The 100 Day Project (2019): Kawaii Doodle Page A Day

All done! This year I participated in The 100 Day Project (2019). I decided to draw 100 kawaii doodles using Muji marker pens.

Beyond just challenging myself to do a creative task for 100 days, I wanted to push my “meticulous” self to be more loose and to draw without much planning and sketching.

I feel that this project has dramatically increased my skills and confidence in drawing. It also boosted my character design skills, especially when it comes to drawing people.

The first few pages with people drawings I mostly copied from a reference. But the final page (day 100) I literally “just drew”. I said to myself, “I want to draw a happy girl jumping up”. And it came out.

That’s the power of practice, and doing something for 100 days in a row. 😉 You can see the jumping girl drawing in the “Drawings Gallery” below.

Video Gallery

Sketchbook Tour: Part 1/5

Sketchbook Tour: Part 2/5

Sketchbook Tour: Part 3/5

Sketchbook Tour: Part 4/5

Sketchbook Tour: Part 5/5

Day 32: Succulents Drawing Timelapse

Drawings Gallery

(Click any image to zoom)

Daily Thoughts

Day 1 – April 2, 2019: Doodle Nature

Today I did a page of “Nature” doodles. Which one is your favourite? Mine are the chestnuts and the acorn.

OMG!! Today was excruciating! The drawing came together at the end, but the whole time my mind was SCREAMING at me, “Are you sure this goes there?!! What if it doesn’t work?”

I just had to close my ears to it and press on.

These doodle pages are supposed to take me 15 minutes to do. But today it took me a full hour. For this just one page. I didn’t do drafts or many versions. This is it – this is the page that took me 1 hour.

Ok… just take it one day at a time, right? 😀

Day 2 – April 3, 2019: Doodle Flowers

Of course, on the second day of “the 100 day project” we decide to go on vacation. Bye bye my studio set up and near perfect lighting.

But a challenge is a challenge! If I am to do this for 100 days, no matter what else is happening in my life, I have to learn to work with what’s on hand.

So here I present to you a page of flower doodles (a comfortable subject for me, given the circumstances), photographed on the backdrop of green grass.

Day 3 – April 4, 2019: Doodle Fruits

I am still getting used to drawing every day (read: panicking about the amount of time it takes!). So today I needed to do something quick.

Since I am working on a book of “Kawaii Foods” and I just finished the fruits section, I decided to play it safe and doodle a page of colourful fruits.

We are still traveling, and I am away from my beloved flatlay studio setup. But a trip to a stationary store has solved by photo background issue. A piece of artboard and $1.65 later, and I have my white backdrop again!

Day 4 – April 5, 2019: Doodle Vegetables

I found today’s doodle inspiration in the produce aisle of the grocery store. I love all the different colours and textures in these vegetables!

Which one will you have for dinner?

Day 5 – April 6, 2019: Doodle Borders

Today I really wished that I picked one of those notebooks with dots for this project. 😀 This would have made my life so much easier with aligning stuff (like these borders!).

Oh well, I honestly didn’t think of that. I am totally in favour of using any tool that will make the job easier and more efficient. It’s not cheating – it’s optimising.

The only reason I don’t want to sketch in pencil first for this project is to push myself to do something different. Otherwise, those are all very good tools!

What do you think of using tools, like rulers and erasers?

Day  6 – April 7, 2019: Doodle Faces

I am planning to start a series of people doodles and cover things like hair styles, different expressions, maybe even different poses. We’ll see. 😉

I haven’t done many drawings of people in my work. And the 100 day project is all about experimenting and pushing boundaries. So be ready to see more people drawings!

Do you like to draw doodle people? Do you struggle with that?

Day 7 – April 8, 2019: Hairstyle Doodles

I continue with my theme of drawing doodle people, since it’s not something I usually draw in my work.

I had so much fun with these today! Seriously, it wasn’t difficult at all (surprisingly).

I think part of the reason I’ve been drawing animals and imaginary creatures until now is because subconsciously I’ve considered people to be a difficult subject… But it’s so satisfying! And it’s so relevant to our life.

Just imagine the stories we can tell!

Day 8 – April 9, 2019: Doodle People Poses

Today I had an epiphany. I like to draw! I know it sounds pretty obvious. But I spend a lot of energy these days on the “business” side of things, like commissions, emails and comments. Drawing is not my main work activity (for now).

To do #the100dayproject I put most of my other responsibilities on hold. And it feels so good to JUST DRAW every day.

It’s like I am giving myself a little drawing vacation. 🙂

Day 9 – April 10, 2019: Doodle People and Professions

For today’s doodle people I did use some minimal sketching first (for other pages I just did it ad hoc). I mainly sketched out where the character will go on the page. Otherwise I could end up with a giant on top and a tiny little thing on the bottom. That would be a mess. ?

So I drew big ovals to indicate where the character would go. Then I drew the head and one big shape (usually a trapezoid) for the body within that oval. And the rest of the pieces I just kinda winged. 😉 I did not sketch in all the details, staying true to my challenge to draw without sketching.

The funny thing is, even though the characters and their outfits look complicated (read: hard to draw), in reality they are all made up of very simple shapes. Like circles, arches and straight lines.

