Inspired by: Doodling

Learning to draw every little thing in the face of perfectionism

Hi Friends,

Despite my undeniable history with art (childhood classes, a BFA, and a long career in design), I still identify as “a person who can’t draw.” So much so that I rarely even doodle because I’m afraid of messing it up. 🙈

I know! It’s silly!

Even after a lifetime of art lessons, I still have to remind myself that there isn’t a “right” or “wrong,” “good” or “bad” when it comes to creativity.

My drawings may not always be proportional or realistic, but they’re unique, interesting, and (perhaps most importantly in 2026) obviously created by a human. 🙃

It’s what drew me to Draw Every Little Thing by Flora Waycott after seeing Kelle Hampton (@etst on Instagram) spending the summer doodling and art journaling with her kids. If you’re familiar with their family, you know they never let life’s challenges stop them from making room for creativity and play.

I find them so inspiring, and I figured the very least I could do was get over myself and draw a few silly illustrations, so I ordered the book!

Like the regimented student I am, I started with the first assignment, drawing vases. I experience this with most creative things I work on, but the rollercoaster of criticism and triumph came through loud and clear the second my pencil hit the page:

I’m going to mess this up. This is so bad. I’m doing it wrong.

I should quit. There are so many other people more qualified to do this than I am.

If I erase this and try again, maybe I can fix it.

It’s not perfect, but I’ll keep going anyway. If I zoom out, it’s not terrible.

Okay, it looks decent. We’ll call it “quirky!”

That wasn’t so bad, let me try another one.

As I’ve worked my way through the daily prompts, from outfits to animals, that internal narrative hasn’t disappeared, but it has gotten a little kinder.

Each day I feel a little more confident, not because my drawings are dramatically improving, but because I’m practicing something even more valuable: continuing anyway.

I’m still at the beginning, but I can already sense that this book isn’t just teaching me how to become a better illustrator, but to take more creative risks.

I’m looking forward to the later chapters, where Flora introduces more advanced techniques and color. But for now, I thought I’d leave you with this encouragement:

Pick up a creative activity in which you feel unqualified, stop taking yourself quite so seriously, and see what happens!

☀️ Five good things

When we recognize what brings us the most joy, we invite more of it into our lives. Here are five things that made me happy this week. Share yours below!

1. While I did my daily doodling, my mom joined me for a creative FaceTime catch up while she watercolored from her back deck on Cape Cod.

2. I met up with my girlfriends for a perfect afternoon of lunch, iced coffees, and a much needed catch up.

3. We invited my in-laws over for an impromptu game night featuring our current favorite card game, Play Nine.

4. My husband treated us to a yummy Sunday dinner of scallops and homemade pasta.

5. I’m currently writing this from Disney, where I’m excited to spend a fun week with my sister and her family!

💬 Set or share your intention

Whether it’s a giant leap, a tiny to-do list item, a habit change, or something else, there is power in accountability, and this is a safe space to share your aim. Some weeks, we’ll fail, others, we’ll soar, but with support, we’ll always keep going together.

Until next week, get out there and make something beautiful.

Michelle

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If you’d like to keep hanging out, you can also find me:
🍿 Talking movies, food, and nostalgia on Film to Table
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📷 Sharing bits of everyday inspiration on Instagram

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