How to Use AI Tools to Boost Your Art Business

ai tools for art business

In this blog post, we’ll explore various ways to leverage AI tools to enhance your art business. However, we will not be discussing the topic of creating and selling AI art, which is a separate subject altogether. If you’re curious about using AI to boost your art business, spark your creativity, and increase your productivity, then keep reading!

ai tools for art business

AI has been a hot topic in the art world lately, and for good reason. But it’s not going away anytime soon, so why not embrace it? By using AI as an assistant for your art business, you can supercharge your productivity and take your business to the next level. With a bit of creativity, there are numerous ways you can use AI to your advantage.

What is AI?

Artificial Intelligence, or AI for short, is a branch of computer science that focuses on the development of intelligent machines that can perform tasks which traditionally required human intelligence, such as answering questions, conducting research, and problem-solving.

Recently, AI has become increasingly prevalent in various fields, including the arts, and has opened up new opportunities for creative business owners. Through machine learning and other AI-powered tools, artists can now generate personalized content, analyse data, and conduct market research with greater ease and efficiency. AI can be used in a number of different ways in your art business, from automating simple tasks to helping you out of a creative rut.

a woman using ai for her art business

How can you use AI in your art business?

There are many ways to use AI to boost your art business. Here are some examples:

Writing a business plan

Creating a business plan is essential to the success of any business, including an art business. By using AI you can create a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, objectives, and strategies for success. Feed the AI as much data as you can about your business and ask it to create a business plan for you. You can then tweak and revise it as needed and go from there.

Conducting market research

To grow your art business, you need to understand your target market. AI can help you conduct market research to identify your target audience and their preferences. With AI-powered tools, you can analyse data on your customers’ demographics, interests, and behaviours to gain insights into what they may want. By understanding your target market, you can tailor your artwork and marketing messages to better meet their needs and preferences.

Generating ideas for new artwork

One of the biggest challenges for artists is coming up with new and innovative ideas for artwork. AI can help generate new ideas for artwork that will appeal to your target market. These tools use algorithms to analyse data on your target audience’s preferences and suggest customized artwork that is tailored to their interests. By using AI to generate ideas for new artwork, you can save time while creating pieces that resonate with your audience.

Writing marketing copy

Marketing is crucial for any art business. However, writing effective marketing copy can be challenging. With AI tools, you can create compelling social media posts, blogs, and product descriptions that resonate with your target audience.

When it comes to using AI for your art business, the output is only as good as the input. To learn more about how to use AI properly, and structure your prompts to get the best results possible, I highly recommend this Skillshare class: Chat GPT for Creatives by Peggy Dean

using ai to improve your art business

Using AI to improve your own artwork

One of the great things about AI-powered tools like CF Spark is that it can be used to generate new and unique artwork. Consider this: instead of looking at other artist’s work for inspiration, use AI instead! These tools are also great for getting out of a creative rut and help you find inspiration even when you’re feeling stuck. So, don’t be afraid to use AI to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of your own creativity.

AI can also help you with things like art market research and identifying trends. This information can be incredibly valuable for artists who want to create pieces that are more likely to sell, as it can help them understand what their target audience is looking for and what kinds of pieces are likely to be most successful in the current market. By using AI to stay on top of trends and market demands, artists can ensure that their work remains relevant and appealing to buyers, and can maximize their chances of success in the competitive world of art sales.

AI Tools for Your Art Business

Ready to get started using AI for your art business? Below is a list of some awesome AI tools that can help streamline your workflow, gather market insights, and even generate new artwork ideas. Of course, there are plenty of other AI tools out there too – new ones are popping up all the time! But these are a great place to start.

  • Chat GPT – a language model which can be used for generating ideas, writing content, and answering questions.
  • CF Spark – generate new and unique artworks to inspire your own work.
  • Notion AI – to streamline your workflow and help you with writing.
  • Canva AI – uses AI to suggest design layouts and color schemes for social media and marketing graphics.
  • Adobe Sensei – Provides AI-powered features in Adobe Creative Cloud
a woman thinking about using AI for her business

Considerations When Using AI for Your Art Business

There’s no one answer for how to incorporate AI into your art business. It’s going to vary depending on what you’re selling, who your audience is, and your art business goals. But, there are some general guidelines you can follow to make sure you’re using AI in a way that aligns with your business and values.

Supplement, don’t replace, human interaction. Your art business is built on human relationships. Whether you’re selling to collectors or working with galleries, you need to be able to build and maintain personal relationships. Use AI to supplement your relationships, not replace them.