Which one is your favourite?

Mine is the quirky artist dude, of course. 😀

Day 10 – April 11, 2019: Doodle People in Action

I am absolutely fascinated with drawing doodle people. It’s like a whole world opened up to me through this challenge to draw new (and uncomfortable!) subjects.

I had NO IDEA that drawing people can be this satisfying. The idea of drawing people generally gave me a sense of apprehension… But this is my fifth day drawing doodle people, and I think I am starting to “get it”. 😉

I used a Japanese illustration book as a reference for today’s drawings. BUT, I did not meticulously copy over the drawings. I just sort of looked at a reference and sort of put it down on the page the way I would like it to be, changing colours and facial expressions along the way.

I want to draw more doodle people, but I am starting to run out of ideas, hehe.

I wonder what else I can draw with doodle people. Stick figures? Faces and emotions? Clothes? Accessories?

Day 11 – April 12, 2019: Doodle Faces and Emotions

Today I decided to change my photo background from white to…. my actual work surface.

I always thought that I needed a “clean” background to show the artwork. But yesterday I took a snapshot of my work-in-progress to share with my husband. And I really like how the wood looks.

What do you think, white or wood?

Day 12 – April 13, 2019: Doodle Clothes

I am moving on from drawing people to drawing clothes and accessories. Still related to drawing people – just a different angle. 😉

I think, next will be animals and more Nature doodles. ?

Day 13 – April 14, 2019: Doodle Shoes and Accessories

I’ve completed the people series with doodle accessories. I mostly did shoes and bags. But I did include some extra items. Can you spot them? 😉

Now I feel like drawing lots of fascinating elements of Nature, like trees, birds, mushrooms – all the things we see around.

Day 14 – April 15, 2019: Doodle Trees

Today was the case of “done is better than perfect“. With all my other commitments I didn’t sit down to draw until after 4pm (and I pick up my kids at 5). So I had to make it a quick one.

And you know what? It has something magical about it!

I think there is something special about drawing hyper-speed. It’s like my hand moved faster than my logical brain. I didn’t stop to analyse it (no time!) and just kept moving along the page.

Interesting…

I wouldn’t do this all the time. I think there is value in carefully premeditated drawings. And taking all the time you need to achieve the result you want.

But today wasn’t one of those days. And I learned something from this experience.

Do you like to plan ahead with your drawings, or go with a flow?

Day 15 – April 16, 2019: Doodle Dogs

Today I had more time to draw (about 1 hour), so I decided to tackle a subject that I wanted to do for some time. Doodle dogs. Different breeds and personalities in a simple outline style. My goal was to capture the personality and the overall shape of each pup.

Well, my lesson for today is, “Simple doesn’t mean easy!”

These drawings look super simple. But boy were they hard to get right!

I admire this style. And my goal is to be able to draw what’s around me with simplicity and ease, like these doggies.

It’s like keeping a diary, but in pictures.

You know how you sit down and start writing, “Dear Diary, today I….” So I want to sit down, open my sketchbook, and start drawing, “Dear Diary, today I… “ – and fill the page with objects and experiences I had.

I will push myself to draw more scenes now. And use these doodle drawings to tell stories.

Day 16 – April 17, 2019: Doodle Animal Faces

This was a fun little exercise to draw different animal heads and give them facial expressions. No deep and meaningful insights today. Just a bit of fun!

Day 17 – April 18, 2019: Doodle Birds and Love Stories

I grew up in Moscow (Russia), where we had lots of playful little sparrows around. I loved to watch them splashing around in a dust bath. They were so carefree! Their cute round bodies so full of energy and life. This page was inspired by the little brown sparrow (can you spot him?), and then it just kind of filled itself from there. 😀

I also want to draw more “scenes” in this doodle style. So I’ve put a few doodles together to create little stories.

These little scenes would work great on greeting cards, I reckon.

What else? Tote bags, fabric designs, note cards?

Day 18 – April 19, 2019: Doodle Leaves

Here is the thing… I live in Australia, where we are in the middle of a spectacular Autumn foliage. And most of the people who will see this image are in the middle of a fresh Spring. We just can’t relate on this one. While you pull out your t-shirts and flip flops, I enjoy a cup of spiced apple cider and pumpkin pies. LOL

It’s all good. This drawing challenge is to explore and draw about personal life experiences. So I have to stay true to my world, and draw what moves me.

Today I was moved by the many shapes and colours of leaves. I didn’t make it about a particular season. It’s just leaves of various seasons. 🙂 I added pink blossoms at the end to bring balance and softness to the composition.

I can do this for hours…. 😀

What is your favourite season?

Mine is Spring!!

Day 19 – April 20, 2019: Doodle Insects

I’ve been out in the garden this week (yippeee!), and I see so many colourful bugs and critters. I know, I know… bugs can be kind of… unpleasant. But my kids don’t think so. 😀 So I wanted to do a page of friendly and fun bugs. They truly are useful!

There is a saying, “If people disappeared from the Earth, the planet would be fine. If insects disappeared from the Earth, we are screwed.”

