Q&A for How to Make a Zentangle

The idea is to let your pencil flow; the drawing isn't supposed be something you know how to do or something that you plan out: just go with it. Start with a line, a stroke, or even a simple shape and work your way from there. Don't worry about the end result!

Fine printmaking paper in white is ideal, but you can play around with the different paper types.

It's not so much about knowing what to draw in advance as it is about being moved artistically through working on the drawing itself. However, it you're stumped, check out online images of other people's Zentangle designs for inspiration. Have faith in your ability: get started on drawing lines and patterns and see what comes forth!

No, the string does not have to touch the sides, but it is ok if it does. Think of lifting a piece of sewing thread up and dropping it and it falls into a circular, jumbled, mess. Then just copy that pattern.

I use the Sakura fine ink pen, it comes in different sizes, smallest to largest, 005-01-02-03-05-08. For the actual drawing of the lines, I use the 01. I also have a white jelly roll pen for adding highlights, and a pencil (or graphite) for adding shading.

Yes you can. Check out images of designs done using words; most are done in big letters which are then filled in with Zentangle designs.

Normally, thin black pens are used to outline and draw, and thicker pens or "brush" pens are used to color in blank spaces.

You're just using the pencil to lightly sketch boundaries. Use nice, archival quality pens for the final product.

Yes, some people like to create Zentangles inside recognizable objects; feel free to draw anything you want!

You need to give your full attention to a Zentangle but you can doodle while listening to something or someone or reading.

A tangle is a repetitive pattern that is broken down into small steps, so people can create the pattern easily. The pattern breakdown is called a step-out. Tangles named by the Zentangle folks are made up of a combination of straight lines, curved lines (e.g. the 'o' shape, a dot, and the S shape). Some tangles are just made from straight lines, others have Os, dots, etc.

That is the size of a typical zentangle. If you want, you can make your zentangle on a larger piece of paper, although it wouldn't be a traditional zentangle.

Yes, of course! Just do whatever comes to you whilst you are drawing - be creative!

You can draw a Zentangle in a circle. It is then called a Zendala, a combination of Zentangle and Mandala.

It does indeed break the 'rules'. This is technically a ZIA or a Doodle.

Then it is a ZIA, Zentangle-Inspired Art. You can tangle in any shape you want.

Yes. If you plan on keeping your tangles, it may be better to use a pen with archival quality ink, like a Pigma Micron, but very fine Sharpies also do the job.

In order to formally teach the Zentangle Method, you need to be certified as a Zentangle Teacher. However, if you want to teach your friends or family in your free time, it's ok to share what you've learned informally. Just make sure that you are honest about your qualifications and experience.

Yes, you can.

If you would like to take a class with a certified zentangle teacher, try googling "take a class with a certified zentangle teacher." You can then search for teachers in your area or look for online courses. YouTube may also be a good option for online learning.

You can, but it is not actually The Zentangle Method. It is called a Zentangle Inspired Art, or ZIA.

Not necessarily. Your border is designed to create a boundary that you'll keep your drawing within, but you don't need to fill it up.

Pretty much anything is correct when it comes to Zentangles.

You can use any writing tool you like.

The fish is technically Z.I.A, or Zentangle Inspired Art, which doesn’t necessarily follow all of the rules of Zentangle.

Part of the fun of a zentangle is incorporating whatever "mistakes" you might make into the piece; using a pen encourages and works with this goal. Try to use unplanned lines and "mistakes" as inspiration for new ideas in your artwork.

If you say who you copy it from, it is okay. A tangle you can always use in your own work.

Zoomed out and completed work looks very beautiful and precise. However, if you were to zoom in on each individual line, you would notice that it’s not that perfect. Just do it freehand and only you will know where there are little mistakes and unequal lines.

It's a supportive matrix to give gentle boundaries. These strings will disappear as you create your artwork, but are there to give you an edge to the section you are filling so you can focus on your tangles.

This is technically called a ZIA, or a Zentangle Inspired Art. You can tangle in any shape you want. It's like switching colors. It's art. There is no wrong way to create. You can create tangled in any shape you for want.