Automate tasks, but don’t allow it to make decisions for you. AI can be a great tool for automating tasks like customer follow-up or marketing emails. But it’s important to remember that AI can’t make decisions for you. When it comes to important decisions like pricing or what art to sell, you need to rely on your own judgment.

Use AI to enhance your artwork, not replace it. AI has the potential to be a powerful tool for artists, but it’s important to remember that it should be used to enhance your artwork, not replace it. While AI can help generate new ideas, identify trends, and speed up certain processes, it can’t replicate the unique creativity and vision of a human artist.

Keep an eye on the future. AI is always changing, and new tools and applications are being developed all the time. It’s important to keep an eye on the future and be prepared to adopt new AI tools as they become available. This will help you stay ahead of the competition and make sure you’re using the best AI tools for your business.

Conclusion

AI can be a powerful tool for artists and art businesses, but it is important to use it wisely. With AI, you can manage your marketing, track trends, find inspiration for new artwork, and conduct market research. But you need to be careful not to over automate or you could lose the human touch that makes your business special. The possibilities are endless, and with a bit of creativity, you can take your art business to the next level with AI tools.

What are your thoughts on AI and using it for your art business? Let me know in the comments below!

Cheers,

julie signing off

10 Must Read Books for Artists and Art Business Owners

10 must read books for artists and art business owners

As an artist, it’s important to be constantly learning and growing in your craft. There are a lot of great books out there that can help you do just that. Here are 10 must read books for artists and art business owners that I’ve personally read and highly recommend to you!

10 must read books for artists and art business owners

These books cover a wide range of topics that are relevant to both artists and art business owners. From managing your creative business to overcoming creative blocks, marketing, spirituality and more, there’s a book for everyone on this list. So, grab a cup of coffee, get cozy, and start reading!

* Please note, some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase using the links I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support and it helps me create more great content for you to enjoy!

1. Art Inc. by Lisa Congdon

Art Inc. is a great read for artists and art business owners for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it provides a comprehensive overview of the business side of the art world. For artists who want to commercialize their work, this book is invaluable. It covers topics such as marketing, PR, social media, licensing, and more.

In addition, Art Inc. offers a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of successful artists. Lisa Congdon interviews a number of well-known artists and art entrepreneurs, which provides insight into what it takes to make it in the art world. Finally, Art Inc. is simply a well-written and well-researched book. Lisa Congdon is a respected authority on the business of art, and her book is a must-read for anyone interested in the topic.

books for artists Art Inc by Lisa Congdon

2. The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron

the artists way by julia cameron

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron is one of the most popular books on creativity and the creative process. In it, Cameron explores the idea that we all have a “inner artist” that is blocked by fear and self-doubt, and offers a step-by-step program to help readers overcome these barriers and reconnect with their creative selves.

The Artist’s Way is a book that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt creatively stuck. Cameron’s writing is both funny and inspirational, and her program is easy to follow and really works. If you’re looking for a book that will help you get in touch with your creative side, this is it.

3. How to Sell Your Art Online: Live a Successful Creative Life on Your Own Terms by Cory Huff

If you’re an artist looking to sell your work online, Cory Huff’s book is a must-read. The creator of TheAbundantArtist.com, Huff offers a wealth of practical advice, from choosing the right platform to promoting your work, pricing your art, and dealing with inevitable rejection.

He also addresses the emotional side of being an artist, and offers advice on how to stay motivated and inspired. Perhaps most importantly, Huff stresses the importance of living a creative life on your own terms – something that is often harder than it looks. This book is an essential read for any artist who is serious about selling their work online.

how to sell your art online by cory huff

4. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

books for artists, big magic by elizabeth gilbert

If you want to lead a more creative life, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is an inspiring read, touching on spiritual. The book dives into what it means to be creative and how to live a life without fear. If you’re a fan her most famous book, Eat Pray Love, then you’re going to love this one.

Gilbert offers readers plenty of advice, such as to embrace curiosity, take risks, and enjoy the process. She also provides inspiring stories from her own life as a writer. Big Magic is an empowering read that will leave you feeling ready to conquer your own creative endeavors.

5. Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

One of my favourite books for artists is Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon. It’s a quick and easy read, and one of the most inspiring and insightful books that I’ve read on the creative process.