On a different topic, something I found useful for doing these doodle pages, is to have a small drawing element (like leaves or flowers) that I can add at the end to fill any awkward empty spaces. For this page I used little multi-coloured ladybugs. Can you spot them? 😉

Day 20 – April 21, 2019: Doodle Buildings, Houses and Urban Scenes

Wow, Day 20 today! It’s a milestone. 🙂

I decided to draw buildings and urban scenes, since I’ve been drawing Nature and people until now. I wanted to draw a charming street with cozy homes and inviting cafes. A street I would like to take a stroll through.

I LOVE to travel. And I haven’t been lately, since we have two little kids and a million big responsibilities. 😀 One day I will travel again. But for now, I travel in my sketchbook.

Day 21 – April 22, 2019: Doodle Cars

Yesterday I made a drawing of a doodle city scene. Now I realised that I needed to draw some doodle cars! Also, my 3-year-old son enjoys this kind of drawings. 😀 We play a drawing game, where he makes a big brown puddle (brown paint, of course!), and I “drive in” a car drawing into it. All good fun.

Day 22 – April 23, 2019: Doodle Scenes

I am still focusing on my goal to get better at visual storytelling in my drawings, and to “say a lot with a little”…

Day 23 – April 24, 2019: Doodle Borders

These empty frames are just begging to be filled. So unbelievably simple, yet so effective.

My favourite is the purple one (bottom-right). It could be just a plain boring speech bubble. But the little stars within the edges make it festive and so exciting. Neat little trick. 😉

Day 24 – April 25, 2019: Fantasy Plants

I am seriously starting to run out of ideas, haha. So I am looking for inspirations beyond my books and daily life. Today I looked at the work of APAK – an artist-couple based in Oregon. I love their dreamy paintings, so I adapted some of the elements they use in their paintings to this doodle page challenge.

This was extremely satisfying. It opened a whole new pool of ideas, and new ways to learn and expand my “visual dictionary”.

Where do you get your drawing ideas?

Day 25 – April 26, 2019: Fantasy Flora

I loved drawing fantasy grasses so much yesterday, that I decided to continue with them today. 🙂

I remember an old Soviet cartoon I watched as a kid. It’s called “The Mystery of the Third Planet” and apparently it became a sci-fi cult classic in Russia.

Oh, I loved it so much!! So I looked up a few scenes from this cartoon to get inspiration for more fantasy flora, and used a few ideas from artwork by APAK.

Here is the result. Would you like to take a stroll in this forest? 😉

Day 26 – April 27, 2019: Doodle Kitchen Items

Sometimes the simplest and most beautiful things are right in front of us.

Today I just drew some of my favourite things, like tea, cooking utensils and, of course, strawberry jam (the “bubbly” is reserved for when the kids go to sleep… shhh).

Which item on this page do you use the most?

Day 27 – April 28, 2019: Castles in the Sky

Ok, this is not my typical doodle page. But I just felt a really strong urge to draw these castles today!

The clouds in the sky have been gorgeous today. So I took a few photos, and I want to doodle over these photos and draw castles… so dreamy. That’s probably where the calling of today’s drawing came from. 😀

Day 28 – April 29, 2019: Hedgehog Pattern

I honestly thought I would never run out of drawing ideas for this challenge. I mean, c’mon – it can be anything! And yet, by Day 25 I went through all the themes I wanted to cover, and now have a big fat blank in my mind.

When this happens, I start to look at my daily experiences for inspirations. I also imagine how I can “adapt” some of the non-obvious inspirations to create satisfying drawings.

Like this hedgehog pattern. It’s inspired by a sweet kitchen towel I picked up last week. I loved the little hedgies in the print, so I turned them into a doodle page. Works for me!

Fabric patterns can be a wealth of good drawing ideas. 😉

Day 29 – April 30, 2019: Doodle Seashells

This is my favourite page so far. It was inspired by a beautiful weekend with an artist friend Paulina Kazarinov on the beach, with lots of tea and meaningful conversations.

You know how you can feel exhausted after a vacation? Well, this one was the exact opposite. I feel that I left my troubles in the sea waters, and I recharged myself with the energy of the ocean and dear friendship.

I even added some bling to this photo – that’s how energetic I feel, haha.

Day 30 – May 1, 2019: Knots and Textures

Doodle patterns don’t always have to be “things”, do they? They can be patterns, borders, dots, or …. in this case, knots!

In 2012 my husband and I traveled to Mongolia. I was fascinated with their traditional decorations and patterns. I have a soft spot for any folk art – their exquisite simplicity and beauty are striking!

Today I wanted to explore a tiny slice of this ancient art form.

How do you feel about traditional designs and decorations?

Day 31 – May 2, 2019: Doodle Sea Creatures

I am still under the influence of my recent trip to the ocean. Every time I go, I feel “Wow, I could live here.” I don’t know if I actually want to… I love the mountains, they feel cozy to me. But the ocean feels so open and free… And beautiful.

I guess, the real gold is in variety. Too much of ANY good thing can be tiresome.

Which are you, ocean / mountains / flat plains?

