Doodle Analysis and Interpretation

The Meaning of Absent-Minded Scribbles

By Helen South

Do you doodle? Many people love to scribble away absent-mindedly, and often these doodles can carry a great deal of meaning,
and for the artist, can sometimes be the source of inspiration for serious artworks. This article looks at why people doodle and
what doodles might mean. First, a caution: it's important though to remember that a doodle is not a personality test - it's just a
doodle; assessments used by psychologists are scientifically and professionally developed and tested. Thinking about doodle
meaning can help you reflect on your own feelings and develop creative ideas, but that is all. If you are worried your or a friend's
behavior or wellbeing, please seek professional advice.

Decipher Your Doodles - Meaning and Symbolism

Colors - do the colors in a doodle mean anything?

Placement and Composition - arrangement on the page matters
Lines, Marks, Weight and Style - the influence of gesture
People and Faces - does that smiley face mean what you think it does?
Flowers and Florals - what do flower shapes say about the doodler?
Geometric Shapes - what do squares, circles and diamonds represent?
Random Abstract Shapes - is a random pattern the sign of a random mind?
Houses and Windows - what do doodles of homes and gardens indicate?
Three-D Boxes - what does it mean if you turn your squares into boxes?
Ladders - the ladder is a classic symbol in literature and art
Arrows - lethal weapon or helpful direction?
Walls - another symbol with a myriad of cultural references
Stars, Hearts and Others - evergreen symbols through tradition and popular culture
Doodle Questions and Answers - Why do we doodle? When? Can doodles really be interpreted like handwriting or
dreams?

Disclaimer: This information is offered for your amusement only, and is not to be used for psychological assessment in any
form. Please, see your health professional if you have any questions or concerns about mental health. Personality testing of
any form requires extensive training and should be carried out by experts.

Why do we doodle?

Often, it’s just boredom. People are not wired for doing nothing. With a long prehistory of precarious
existence, people need to be constantly engaged in productive action. Laziness is a sure recipe for
extinction. Neither are we wired for the purely cerebral activity that so many of us are now employed
in. we are designed to work with our hands, to scan the horizon with our eyes, and walk long miles.
So, we fidget, twitch, fiddle and doodle whenever we are forced to sit still and inactive for any period
of time.

Doodling is also an outlet for frustrated artistic expression. The arts in our society have become
'spectator sports' reserved for the talented, while the rest of us are too embarrassed to sing (except in
the shower), dance (except for some foot-tapping) or draw (except for doodling). These fundamental
outlets for creative expression have been stymied by a combination of social pressure (fear of
inadequacy) and lack of training (our overfull school curricula leaving little room for the arts,
combined with a flawed view of artistic development as innate and not to be 'messed with' by
education).

When we are otherwise occupied - on the phone, in a meeting or lecture, writing a list - basically, any
moderately engaging mental activity with a pen in our hand the censor in our head can be turned off,
and we allow ourselves to express the ideas that are locked in our head. Usually we have a limited
visual vocabulary that we have at our disposal; depending on the age at which our artistic
development stalled. Children learn a set of formal symbols: the face, house, sun, moon, flower, tree,
bird, fish, and basic geometric shapes that are established in early primary school. They might add
more complex forms later, but rarely learn observational drawing. In the early teens, when realistic
expression and detail become important, children keenly feel an inadequacy in their ability to draw
realistically, and stop drawing. People who stopped drawing very early will tend to limit their doodles
to repetitive geometric forms and the learned symbols from their childhood. Those that continued
drawing in their teens will include more involved patterns and complex symbolic representations, while
people who maintained an interest in creative expression may create intricate doodles and complete
drawings.

Are Doodles Useful for Psychological Assessment?

As indicated throughout these articles, Doodles are not valid measures of psychological states. While
there are a few psychological tests that incorporate visual images or drawing, these are not common
and only used in particular circumstances. Psychologists would consider doodle interpretation far too
vague and subjective to be of any real use in assessment, and at best might be seen as an indicator
that a psychological consultation should be considered.

Can Doodles be Interpreted like Handwriting or Dreams?

Doodles can certainly reveal something about a person, but what? Interpreting them is inexact to say
the least. As handmade marks on paper, they have a great deal in common with graphology.
However, no graphologist would use them as a sole indicator. Looking at a collection of various
doodles would offer the most helpful insight, especially when coupled with other information, such as
handwriting analysis.