Kleon’s book is structured around 10 principles for artists, which he refers to as ‘stealing’: finding inspiration in the work of others, embrace collaboration, embrace your influences, work hard and be persistent, be open to new ideas, and embrace your inner weirdo. Each of these principles is explored in depth, with Kleon sharing examples from his own life and work, as well as from the lives and work of other artists he admires.

Steal Like an Artist is an essential book for artists who want to tap into their creative potential and create meaningful and lasting art.

steal like an artist by austin kleon

6. Start with Why by Simon Sinek

must read books for artists start with why by simon sinek

If you’re an artist or business owner who wants to better understand how to inspire others, then you need to read Simon Sinek’s Start with Why. In this book, Sinek argues that the key to success is not what you do, but why you do it. Sinek explains that businesses and individuals need to start with their purpose, or their “why.” Once you know your purpose, it’s easier to communicate your message and connect with others. This is because people are more likely to be inspired by a shared purpose than by a product or service.

Sinek provides plenty of examples to illustrate his point, including Apple, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Wright brothers. He also explains how to apply the “why” to your own life and business. If you’re looking for a book to help you “find your why”, then you need to read this book.

7. Crush It: Why Now Is The Time To Cash In On Your Passion by Gary Vaynerchuk

In today’s business world, it’s all about standing out from the crowd and being unique. If you want to be a successful artist or art business owner, you need to be constantly creating and marketing new and innovative content. One of the best ways to learn how to do this is to read Gary Vaynerchuk’s book, Crush It.

In Crush It, Vaynerchuk explains how to use your passion and creativity to build a successful business. He provides practical advice on how to market your work, connect with your audience, and stand out from the competition. If you’re looking for a motivational read that will inspire you to take your art business to the next level, Crush It is a must-read.

crush it by gary vaynerchuck

8. Show Your Work by Austin Kleon

must read books for artists show your work austin kleon

There are a lot of books out there that claim to be helpful for artists and art business owners, but many of them are full of big promises and not much substance. However, there are a few diamonds in the rough, and one of those is Austin Kleon’s Show Your Work.

Kleon is a writer, artist, and speaker who tackles the modern world of marketing and networking in a way that is both simple and effective. In Show Your Work, he provides 10 easy-to-follow steps that will help you get your work out there and start getting noticed. One of the most helpful aspects of Kleon’s book is that he doesn’t try to sell you on the idea of self-promotion as some sort of necessary evil. Instead, he shows you how self-promotion can be a fun and rewarding process that will help you connect with your audience and build a career that you love. If you’re looking for a practical, no-nonsense guide to marketing your art, then Show Your Work is a must-read.

9. The One Thing by Gary Keller

The One Thing by Gary Keller is a book about finding your focus and achieving success in your chosen field. Keller argues that focus is the key to success in any field, and he provides readers with actionable steps for how to achieve it.

He also includes inspiring stories of people who have attained great success by singularly focusing on their chosen field. This book is a must-read for anyone who is looking to achieve success in their career or creative endeavors. The author provides a clear and concise roadmap for how to achieve focus, and the stories of successful people provide motivation and inspiration.

must read books for artists, the one thing by gary keller

10. Atomic Habits by James Clear

atomic habits by james clear

The final book on our list is Atomic Habits by James Clear. This book is all about how to change your habits and make them stick. If you find yourself struggling to make changes in your life or business, this is the book for you.

Clear lays out a step-by-step process for making changes and gives you all the tools you need to make sure those changes stick. One of the things I love about this book is that it’s not just about changing your habits, it’s about changing your mindset. If you want to make lasting changes, you need to change the way you think about change. This book will help you do just that.

Conclusion

There you have it, 10 books for artists and art business owners that I think you should read. Hopefully, at least a few of these books resonate with you and provide you with the information, inspiration, or push you need to take your art business to the next level. There are plenty of books out there for artists, but these are the 10 that I think are essential for artists and art business owners. These books will teach you about the business of art, how to market yourself, and how to run a successful art business. If you’re serious about making a living as an artist, I highly recommend these books for artists.

You might also like these posts:

Cheers,

julie signing off

How to Draw a Mandala in Procreate

how to draw mandalas in procreate
how to draw mandala art in procreate

Want to learn how to draw mandala art in the Procreate app for Apple iPad? You’ve come to the right place because I’ve posted a tutorial on my Youtube channel showing you how to do just that!

The symmetry tools in the Procreate app make it super easy and fun to create beautiful mandala designs on your iPad.

I figured the easiest way to explain how to draw mandalas in Procreate is to just demonstrate in this quick video tutorial! However, keep scrolling if you prefer to read the instructions in a list format.