Day 32 – May 3, 2019: Doodle Succulents

These succulents are from a drawing course I made (it teaches you how to design your own kawaii characters). So I didn’t need to come up with the characters for this page, only draw them.

Check out the course at https://howtodrawkawaii.com

Day 33 – May 4, 2019: Doodle Sweets after Mizutama

I love the work of Mizutama Hanco. I am like that scary groupie of Mizutama, who follows her wherever she goes. Well, not really – only on Instagram. 😀

I absolutely adore her happy and cute doodles. Today I discovered that they are even MORE fun to draw, than to just look at.

I think I will draw these doodles for the next few days.

Day 34 – May 5, 2019: Doodle Houses after Mizutama

I had many requests to draw houses again, and it’s my favourite subject as well.

One day (soon hopefully!) we’ll build our family home (of natural materials, of course!). And (of course!) with a little art studio on the side. 😀

“It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home.” —Unknown

How do you feel about your home?

Day 35 – May 6, 2019: Dance Like No One Is Watching

When we create, it’s easy to fall into the mindset of “I wonder what my viewers will think?” Or even simply “Will they like it?”

The problems is (and I struggle with this as well), these thoughts take us out of the moment. They turn us from the “creator” to an “observer”, and the creative flow stops.

This doodle just popped into my head. I wasn’t going to listen – it seemed to hard! The negative thoughts rolled in… “I don’t draw people”, “Lettering is too hard”… and so on.

But hey, I’ve done spontaneous doodles for 34 days now. What’s one more? So what if it turns out wonky. Can I live with that?

This drawing challenge is the time is to create from the heart. To listen to my real “self”.

I decided to go for it.

The irony is that, the very message in the drawing is about this struggle of the creator and the observer.

So I decided, “Let me draw like no one is watching” 😀

Day 36 – May 7, 2019: You Are Enough

“You are enough, and always have been.”

This is a quote from a dear friend Cynthia Marinakos. Cynthia, you are so right!

I learned this again over the weekend. Being a mum of two little kids stretches you in a 1000 directions at once. It’s so easy to feel like you are not enough… when in fact, you are totally enough and you always have been. Perhaps the real problem is taking on too much, and not allowing myself to drop a few balls.

It’s ok, take a break. There is always time for tea!

How to you balance your creative time with family and other responsibilities?

Day 37 – May 8, 2019: Fluffy Clouds (and a Castle)

I drew castles in the sky for Day 27, but I wasn’t completely happy with the way the clouds turned out.

But these I like. I found them in the most unexpected place. My t-shirt! I’ve worn it a million times, and didn’t ever notice them… until today.

So these are “Fluffy Clouds 2.0” 😀

Day 38 – May 9, 2019: Colourful Doodle Patterns

Today is one of those “rebuilding” days when I just can’t find a complete artwork inside of me. So instead I decided to play around with (I mean, practice!) some doodle textures that I can use in my drawings later.

Don’t they make your hands itchy to draw? Which texture is the most irresistible?

Day 39 – May 10, 2019: Cute Doodle Buttons Pattern

I have a confession to make. I have a serious case of crafting bug! Here in Australia we are heading into the winter. As soon as the cold weather hit, I got this HUGE urge to craft and create with my hands.

Yep, I even went to a yarn store and bought a ball of luxurious cotton+cashmere mix by Rowan. I don’t know if I will actually get to crochet any time soon, but a trip to a yarn store felt really good.

Day 40 – May 11, 2019: Doodle Insects and Plants

All my childhood friends. 🙂

Day 41 – May 12, 2019: Doodle Flower Explosion

It’s like that feeling of creative pressure that builds inside of you and wants to come out with an explosion of love and colour.

Listen to it, and you will be rewarded. Ignore it, and pay the price!

Day 42 – May 13, 2019: Doodle Craft Supplies

I couldn’t help it. I went ahead and started a crochet cowl (for those windy-windy mornings we get in the mountains). And then I went ahead and drew a bunch of craft supplies, because I love them so much.

Which are you, knitting or crochet?

Day 43 – May 14, 2019: Kawaii Sweets

I always wondered why kawaii sweets are such a popular drawing subject. Now I have my answer: cause they are so pleasurable to draw.

I observed myself over the past few days to find out what types of drawing subjects I like. And you know what? I found kawaii sweets irresistible!

I just feel so happy when I look at them. So I wanted to share with you a piece of these sweets today. 😛

Day 44 – May 15, 2019: Doodle Stationary

I looked around my desk for inspiration today (it’s becoming seriously hard to find new drawing ideas every day). So I just drew what’s around me, and then added a few stars for extra sparkle. ;).

Which of these do you use most often?

Day 45 – May 16, 2019: Doodle Succulents

It was a quiet sunny Saturday, in a quiet sunny town of Mudgee. The markets were on, and I was lazily walking along different stalls.

Same old, same old… olive oil, cheese, soap, knitted goods… when suddenly I was stopped by a stunning array of live succulents.

Each was perfectly cute, sitting in its own little pot.

I totally didn’t expect to see this. I wanted to buy one of each! (Couldn’t, as we were traveling. But I really wanted to.)

The man behind the succulents was also perfectly pleasant.

