What paper to choose for your creation? 2 tips on techniques for mental well-being

In today's hectic times, more and more people are looking for ways to relax, find peace of mind and enhance their mental well-being. Drawing and doodling are great creative activities to help you de-stress and enjoy a moment to yourself. Creating provides a space to stop, express ourselves and engage other parts of our brain, which is important not only for artists but for anyone who wants to develop. Doodling, or spontaneous and informal drawing, is then one technique that does not require talent or special artistic ability. All you need is a pencil and paper and you can let your imagination run away with you - this is important for personal development and relaxation.

But did you know that there are also different types of paper for different creative techniques? Each technique - whether you're working with acrylics, watercolours, pastels or just doodling in a sketchbook - requires paper with different properties. Choosing the right paper is essential to achieve the desired effect, as each type of paper reacts differently to the medium. In this article, we'll walk you through the differences between acrylic, watercolor, pastel and traditional sketchbook papers so you can easily find the right material for your needs.

Differences between papers: which paper is the right one?

Different drawing and painting techniques require specific types of paper to ensure the final effect matches your expectations. Each type of paper has different properties that better support specific techniques. Acrylic paper is thicker, moisture resistant and can handle layering of colors. Aquarell paper has high absorbency and a finely textured surface, which is great for encouraging color spreading and blending. Pastel paper is textured, allowing for easier shading and blending. Sketch paper, on the other hand, is thinner and ideal for quick sketches and pencil or pencil drawings.

The right choice of paper significantly affects the quality and appearance of the final work, so it is important to orient yourself according to the specific technique you would like to try.

Techniques for different papers: inspiration and recommendations

Each type of paper allows different techniques to achieve a variety of effects and textures. The key to success is to understand how to work with the paper to make the most of its properties.

Acrylic paper: allows layering and creating colour transitions. Start with basic layers and gradually add details. With the paper's firm texture, you can layer colors without worrying about bleed-through.

Watercolour paper: watercolour techniques, such as spreading and mixing colours, work best on a wet ground. Wet the paper and apply the colours gradually to create subtle gradients. This paper is ideal for effects that depend on the smooth spreading of colour.

Pastel paper: the textured surface makes it easy to create shadows and blends on this paper. Try the technique of layering colour tones and gentle blending to achieve smooth transitions and depth of drawing.

Sketch paper: ideal for quick sketches or doodling. Use different line thicknesses and experiment with pen, pencil or crayon drawings for simple but effective results. You can also use watercolor or acrylic paints, but they'll probably be a little harder to work with than paper designed specifically for them.

Each technique offers room for experimentation - try different approaches and discover what works best for you suits you best.

Doodling as a form of psychohygiene

Doodling, or free and spontaneous drawing, is a form of drawing that requires no rules or precise goals. It's a simple way to get creative without thinking, where lines, shapes and patterns emerge intuitively. We often encounter doodling while on the phone, in a long meeting at work, or while waiting, for example - sometimes we just pick up a pencil and start drawing simple lines, spirals, flowers or geometric shapes. Doodling does not put emphasis on the final form of the "work", but on the process of creation itself.

Benefits of doodling for psychological well-being

Doodling has surprising benefits for our mental well-being. Its simplicity helps us to relax and "switch off" from everyday stress for a while. By focusing on simple drawing, our brains calm down and we can better focus on the present moment. Doodling is known for its ability to reduce tension, helping to reduce stress levels while promoting concentration. It is this effect that leads many to incorporate doodling into their daily routine as a form of meditation.

Does doodling require talent?

A common question is whether it is necessary to have talent or artistic ability to doodle. The answer is simple: not at all. Doodling is all about creativity and freedom, not perfection. The goal is to enjoy the process and find joy in it, no matter what the result looks like. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to doodle - it's about relaxation and fun. This approach is liberating because it removes the pressure on the outcome and allows everyone to discover their own creativity.

How to get started with doodling

If you are tempted to try doodling but don't know where to start, this short video demonstration of basic doodling techniques may help. In the video you will find tips on how to use simple shapes and lines to create interesting designs. A doodle can be as simple as a pattern of repeating squares, spirals or waves. Try choosing a favourite motif and get carried away - once you get started, you can create your own little art full of imagination and coolness.

Drawing as a tool for development and self-reflection

Drawing has a number of positive effects on the psyche - it helps us keep our attention, improves our mood and stimulates creativity. Regular drawing not only relaxes the mind, but also teaches us to focus on the present moment, which promotes overall mental well-being.

Doodling vs. drawing

Doodling is ideal when you're looking for a quick relaxation without much preparation - just simple shapes and you can draw anytime, anywhere. On the other hand, drawing with attention to detail is suitable for when you want to create something more complex and have more time. Both forms of drawing have their place with creators and can complement each other perfectly.

Drawing as a daily routine

Drawing can easily be incorporated into your daily routine - just a few minutes a day. Short "drawing breaks" during the day, either in the morning or in the evening, will help you relax and refocus.

Find your paper and start creating

Don't be afraid to explore your own creative style and experiment with different approaches. Take a moment to draw - even a few minutes can bring you peace, joy and a sense of relaxation. Pick up paper and pencil and let your imagination run wild!