In this video I demonstrate the following:

  • Two types of symmetry tools to draw mandalas in the Procreate app.
  • A few mandala drawing tips and tricks.
  • How to use gradients to get different color variations.
  • How to make your own gradients.
  • Using hue/saturation for even more color variations.

How to Draw Mandalas in Procreate Step by Step

  1. Create a new square canvas. Ex. 3000 x 3000 pixels.
  2. Go to Actions > Canvas > Drawing Guide > Edit Drawing Guide
  3. Click on Symmetry > Options > Radial
  4. Toggle Rotational Symmetry on or off as desired.
  5. You can change the color of the drawing guide with the colored line at the top of the screen.
  6. Click Done.
  7. Start drawing your mandala from the center of the canvas and work your way out.

I hope you will see how quick and satisfying it is to draw mandala art in Procreate!

To add further complexity to your mandala art, download my Mandala Drawing Templates for Procreate:

mandala drawing templates procreate brush set

Don’t have Procreate but want to learn how to draw mandalas on paper? I have a Skillshare class for that!

Modern Mandala Art: Draw and Color 2 Stunning and Unique Mandalas with Julie Erin Designs on Skillshare

mandala art Skillshare class

Looking for even more mandala content? I have some other blog posts you might enjoy:

I’ve also got more Procreate tutorials including how to make seamless patterns in the app.

I hope you’ve found this tutorial helpful, and I’ll see you in my next blog post. Don’t forget to subscribe!

Cheers,

julie signing off

Mandalatober Week 4 Mandalas and Final Thoughts

nature mandala flowers mandalatober2019

These are the final #mandalatober2019 mandala drawings. I made it to the end you guys! Thanks to everyone who participated, I’m so proud of you! And also thanks to everyone who supported us with likes, comments, dms etc.

It has been a long journey with ups and downs along the way, some days I felt like I wouldn’t finish and other days it felt so easy. But I’m glad I stuck it out and have this amazing body of work to draw from for future designs!

This was not my first time trying a month long challenge, but it is my first time finishing one!

Also, there were 17 other people who participated, for either some of the days or even the whole thing, which is amazing! I will be creating another blog post to show off some of my favourites by the other participants, so stay tuned for that ?.

Mandalas from Week 4 of #Mandalatober2019

Day 22: Cat Mandala

cat mandala mandalatober2019

Day 23: Spider Mandala

spider mandala #mandalatober2019

Day 24: Nature Mandala

nature mandala seashell mandalatober2019

Day 25: 1/2 Mandala 1/2 Something Else

nature mandala flowers mandalatober2019

Day 26: Space or Galaxy Mandala

jupiter space galaxy mandala

Day 27: Bee Mandala

bee mandala mandalatober2019

Day 28: Ice Mandala

ice mandala #mandalatober2019

Day 29: Sky Mandala

sky clouds mandala #mandalatober2019

Day 30: Mushroom Mandala

mushroom mandala #mandalatober2019

Day 31: Halloween Mandala

halloween mandala mandalatober19

I hope you guys have enjoyed following along on this journey with me, thanks for sticking around! Let me know which mandala was your favourite in the comments below.

Next on my agenda is getting all of my print on demand shops ready for the Holiday season, and scanning some of these mandala drawings to my computer.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Cheers,

julie signing off

Check out the rest of my Mandalatober drawings below!

Mandalatober 2019 Week 3 Mandalas

sun and moon mandala mandalatober 2019

The third week of Mandalatober has come and gone and I’m on the home stretch! I actually feel like it’s getting easier to draw them every day now the end is in sight.

You can still join in the challenge and see everyone’s entries on Instagram under the hashtag #mandalatober2019!

Check out my mandalas from week 3 below

Day 15: Sun Mandala

sun mandala #mandalatober2019

Day 16: Real Life mandala

real life mandala sunflower

Day 17: Freestyle mandala (no guidelines)

freestyle mandala pink

Day 18: Tree mandala

tree of life mandala

Day 19: Ocean mandala

ocean wave mandala #mandalatober2019

Day 20: Food mandala

ice cream cone food mandala

Day 21: Pumpkin mandala

halloween pumpkin mandala

See the other weeks mandalas below!

Mandalatober 2019 Challenge Week 2 Mandalas

mandalatober2019 fire mandalas

Mandalatober2019 is still going strong, although I’m starting to struggle to keep up with drawing mandalas every single day. That is the whole point of a challenge though isn’t it, to challenge yourself!