Mick (of Mick’s Succulents @mickssucculents), you are doing a great job. Next time I visit Mudgee, I will buy 5. 😀

Or I will get them online. If you are in Australia and are looking for adorable succulents, check out their website. They ship Australia-wide.

Day 46 – May 17, 2019: Simple Trees with Marker Pens

My friend asked me to draw Forest Friends. And I thought, “Why not? That’s a great idea!”

Thank you dear Rhiannon for this request. It brightened my day. ☀

Day 47 – May 18, 2019: Simple Trees with Marker Pens

Today I felt like drawing something more realistic than the usual kawaii doodles. I wondered… has “my style” changed after doing all these drawings with markers?

The answer is yes. I feel much more confident applying this simple coloured line to other drawings. Like these trees. 😀

What do you think? Does this style work for more realistic trees?

Day 48 – May 19, 2019: Flower Frames and Hand Lettering

This artwork came to be by true magic. Here is what happened.

For “Day 2” of the 100 day project I drew some doodle flowers. Then Christine Ang (@minichristine001 on Instagram) turned them into flower frames and shared the post with me.

I liked those frames so much, that I did my own version and added some words. And this is the result.

Wow.

This is co-creation at its best.

Social media comes with its own strengths and dangers… Best we can do is lean towards the light. Today I saw what that light can be and the possibilities it brings.

Let’s use these new tools and create together!

Day 49 – May 20, 2019: Fancy Flower Frame and Hand Lettering

Yesterday I did two simple flower frames, so today I wanted to try something a little more ambitious. I like how the flowers came out. I don’t like the lettering.

Everything takes practice. Now I know what I need to practice. 😉

Day 50 – May 21, 2019: Kawaii Animal Faces

Wow, day 50! Half way through. 😀

Sometimes it’s not the words that deliver the message, but the pauses between the words.

Same in this drawing. It’s the lines that are not there that make it interesting (at least, that’s the idea).

PS: in case you wonder what animal is that with spiky hair, it’s supposed to be a hedgehog. But came out more like a meerkat, haha.

Day 51 – May 22, 2019: More Doodle Borders

Why send a plain white envelope, when you can make it a festive statement? 😀 That’s my take on it. I love to add simple (and gorgeous!) decorative borders to blank envelopes, stationary and greeting cards.

Today I decided to practice a few more of these doodle treasures.

Which one is your favourite? (Mine is the one with little berries and flowers).

Day 52 – May 23, 2019: Fantasy Doodles Inspired by Animuba

I’ve loved the work of Animuba for years. When I was in art school, I thought, “When I grow up (as an artist), I want to paint just like them…”

Now, years later, I return to the dreamy worlds that inspired my art passion. So I dedicate today’s page to the magical work of Animuba Studio.

Day 53 – May 24, 2019: Kawaii Ice Creams

We were at the zoo over the weekend, and I saw kids having so much joy eating rainbow ice creams and sweets (never mind the fact that it probably has artificial colours).

So I wanted to draw more colourful sweets. They make me feel so happy!

Day 54 – May 25, 2019: Flower Doodles Inspired by Stephanie Corfee

These flower doodles are inspired by Stephanie Corfee and her book “Creative Doodling and Beyond”. This book took me through the hard months, when my mum was ill… It kept me going and kept me creating.

How could I do a doodle challenge without referring to this book? It’s an endless source of inspiration and creative prompts. Highly recommend!

Thank you Stephanie for sharing this with us. 🙂

Day 55 – May 26, 2019: Doodle Flowers and Magical Plants

More happy doodles with flowers and magical plants. For no particular reason. Just a reminder to be happy and savour every moment.

Day 56 – May 27, 2019: Kawaii Cupcakes

I am still on a quest for a perfect cupcake drawing. Which one do you think is the cutest?

I like the one on the top-right with colourful dot candy. 😛

Day 57 – May 28, 2019: Cute Lettering

I haven’t done much hand lettering (until now), but this is something I have to improve on. So I wanted to practice some cute lettering styles.

These would look great on a greeting card or gift tag. I took the same phrase “Happy Birthday” and did it 4 different ways.

Which is your favourite?

Day 58 – May 29, 2019: Summer Doodles

I could say, “This post is to welcome summer”… but the truth is, I just needed and excuse to draw those cute chicks. 😀 And the bee.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Day 59 – May 30, 2019: Camping Doodles

This is what camping is to me…

Campfires under the stars. Hot chocolate with marshmallows, melted on the heat of the fire. Songs with friends. Mosquitos. Plenty of mud. And a few unexpected visitors. ?

Day 60 – May 31, 2019: Doodle Food

I love food. Eat it, draw it, cook it, share it.

For this page I aimed for a blend of Japanese food (which I adore) and the more familiar foods, such as sandwiches and salads.

By the way, that breakfast plate…? NOT my idea of breakfast, as I like to have a smoothie or a warm bowl of porridge.

What is your favourite breakfast food?

