Are there distinct differences between drawing, doodling and illustrating? I suppose if you go by the official definitions, drawing seems to be the over encompassing description of making a picture or diagram of something. Then you have doodling for when there is no apparent goal in mind versus illustrating when you are creating a picture for the purposes of publication. Something like that…
But what does it matter right? I was just wondering if what term we use, reflects how we define our work and worth. I happen to use the word doodle quite often because it seems less formal. But perhaps I’m putting my work on a lower shelf…but illustration sounds a bit stuff at times. These are the thoughts that pop up in my mind. Silly me. Pondering me.
I guess, I’m only sure of one thing. I like putting marker to paper and creating.







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12 Comments
I think I typically call it drawing or illustration. No matter the definitions, I enjoy doing both! But I love the definitions you gave them. I always love it when you put pen to paper cuz your drawings are always so fun to see, especially when they are in progress. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks Terri! Yes, I think drawing and illustration definitely sound more official to most people. Doodling seems to connotate amateur…but I like the word – it’s silly funny cool! Google…doodle…
Hmm. Interesting. I think of drawing as a more overarching term for the general activity, in whatever form (doodling, illustration, etc.) it takes. Doodling I think of as a more “mindless” type of drawing, when you’re just sort of aimlessly putting pen to paper, maybe even while your mind wanders. Illustration I think of as drawings that tell a story. Not necessarily limited to but including book or magazine illustrations. That’s why I call my drawings illustrations, because I think they are story-telling devices, as opposed to just renderings of an object/place/etc. Interesting question indeed!
Your definitions I think are pretty common… I just like to say doodle no matter what I’m doing I guess… It would be cool to find out what people think when you call something a drawing or a doodle or an illustration. Doodle also has a playfulness to it that I like… I feel like I want to do focus group studies all that time, except I’m not running a research company here…lol
Very cute doodles
Thanks!
I like doodling because there’s no pressure to ‘get it right’ and that’s normally when I draw the best. It’s like if you’re performing something when nobody’s watching ;o)
Great point! Goes to show that it’s all a state of mind!
Love your doodles!
I’d have to say, doodling is a “free” flowing form of conservative drawing :]
Relax and enjoy <3
Thanks, April! Yes, it seems everyone things doodling is more fun, free and playful. I like that aspect of the word!
drawing, anyhow, anyway, by any means is just BLISS. love your pictures, they are super sweet.
thanks for your thoughts, kristie – I agree
Maybe we don’t have to “understand” really…