Some days I was feeling lazier than others so a few of my mandalas are simplistic while others are much more detailed.

You can still join in the challenge on Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about the Mandalatober challenge here and pick up a mandala drawing template to help you get started. Make sure to use #mandalatober2019 if you post!

Mandalatober2019 Week 2 Mandala Round Up

Day 8: Dot Mandala

dot mandala mandalatober2019

Day 9: Mountain Mandala

mountain mandala

Day 10: Skull Mandala

sugar skull halloween mandala

Day 11: Fire Mandala

fire sun mandalas

Day 12: Melancholy Mandala

melancholy sad emoji mandala

Day 13: Bird, or Feather Mandala

bird feather mandalas

Day 14: Miniature Mandala

miniature mandalas

Want to learn more about mandalas and why you should draw them? Check out this post!

Cheers,

julie signing off

Easy DIY Deer Halloween Costume

easy diy deer fawn halloween costume
easy diy deer fawn halloween costume

Hey guys! With Halloween coming up soon I thought I would share another costume idea:

Easy DIY Deer Halloween Costume

This is a fairly simple costume, and the finished result is adorable and totally work appropriate.

Materials used for the deer makeup:

  • bronzer
  • black liquid eyeliner
  • white eyeliner
  • brown eyeshadow

For the makeup look I searched for deer makeup ideas on Pinterest, and then combined a few different looks, keeping it simple. You’re welcome to copy my makeup.

Materials for the antlers

I followed Lauren Conrad’s tutorial to create the antlers. However, I used standard paper maché instead of Modge Podge.

Recently I’ve seen some pre-made headbands like this at Michaels and other places, so if you can find one of those it might be easier than making it yourself unless you enjoy that sort of thing, like I do!

The floral headband was re-purposed from my Day of the Dead costume. But you could glue the flowers to the antlers once they’re dry, or glue them to a second headband and wear the two together.

  • headband(s)
  • fake flowers from the dollar store
  • glue gun
  • newspaper strips and paper maché
  • brown and silver acrylic paint
  • pipe cleaners

Deer costume outfit

I wore a tan coloured sweater over a white tank top, but you could wear something else you have on hand, or create an outfit to go with it.

  • tan coloured sweater
  • white tank top
  • black leggings
  • black boots

I hope you like this simple DIY deer Halloween costume! Let me know what you’re dressing up as this year in the comments below.

Check out more of my DIY Halloween costumes here:

Cheers,

julie signing off

Mandalatober 2019 Challenge – Week 1 Mandalas

mandalatober autumn fall mandala drawing

The first week of Mandalatober2019 has been a great success, both for myself and the many others who have been participating along with me!

Find out more about the challenge in this blog post, and get inspired by everyone’s entries on Instagram and Twitter!

If you’re interested, there’s still time to join in the challenge! Grab my mandala drawing template here to help you catch up.

Mandalatober2019 Week 1 Mandalas

Day 1: Leaf mandala

mandalatober2019 autumn leaf mandala

Day 2: Black and white mandala

black and white mandala art

Day 3: Rainbow mandala

rainbow mandala

Day 4: Bones mandala

halloween bones mandala for #mandalatober2019

Day 5: Flower mandala

flower mandala mandalatober2019

Day 6: Geometric Mandala

mandalatober geometric flower of life mandala drawing

Day 7: Happy mandala

happy face emoji mandala mandalatober2019

Are you participating in any art challenges this month? Like Inktober or one of the many others? Let me know in the comments below!

Learn more about mandalas and why you should draw them.

Have a great day,

julie signing off

Common Scams for Artists to Watch Out For

common scams for artists to look out for
scams for artists to watch out for

Hey guys! If you’ve been online pretty much ever, you’ve probably seen a scammer in action. But did you know there are scams that specifically target artists and creatives?

I have personally encountered some of these scams and they can be very difficult to identify. I created this post in order to share them with you so you don’t fall prey to them!

Scammers are always coming up with new ways to take your money or intellectual property, so I’m sure this list will be outdated as soon as it’s published. However, I’ve also provided some tips on how to weed out a scam if you think you’ve encountered one.

scam alert letting text on black background

How to Identify a Scam

It’s always exciting as an artist when people reach out to you and recognize your talent. Many people and companies prey on this and find ways to disguise their scams as “opportunities” for artists.

Read every e-mail or message thoroughly. If the language and grammar is very poor and sentences don’t make sense, it’s likely not worth your time and could even just be an automated message.