Day 61 – June 1, 2019: Doodle Outfits

These look like dolls outfits, don’t they? It would be fun to make paper dolls like that. Or little message cards… hm. 😀

Day 62 – June 2, 2019: Ladybugs and Butterflies

I wanted to experiment with different ways to draw the same subject. So I made different wings on the butterflies, and different dots on the ladybugs. Just something playful and fun.

Hope your weekend is great!

Day 63 – June 3, 2019: Space Doodles

My son (3 years old) is REALLY into rockets right now. He wanted me to “make a whole in the ceiling so his rocket can fly to space” (so cute).

We settled on the agreement that we’ll cut out some stars tomorrow and stick them onto the ceiling. So I better get my game up and practice drawing stars!

Do you find stars difficult to draw?

Day 64 – June 4, 2019: Drawings Using Only Triangles

Amazing how a slightly awkward shape like a triangle can be transformed into all kinds of things.

Which drawing is your favourite? Mine is the puppy dog!

If I was starting this challenge again, I would select a notebook with dots on it (like a bullet journal). The grid makes it infinitely easier to position drawings on the page.

But I think I have a solution! A tip from Maya (thank you!!) is to print a dotted grid and put it under the page. Moleskine pages are slightly see-through, so you can see the dots as you draw, but then have a nice clean page afterwards.

Cool tip, thank you.

Day 65 – June 5, 2019: Kawaii Animals

I love to draw with my kids, and they love to draw animals. So I have to love to draw animals. 😀 I do.

Also, I am experimenting with different ways to draw animal faces. I want them to look iconic, like a graphic. Super simplified.

Does it work?

Day 66 – June 6, 2019: Pusheen Kawaii Pattern

I picked up this cute little book of Pusheen comics at Kinokuniya over the weekend. It’s full of seductive drawing ideas. Here are a few. 😀

On a different note, I was reflecting on this #the100dayproject journey today.

It’s Day 66 – we are almost 2/3 of the way through.

The interesting thing is, on Day 50 (half-way) I felt that we still have such a long way to go. But today on Day 66 (only 16 days after) I feel that we are over the hump – 2/3 of the project is done.

It’s like a mental trick. Something to remember for the future. 😉

What are some of your ways to keep up motivation?

Day 67 – June 7, 2019: Cute Little Buddhas

That’s a strange subject, isn’t it?

It’s based on a true story.

When my son was 18 months old, my dear friend and artist Cecilia Mok gave us a little painting of a mother, father and baby sitting in a flower. It’s magical.

My son called it “buddhas in a bath”. Child’s imagination… it’s the most endearing thing!

To honour this experience, I drew a happy family of three cute buddha-like figures.

And a fourth one, cause I needed to fill the page, haha.

Have a great weekend!

Day 68 – June 8, 2019: Zebra Plant and Furniture Doodles

Stephanie Koning (@koningmeteenkroontje) has inspired me to draw a Zebra plant. And then I needed some furniture to put it on. :S

Day 69 – June 9, 2019: Kawaii Animals Based on Egg Shapes

I am fascinated with drawing animals based on geometric shapes. So cute! For example, you can turn a cube into a bunny by simply adding ears and little arms. It’s adorable.

These animals are based on egg shapes. I found references on Pinterest (not my own designs). I can’t read the name of the creator, cause it’s all in Japanese. But I do value the learning by copying these characters.

With a little more practice I can create my own designs for sure. 🙂

Day 70 – June 10, 2019: Cute Doughnuts

Yesterday’s puffy animals turned into sweet doughnuts. If I saw these at a real shop, I would not be able to resist, haha. 😛

Which one is your favourite?

Day 71 – June 11, 2019: Flower Doodles Inspired by Sara Zorel

My husband came home one day and said, “I have a present for you”. He handed me a small Kinokuniya bag, and my heart tingled with anticipation.

What I found inside was precious. A drawing book of kawaii doodles by Sara Zorel (@sarazorel).

This was meaningful on so many levels.

Not only I had a new book of drawing ideas, but it was his way of saying, “I support you. I believe in you.”

Thank you Sara for making this book, and my dear partner for bringing it to me.

Sara’s book has 100 doodle tutorials for anything you can imagine. From food, to animals, to holiday decorations. Check it out, you will love it!

Day 72 – June 12, 2019: Kawaii Ice Creams Inspired by KiraKiraDoodles

I found that the best way to learn to draw is to pick up a few tricks from the artists you love. That’s my plan. 😉

As I was drawing this page, I learned that kawaii faces can be super simple in a drawing, but still work to express the cuteness. I usually go for “no two faces the same” strategy… but perhaps “different” is not necessarily “better” in this case.

These ice creams are relatively easy to draw, but so much fun!

Thank you KiraKira for your kawaii love, and for sharing it with us.

Day 73 – June 13, 2019: Sumikko Gurashi Fan Art

If you ever need ideas for your drawings, check out Sumikko Gurashi (just search on Pinterest or the web). You will get LOADS of cute ideas, and a powerful shot of inspiration and entertainment.

I love them.

I just got their colouring book, so decided to draw a few characters for today’s page.

Day 74 – June 14, 2019: Secret Worlds Below Ground

Flowers are lovely. But the ground they grow on is equally lovely.

Did you know – there are 100,000 of fungi and 20 million bacteria per 1 gram of soil?!!

