Q&A for How to Draw a Mandala

You need to get a pencil. You can draw the details in pencil first, just visible enough so you can see them, color your mandala and then go over your pencil lines with an ultra-fine Sharpie.

No. As you're working in sections, it's basically just making consistent marks in a pattern. You can start as simple as you like. It just looks more complicated when you see it come together. So long as you pick a mark that you're happy with, you can do the same a few times over, then you're off to a good start!

You can use anything with a straight edge, like a book, to draw your line.

It would depend on the mistake, and if you're capable of erasing it. If you have a good eraser with you, you can just make it go away, and try again until you make a mark you like. If you dislike the whole mandala, you can throw it away, but that's wasting paper, your time, and your efforts, so I wouldn't recommend it.

Draw a letter, leave it blank, and decorate the sheet with mandala designs. Your letter will pop out, as it is the only thing blank and plain.

It is a circular figure that represents the universe in Hindu and Buddhist symbolism.

No, you don't. You can use any round object you can find.

Use the color feature. There should be one.

Use patterns such as chevrons, swirls, stripes, polka dots, or just plain solid.

Ask yourself if there is any part you like. Then build your next mandala on that part. Certain repetitive elements will appeal to you.

Just erase it and keep going!

Any shape will work. Most mandalas are symmetrical, but they don't have to be. If you look up mandalas you can get some good ideas for shapes.

You can use a circle as your motif and use different-colored, -sized or -shaped circles to create balance or contrast.

Yes, you can, but make sure to draw your outline in pencil first. Otherwise it will be very difficult to see where your lines are and it might not turn out well.

You can make it however you want. You can keep it in a circle, fill the whole page, or even make several smaller mandalas on one page. There is really no right or wrong way.

You can leave it without colours, it is not necessary to colour it in unless you want to. Just use shades of gray and black and white to make it stand out.

You can use really any colors, but avoid colors you don't much like. Try to combine dark and light colors, because too dark will be too dark.

You can use a compass, as said in the directions. Or, if you’re really good, you can sketch it freehand.

Get inspiration from the things around you. Maybe something like a flower or even just shapes!

That is perfectly fine, as long as your happy with the size of your circle!

You can use round objects increasing in size. This will allow you to get the increasing circles without using a compass or string.

Try to press hard or use the compass point to make dents but not holes in the paper. When you turn the paper over, you can feel the mandala as opposed to seeing it.

Yes. If you want, you could leave it uncoloured or you could do one entirely in blue or red or indigo or purple or black. Whatever you want.