This mindful giraffe pattern exercise is not only a relaxing activity, but it’s a creative puzzle as well.
As we’ve seen in previous exercises, drawing patterns helps to reduce stress. The repetitive motion of drawing the same thing and focusing on that will get you in a nice flow.
Did you know that puzzles can also help with this? When you complete a puzzle you’re so focused on that specific task that it quiets all the other mental chatter in your head.
In this exercise, we’ll draw a pattern that’s also a puzzle. We’ll create a pattern of giraffe patches. Every patch needs to fit in with the rest so that between the patches only a small space is left. Every time you want to draw a new patch look at the patches that are already there and figure out how the next one is going to fit in.
This pattern combines the repetitive task of drawing asymmetrical shapes with a focus on figuring out where to place your patches. A perfect way to distract yourself from the day-to-day stuff and mute your worries for a while. Some well-deserved creative me-time!
Have fun with this mindful giraffe pattern exercise! Please let me know if you’ve tried this one, I would love to see it.
You can find a small video of this exercise on my Instagram @thecreativecooldown
Supplies used:
Bristol paper 300gr (Hahnemuhle), alcohol makers (Ohuhu), washi tape.
Alternative supply suggestions:
The fun thing about this exercise is that no special supplies are needed. You can use colored pencils, crayons, or watercolor. Even a pencil is enough. Just use what you have.
Instructions:
Step 1
Before you start, slowly breathe in and out a few times to clear your head. If you like, you can add washi tape around the borders to create a frame around your drawing.
We’ll start by picking our colors. Choose ones that calm you or make you feel good. As this is your work of art, you can pick whatever colors you like. No need to be realistic. It’s about having fun and relaxing. If, for example, pink and gold make you feel good, please use them. There are no wrong choices here.
When you’ve picked out your colors, start with the lightest one and color your background with it. To make it even more relaxing, try coloring with horizontal lines. Research has shown that horizontal lines calm our minds, so why not use that here?
Step 2
Now, it’s time to add our giraffe patches. Start in the middle of your page and create your first patch. Just a small blob or organic shape will do. Keep it asymmetrical. The next step is to surround your first patch with more asymmetrical patches. Make sure you leave only a small space between your patches. Try using different shapes and sizes. Look at the previous patch and decide which shape and size the next patch needs to have to fit in. Go slow and enjoy figuring out how to fill your page with patches that fit together. Focussing on this single task will help you relax and quiet your mind.
Step 3
Continue until your whole page is filled with giraffe patches.
Slowly remove your washi tape (if you used any). Keep it parallel to your paper when you remove it.
Now this mindful giraffe pattern exercise is done! I hope you had fun figuring out this puzzling pattern.
If you liked this exercise, you might like my mindful leopard spot pattern exercise as well.