I studied biodynamic agriculture, and it’s absolutely fascinating. One day I will apply this knowledge of soil biology and Permaculture to create an abundant homestead for myself and my family.

One thing I would like to do more of right now is compost my kitchen scraps. And use the compost in the garden.

Do you compost?

Day 75 – June 15, 2019: People, Faces and Expressions

Faces and expressions are the most requested subject for tutorials!

We all have a story to tell. Art gives us the tools to tell our stories in a direct way.

I wanted to draw some facial expressions to expand my “visual library” and to share them with you.

What other expressions would you like to see?

Day 76 – June 16, 2019: Musical Instruments

Can you hear the music? 😉

Day 77 – June 17, 2019: Plants and Succulents Inspired by Piccandle

No kawaii challenge is complete without a page dedicated to Zainab Khan.

I would have done this page earlier, but my friend borrowed her book. 😀 Now it’s back on my shelf, so here is my rendition of her sweet doodles.

If you don’t already have her book (you probably do), what are you waiting for?!

Day 78 – June 18, 2019: Summer Doodles

Oh, I miss summer so much!

In Australia we are days away from the Winter Solstice (so strange, isn’t it!).

I know winter is supposed to be a quiet time of rest and inward reflection… I guess I am just not a very ‘inward” person, haha.

I love the sun, and green grass, and the outdoors. And I LOVE not having to dress my kids in layers of clothes, because they fight me on EVERY layer. If you have kids, you know exactly what I mean. 😀

So for now I draw summer doodles. They make me feel like I’ve just had a vacation by the pool, with a fresh slice of cold crisp watermelon. Yum!

What is your favourite season?

Day 79 – June 19, 2019: Folk Art Inspired

I was born in Russia. When I was a kid, we had lots of everyday objects decorated with gorgeous folk-style patterns (swipe to see what I mean). I loved to stare at them for hours… (touching was NOT allowed).

Two leading folk art styles in Russia are “Khokhloma” (Хохлома) and Gzhel (Гжель). If you search the web or Pinterest with these names, you will be lavishly rewarded with a visual feast.

I still love this style – I just forget about it sometimes. So today I drew a page of doodle flowers, loosely adapted from a Khokhloma pattern.

Do you think everyday objects should be “functional first” or “beautiful first”?

Day 80 – June 20, 2019: Kawaii Animals Based on Hello Kitty

I didn’t grow up with Hello Kitty. I came to appreciate the exquisite design qualities of this Sanrio character, when I started to seriously draw in the kawaii style.

But the design doesn’t always have to be a “cat”. Today’s page is for kawaii animals that look like Hello Kitty body and style, but are other kinds of animals.

So simple, yet so cool!

Which one is your favourite?

Mine is the pair of monkeys – they remind me of my two dear munchkins (although today was a CRAZY day, and I feel I need a glass of wine ASAP… or five ;)).

Day 81 – June 21, 2019: Doodles Based on Square Shapes

I did “doodles using only triangles” for Day 64. So today it’s “doodles using squares (and rectangles)”.

Day 82 – June 22, 2019: Hanging Out

You know, we mums do endless loads of laundry. I literally do a load at least once a day.

But you know what? Every time I press that “Start” button, I remember how my grandmother used to wash our things by hand. BY HAND! It would take her the entire day.

So I feel ridiculously grateful that I live in a world, where I can just press a button and start the washing. A world, where I can have time for things other than just cooking and cleaning. Drawing, for example. 😉

What do you feel grateful for in your life?

Day 83 – June 23, 2019: Adventure Awaits

I feel that I really need to go on a trip “far far away”. Away from the housework and endless laundry. This longing for adventure is starting to seep into my work.

Anyone else feel this way?

Maybe it’s the intensity of this #the100dayproject on top of my usual responsibilities. Or the cold rainy weather outside… I don’t know. I just really feel like going on a fun adventure.

One day!

Day 84 – June 24, 2019: Love Note Frames

These cute little frames are just begging for a love note to be placed inside.

I like the combination of green + red (like summer strawberry) and purple + pink (like a Fuchsia flower , they grow outside my studio window).

If you want to have a blast of fun, take a little paper and doodle a border like this around the edge. It’s so satisfying, and it looks incredibly effective.

What is your favourite colour combination?

Day 85 – June 25, 2019: Sugarhai

Whenever I search Pinterest for a cute cupcake, I get these painfully cute images that represent my idea of a “perfect kawaii cupcake”. Invariably, these images are signed “sugarhai”.

Today I decided to look up this brilliant artist who’s been by invisible mentor all these years. Liza Phoenix of Seattle Washington. It’s great to meet you!

Today’s page is about you.

Thank you for making the world a cuter place. 😛

Day 86 – June 26, 2019: Even More Doodle Flowers

I love them so much, that I keep drawing them over and over. I think this is the third page of doodle flowers in this challenge.

Don’t these sunflowers radiate energy and sunshine?

Day 87 – June 27, 2019: Trees and Vines

I picked up an illustration book years ago. I flipped through it randomly, and one drawing caught my eye for a long time.