Whenever you are approached by a person or company find out as much as you can about them before proceeding. Google the company, and read reviews about them on websites like Better Business Bureau. Ask friends or other artists if they have experience with this company. If you can’t find anything about them online that’s usually a red flag.

When a company sends you an offer or contract, thoroughly read the fine print because there could be a catch. If you have to spend any of your own money up front, it’s probably a scam.

Always consider what’s in it for them. Why are they interested in you and your art? What do they get out of the partnership? Not to say your art isn’t good, but no one works for free or without motive.

a red flag on the beach, artist scams

Here are some common scams for Artists to watch out for

  • Companies reaching out to you for a “media feature” – Don’t waste your time. You will later learn you have to pay upwards of $5000 for this feature that probably doesn’t reach your target audience at all.
  • People asking to “collaborate” only to get free content from you, such as a photo of yourself using their product. Unless it is a big company which aligns with your brand, don’t give away your content for free.
  • Someone asking to use your art for their website or logo. Be very wary and do your research before sending them anything. Do not give it to them for free either. At least create some sort of contract saying they cannot re-sell your art and only use it for a specific purpose so you could take legal action if needed.
  • People asking for free art or products in exchange for a social media shout-out. I strongly encourage you never to give your art away for free. If the person is a legitimate social media influencer they probably would not be approaching you.
  • Amateur art shows that are paid for by the artists. These art shows sound exciting but you should not be forced to sell tickets or pay to fund the show yourself. Always research the company, read reviews, and consider what they are getting out of it.
  • So-called “gurus” trying to you sell you expensive courses to “help your business”. Some of them ask for $20,000 or more! Don’t give up your life savings for the same things you can learn online for free.
  • People asking to buy your artwork, but want to pay through non-traditional payment methods. ONLY accept payment through Paypal, Cards or E-transfer. Do not accept cheques. Never send files or ship art until after you’ve received payment and it’s in your bank account.
  • Sellers ripping off your designs to sell on websites like Amazon, AliExpress, TeeSpring etc. Google the keywords of your most popular works every few months to see if it shows up on websites that are not your own. Then submit take-down notices.

Have you ever been scammed or encountered an artist-specific scam? Leave your experience below for others to learn from!

Cheers,

julie signing off

Want to learn some legit ways to sell your art online? Start here!

What is a Mandala and How to Draw One

pink mandala how to draw mandalas
what is mandala art and how to draw one

What is a mandala?

The word mandala literally means “circle” in Sanskrit, but they are much more than that. Mandalas are beautiful geometric images that represent the circle of life, the universe, divine power, synchronicity and more.

Evidence of mandalas date back to the first century B.C. However, they are likely much older than that. Mandalas have been found all over the world, from India to South America. They are a common symbol in many religions including Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity.

Christian Mandalas Rose Window Sainte Chapelle Chapel in Paris
Rose Window Mandala in Sainte Chapelle Chapel in Paris

Today, mandalas are used around the world as a meditative art practice. They utilize a combination of radial balance and abstract patterns to mesmerize the artist and viewer alike.

Why draw mandalas?

Drawing mandalas can be a tranquil and meditative experience. They are often used in Art Therapy as a way to disconnect from stress and anxiety. They help the artist concentrate on being present in the moment.

Drawing intricate patterns is also a great way to improve hand-eye coordination.

Drawing mandalas is easy and fun, and the end result is unique and beautiful.

How to draw a mandala

There are many different ways to draw mandalas.

You can draw them completely free hand, or use a template. You can create your own template by using a compass and a ruler, or you can download the templates I created here.

Generally, when drawing a mandala you start from the center and work your way out.

what is mandala art and how to draw one
Drawing a mandala using my template

Incorporate different geometric patterns into your mandala as it expands outwards.

Below is a quick demonstration of how to get started drawing a mandala and some basic patterns to get you started.



You can use many different materials to create mandalas. Pen and paper is the most obvious. However, you can create mandalas from sand, rocks, leaves, crochet, yarn, and many other materials.

yarn mandalas diy craft project kids
Mandala made with yarn. aka Ojo De Dios or “God’s Eye”
beach mandalas art sand ocean
A mandala drawn in the sand

It’s a good idea to keep a sketchbook or even a Pinterest Board with different patterns to refer back to for future mandala drawings.

Learn more about the history and religious uses of mandalas here.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about mandalas, and how and why you should draw them!

Cheers,

julie signing off