Every year on May 16, National Drawing Day is celebrated with the intention to “make some noise worldwide for the sake of art.” This day reminds us that our creativity is precious and worthy of sharing, and aims to show artists and illustrators that they are valued and appreciated for contributing to a more meaningful, imaginative, and colourful world. The day is dedicated to bringing out the artist inside us by encouraging us to start drawing or doodling, which can be a powerful way to boost children’s imagination and a great icebreaker activity to boost teamwork and collaboration skills.
1. It’s an Important Tool for Kids of all Ages
When we were kids we were encouraged to draw whatever we wanted, simple stick figures, shapes, or random splashes of colour, and we loved it! Unfortunately, as kids grow up, insecurities about artistic ability can develop and children may become reluctant to use drawing as a way to express themselves or organise their thoughts. Drawing is a skill that has a place in every stage of education, and even in the workplace as an adult. According to the Effect of Drawing on Memory Performance in Young Children research, creative activities like drawing help children learn to retain information more effectively. Children can strengthen their visual memory by drawing from memory and recalling the details of what they have seen. Drawing also helps children develop fine motor skills by improving their hand-eye coordination and fine-tuning their finger muscles. Beyond Primary School drawing skills are helpful in visual mapping, organising and presenting information, reflective thinking, and communication.
You can support a child to start drawing (no matter their age) by using positive reinforcement when they create artwork, celebrating their creativity, and asking them questions about what they have drawn. Let them experiment with different drawing tools like crayons, pencils, thick markers, paint brushes, watercolours or chalk.
2. It Gives Adults an Outlet to Express Themselves
According to the Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, engaging in a creative activity for about 20 minutes makes you feel happy and uplifts your mood. Doodling or colouring can put you into a meditative state that can take you away from negativity and ease your mind. In today’s world, it is far too easy to get distracted by social media, apps, and digital devices. We are all so focused on the practical aspects of our daily lives that we forget to just let loose and have a little fun. It really is as simple as carving out sometime (even just a few minutes), grabbing some paper, a pen, or some crayons and just going for it. We are forever doodling in our notebooks while we sit in meetings, or talking on a phone anyway, so why not make an actual activity out of it, start drawing and reap the relaxing rewards. Mindful drawing gives adults more mental and emotional space, strengthens memory, and can provide clarity and focus in other areas.
3. It Helps to Tell your Story
Sure, searching the internet for stock photos, gifs, and memes to help make your point is perfectly fine and effective. Why not take it to another level by drawing or sketching your thoughts and ideas? It’s a great way to make a relevant, genuine point that people will more easily be able to understand, and will certainly remember. Drawing is a great way for shy people or those with verbal disabilities to communicate better with others.
4. It’s Good Fun
We can’t forget about this one; it’s just plain entertaining to draw. You don’t have to be a talented artist to reap these benefits; all you have to do is start drawing, whatever comes to mind. It might be as simple as scribbling or doodling on a scrap piece of paper. According to the Neuroscience of Whiteboard Animations, our brains love to anticipate what happens next when drawing or seeing someone drawing as it stimulates our brain cells and boosts energy! So grab a piece of paper and a pencil and let your imagination run wild as drawing is fun regardless of you being an adult or a child.
5. Digital Drawing
Students today are preparing for careers in the digital space, and it’s not just coding, art classes have joined the digital world too. While some may look at technology as a threat to originality, digital tools in art education have been known to increase artistic development and creativity, especially in those who are not usually comfortable with traditional art supplies.
While not all students have art supplies at home more and more of them are growing up in homes with iPads or smartphones, giving them access to apps and platforms that encourage creativity and artistic expression. Working digitally is also a lot more convenient given your tools are fewer, and it’s far more portable meaning you can get creative and start drawing while on your commute to school or work. Working digitally also allows you to immediately share your work with peers, on social media, or on art websites. It can also save you a tonne of time, if you make a mistake or are unhappy with the colours you’ve chosen you can simply hit undo and start over, meaning you have more time to create!
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