Unlocking Creativity and Calm: The Zentangle Method for all Skill Levels by Dora Kearney, CZT

As a decorative artist and faux painter, business owner, project manager, curator, designer, and creator, breaking away from the stress is sometimes difficult. I found that doodle art, Zentangle, has given me an outlet I did not realize I needed.

I always draw little patterns during phone calls, meetings, listening to music or watching tv and realized years into practice, it is an official art form! This second-by-second focus was giving my brain a rest from all the thoughts of the things I was working through, so I did more research into the science of it. Turns out, Zentangle has many health benefits! It is used in treatment plans for Tourette’s, PTSD, Stress, Dementia and Alzheimer’s, just to name a few. The hand-eye coordination and thoughtful line placement has shown to reduce inner “noise”, regulating breathing and reducing blood pressure. All the benefits are similar to meditation with one significant difference, you are activating another part of your brain while quieting the other. This results in beautifully drawn patterns, a sense of accomplishment and the zen euphoria paired with mindfulness, confidence and finding joy in the creative process.

All this discovery and fascination made me want to hone my skills and show other people how amazing it is. This led me to becoming a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT) in 2022. I teach classes in my KC studio, corporate events, and private events. One of the most common things I hear before a class is, I can’t draw a straight line. Well good, none of these lines are straight! So, let’s learn more about what Zentangle is.

What Is the Zentangle Method?

At its core, the Zentangle Method is a meditative art form, hence, “Zen”. Using just a few basic supplies—usually a pen, pencil, and a square tile of paper—students create intricate, abstract designs called “tangles.” These tangles are drawn in a deliberate, structured way, helping practitioners enter a flow state where worries fade and the focus turns inward.

What makes Zentangle unique is that there are no mistakes—just opportunities to turn lines into something unexpected and beautiful. This philosophy makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of artistic experience.

Why Zentangle Works for Everyone

One of the most powerful aspects of the Zentangle Method is its inclusivity. It doesn’t require prior art experience, expensive materials, or large chunks of time. Students from all walks of life—including children, seniors, veterans, and those dealing with stress or illness—can benefit.

Benefits include:

   •          Stress relief through focused attention and meditative repetition

   •          Increased confidence as people see they can create with simple lines

   •          Enhanced creativity by breaking free from rigid expectations

   •          Improved fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination

Zentangle is also highly adaptable for people with physical or cognitive challenges, making it a truly universal practice.

Encouraging New Artists to Take the Leap

Many adults hesitate to draw because they believe they’re “not artistic.” Zentangle gently dismantles this belief. When introduced to the method, you’re not just learning to draw—you’re given permission to play again.

Here are a few ways I encourage hesitant beginners:

• Share before-and-after stories of others who discovered their creativity through Zentangle

• Low-pressure “try-it” sessions where results are not the focus

• Attend small-group or one-on-one classes for a more personalized experience

• Celebrate every piece as a unique expression of the artist

If you’re interested in taking a class, in-person or online, reach out to me at Dora.kearney@yahoo.com. Or keep an eye out for my upcoming workshop in Kansas City October 17-18 where you will learn how to Zentangle murals that can be applied on any wall, ceiling, or side of a building! Your creativity is the limit, I just give you the tools to expand!

Dora Kearney, CZT