professional life.

Doodling helps you convert long and complicated concepts into workflows in visual format. It can look like a flow chart or like an illustrated story. It depends on what you're trying to conceptualize.

Did you know that there are entire careers and courses where you doodle information? In many companies, there's a dedicated person who is present at critical meetings. They draw the main ideas, link important details, and represent everything in the form of images.

They use connectors, arrows, words, drawings, and more. And such a doodle makes for a great reference content whenever a business wants to refer to previous meetings.

So, how can you apply the benefits of doodling in your personal and professional life in other ways? Here are a few examples:

Take doodle breaks: If you're feeling stuck on a problem or task, try taking a doodle break to give your brain a chance to relax and recharge. This can help you come back to the problem with fresh eyes and a renewed sense of creativity.

Use doodling to brainstorm ideas: When you're trying to come up with new ideas, try doodling as a way to brainstorm and capture your thoughts. This can help you visualize your ideas and see connections and patterns that you might not have noticed otherwise.

Use doodling as a relaxation technique: Doodling can be a great way to relax and de-stress, especially if you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Take a few minutes to doodle and allow yourself to let go of any distractions and focus on the present moment.

Use doodling in meetings: If you find yourself zoning out during meetings, try doodling as a way to stay engaged and capture important information. This can help you stay focused and retain more of what's being discussed.

Over to you

In conclusion, drawing is a powerful tool that can help you think more clearly and creatively.

By setting aside dedicated drawing time, experimenting with different mediums, starting with simple subjects, and seeking feedback, you can improve your skills and benefit from the cognitive and creative benefits of drawing.

So next time you're feeling stuck or need to think more creatively, try picking up a pen and giving drawing a try. You may be surprised by the insights and ideas that emerge.