It was a drawing of a few trees with distant forest in the backdrop.

It was shockingly simple!

I loved it.

Here is that drawing (bottom of the page).

Of course, I bought the book. It was one of my first “doodle” books, and it set the tone for my work for years to come.

But I didn’t know it yet. 😀

Day 88 – June 28, 2019: Fresh Bread

When I was a child, I had a theory that bread tastes better “with air”. Whenever we went to the bakery, I would insist that my mum breaks off a piece for me, while we walk back.

“I’ll give you some when we get home”, my mum would say.

“No! It tastes better with air,” I insisted.

I still remember the taste of a white baguette with firm crust on a crisp winter morning.

And I still believe it tastes better with air. 😀

Day 89 – June 29, 2019: Kawaii Numbers, Part 1

My friend is a teacher who loves her students to the moon and back. They often do craft projects together (including some of my tutorials, yay).

So she asked if I could do a cute number set. Great idea! Here you go, Inna 🙂

I did numbers 1 through 5 today. And I will complete the set tomorrow with numbers 6 through 9 (plus a 0).

How would you use these numbers? I am thinking handmade Birthday cards. 😛

Day 90 – June 30, 2019: Kawaii Numbers, Part 2

Yay, now I have a full set of kawaii numbers! Craft project, anyone?

Day 91 – July 1, 2019: Doodle Words

These are inspired by Sarah Alberto’s new book “The Art of Doodle Words”. They were surprisingly easy to draw!

Lettering still scares me. I went into this drawing thinking it will take me ages… But the drawings “just came out” – guided by the steady hand of Sara Alberby (@sarazorel).

If you haven’t played with doodle words yet, you are in for a treat. It one of the most satisfying drawings I’ve done in this challenge.

Day 92 – July 2, 2019: Halo-halo Dessert from the Philippines

My decision-making muscles are getting tired…

So what do I do when I can’t decide what to draw? I go shopping, of course!

This week the postman lovingly delivered two new books for my collection. The first one I posted yesterday (“The Art of Doodle Words” by Sarah Alberto). And the second is “Kawaii Doodle Cuties” by Zainab Khan (@piccandle).

The drawings in her second book are a lot more complex than in the first. Lots and lots of ideas for more experienced drawers.

So I took just one of her drawings today (Halo-halo dessert from the Philippines), and used it as inspiration.

I hope you can taste the sweetness. 😛

Day 93 – July 3, 2019: More Doodle Words!

More doodle words inspired by Sarah Alberto. I love art that says something. Using doodles to create words is literally saying something. 😀

Thanks for these ideas Sarah, and for showing us what’s possible.

Day 94 – July 4, 2019: Quick Doodle Trees

These are like a shorthand for sketching outside. Simple ways to capture different tree shapes, foliage and arrangement.

We don’t have too many palms where I live… But we do have lots of pines and oaks.

What’s a common tree, where you live?

Day 95 – July 5, 2019: Kawaii Doodle Borders

Can you imagine these on a card or a gift tag? That would be so fun. 🙂 And a personal touch.

Whenever I sign a card, I always feel I need to add a “personal touch” with a little drawing (c’mon, I teach people how to draw after all, haha. It’s almost expected :D).

But often it’s hard to come up with the right drawing on the spot.

So today I sketched a few ideas for future cards. Hope you can use them in your gift-giving too.

Day 96 – July 6, 2019: Birthday Card for 4 Year Old

My son turns 4 next week. This drawing is his birthday cake, surrounded by all the things he likes.

Day 97 – July 7, 2019: Extreme Kawaii Sweets

OMG, look at those proportions! The cupcake tops and ice creams are HUGE compared to their “bodies”. Love them so much!! I saw them on Pinterest, and adapted them for today’s drawing.

Day 98 – July 8, 2019: Kawaii Peg Dolls

I love how easy it is to draw these dolls. Their heads and bodies are just a circle and a trapezoid of the same height. With easy drawings like these, I can have fun adding different hair and faces and outfits. Super fast and super fun.

This is the first time I’ve added noses too. Just simple triangles, but pretty cute.

Which hair style is your favourite? Mine is the bun!

Day 99 – July 9, 2019: Doodle Banners

I can’t believe I went through this whole doodle challenge without a single page on banners! So here it is.

Plus, I need to practice some banners for the celebratory “Day 100” banner tomorrow.

Wow, getting emotional now… it’s been a long journey.

Day 100 – July 10, 2019: WOW, Jumping for Joy!

Pull out the bubbly and let’s celebrate! Wow, it really happened.

I thought I would be relieved and excited to reach this point, but I actually feel a little empty inside. For the past 100 days I had a clear goal. And now I will need to begin a new “season” of my creative life. This uncertainty is terrifying.

I feel I have grown tremendously as an artist through doing this challenge. The most rewarding part? I can sit down and “just draw” now. Draw something cool, something I am happy with. After all, I did it a hundred times! 😀

What’s next?

Well, I had about 5 layers of sticky notes on my desk with all the things I want to do AFTER the project. After an hour sorting through it all, I decided to focus on my teaching work. I will make more courses, more videos, more books.

Thank you so much for following along! ❤