I’ll let you in on a little secret—there’s no wrong way to color a doodle. That’s right! Unlike traditional art, where shading, perspective, and color theory reign supreme, doodling is your creative playground. But if you’ve ever looked at your half-colored doodle and thought, Why does this look like my toddler and I swapped art supplies?—don’t worry, you’re not alone.
The truth is, while doodles are wonderfully freeform, there are a few tricks that can elevate your coloring from “meh” to “wow.” Whether you want to add depth, vibrancy, or simply bring those little swirls and patterns to life, here are 7 fun and easy ways to color doodles like a pro.
1. Start with a Color Palette (So You Don’t Go Overboard)
Ever ended up with a page that looks like a box of crayons exploded on it? You thought you were creating a sunset, but now it looks more like a neon traffic jam. Yeah, same. Instead of randomly picking colors, try a color palette with 3-5 shades that work well together.
✅ Monochrome: Stick to different shades of one color for a classy, sophisticated look.
✅ Analogous: Use colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel (like blues and greens) for a seamless flow.
✅ Bold & Wild: Choose completely contrasting colors (like purple and yellow) to make your doodles pop!
Pro Tip: Pinterest and color palette generators are lifesavers when you’re stuck on what colors to use!
2. Layer Your Colors Like a Fancy Latte
Layering is your best friend if your doodles look a little flat. Instead of pressing down with one solid color, build it up gradually:
✔️ Start with light pressure and slowly increase it for depth. ✔️ Use a second color on top to create interesting blends. ✔️ Try a colorless blender pencil to smooth everything together.
Think of it like making a fancy coffee—start light, add layers, and blend for a smooth finish! Just don’t drink it unless you like the taste of wax and pigment dust.
3. Use White to Make Colors Pop
White isn’t just for negative space—it’s your secret weapon for highlights!
⭐ Use a white gel pen to add tiny highlights that make your doodles shine.
⭐ Try a white pencil to blend and soften harsh edges.
⭐ Add white dots or outlines to give your designs extra dimension.
It’s like adding fairy dust to your art—subtle but magical. ✨
4. Play with Patterns Inside Your Doodles
What’s better than a doodle? A doodle INSIDE a doodle! Instead of filling spaces with a single color, try adding patterns:
🔹 Hatching & Cross-Hatching: Tiny lines that create depth.
🔹 Stippling: Little dots that add cool texture.
🔹 Mini-Doodles: Draw smaller patterns inside larger shapes to make them stand out.
This gives your page more personality and makes it way more fun to color!
5. Try Watercolor Pencils or Markers for a Unique Look
Want that soft, dreamy effect? Watercolor pencils or water-based markers can transform your doodles into artistic masterpieces.
🖌️ Lightly color your doodle, then brush over it with water.
🖌️ Mix colors while they’re wet for beautiful gradients.
🖌️ Use thick paper so it doesn’t wrinkle (trust me on this one).
It’s like turning your doodles into mini paintings with almost no effort! Make sure to use thick watercolor paper (at least 140lb/300gsm), so your masterpiece doesn’t wrinkle into a sad, soggy mess.
6. Add Shadows for Instant Depth
Want to make your doodles look three-dimensional? Shadows are the trick!
🎨 Pick a slightly darker shade than your base color.
🎨 Apply it along the edges of shapes where a shadow naturally falls.
🎨 Blend it out so it fades smoothly.
Suddenly, your flat doodles have depth, movement, and life!
7. Mix & Match Different Coloring Tools
Who says you have to stick to one medium? Mixing different tools adds variety and texture:
🖊 Fine liners & gel pens – For crisp details and bold outlines.
🖍 Colored pencils – Perfect for shading and soft blends.
🖌 Markers – Bright, bold colors that fill large areas fast.
Try combining markers and pencils—use markers as a base layer and colored pencils on top for shading. Remember that alcohol-based markers and wax-based pencils don’t always mix well, so test on a scrap piece first! It’s like teamwork but for your art supplies.
Final Thoughts: Have Fun & Experiment!
At the end of the day, doodling is all about creativity and fun—so don’t be afraid to experiment! And if you’re proud of your masterpiece (or even your colorful mess), share it with us on social media! Tag us [@InkyLinesAndWords] and use #InkyDoodleArt to be featured!—so don’t overthink it! Mix colors, try new techniques, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Some of the best art happens by accident!
🎨 Ready to put these techniques to the test? 🎨 Ready to put these techniques to the test? Grab one of our doodle coloring books at Inky Lines & Words and bring your doodles to life today! Plus, as a bonus, download a free exclusive doodle page to get started!