Dream interpretation tends to follow Jungian ideas about the collective unconscious or more esoteric,
symbolic meanings. Some people approach doodle interpretation in the same way. But it must also be
considered whether the inspiration for a doodle is internal or external. Is the artist expressing
concern with a current situation or experience (a person causing difficulties, something on
TV, or a movie they have seen) or is it a reflection of an internal state (their personality, an
emotional state or conflict)?

Do all shapes have meaning?

Some shapes have a meaning that is inherent – the most basic shapes, such as circle, sun, and
square might be among these – and sometimes properties, such as aggression, repetition, fluidity or
neatness – will naturally carry significance in the interpretation. Some symbols have a culturally
acquired meaning, such as a love-heart or Christian cross, but one that is so universally accepted as
to be considered almost inherent. Some symbols have a cultural meaning that has fallen out of use or
belongs to a certain realm of knowledge – this includes hobo signs, types of crosses, alchemical and
scientific symbols, and astrological symbols to name a few. The presence of these symbols in a doodle
might occur accidentally, or may indicate familiarity with the realm of knowledge they belong to. Note
also that 'doodle' really refers to absent-minded scribbling, not conscious works of art that happen to
be on a scrap of paper.

Find Out The Meaning Of:

Ink and Pencil Colors

Placement and Composition
Lines, Marks, Weight and Style
People and Faces
Houses and Gardens
Flowers and Florals
Geometric Shapes
Random Abstract Shapes
Three-D Boxes
Ladders
Arrows
Bricks and Walls
Stars, Hearts and Others

Disclaimer: This information is offered for your amusement only, and is not to be used for
psychological assessment in any form. Please, see your health professional if you have any questions
or concerns about mental health. Personality testing of any form requires extensive training and
should be carried out by experts.

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Does Color Have Meaning?:

Well, yes and no. In the context of doodling, color is generally that of whichever pen you have to
hand, so should generally be ignored. Color symbolism is not universal, so cultural differences must be
taken into account. Historically, pigments acquire symbolism due to the value of pigments - The
‘celestial blue’ in medieval paintings of the Virgin Mary was chosen not because of innate symbolism
but because it was the most precious pigment available at the time (Lapis Lazuli).

What Colors Mean:

Color often has a degree of innate meaning due to visual associations: sky blue, green plants, red
blood, brown earth, yellow sun. Colors also have a 'temperature'. Red, orange and yellow are warm
colors, while green, blue, blue-grey and violet are cool.
Red:

Red often represents power. It can indicate anger ('seeing red') or a need to impose authority, but is
also a seasonal, festive color associated with holly berries and Santa Claus. Looking at red increases
the heart rate. In China, red is the color of prosperity and joy.

Blue, Black and Gray:

These are conventional colors, indicating stability and strength. Dark blue is often chosen as a
corporate color in the financial sector to indicate security. Sea-green and blue can also have
connotations of water and the ocean. Gray is sometimes called 'the color of sorrow'. In some Native
American cultures black is the color of the life-giving earth, while in western culture it is usually
associated with darkness, evil and death.

Purple:

Purple may represent sexual frustration or a need to appear unorthodox, and is a favorite color of
artists. Historically, purple has represented royalty, and in darker hues suggests magic and mystery.

Brown:

Brown can suggest the earth and autumn. A preference for brown can indicate a conservative
personality, even repression. Of course, in clothing and furnishings that depends on fashion, though
trends can indicate the mood of the times.

Green:

Green usually regarded as a restful color suggesting well-being, and is favored by well-balanced
individuals. This is at odds with some associations, 'green with envy', 'going green' with nausea, and
money (due to the 'greenback').

The Significance of Page Placement:

Often the placement of doodles will be influenced by the handedness of the artist, and whether they
are seated, standing or are holding a telephone or clipboard. The amount of paper available is also an
issue, as is the intended purpose of the paper; for example, whether it is a shopping list, a lecture
pad, diary or calendar, and whether they are consciously leaving space for necessary information to
be recorded. Take this into account, and relate placement to the content of the doodle. Read on
or Return to the Doodle Index
Central Placement:

Taking up the center of the page with a doodle might suggest a self-centered, attention-seeking
extrovert. Unconcerned about waste of paper, this person's doodles seek center stage. The artist
might also be expressing a need for open spaces, pulling away from possible restrictions and seeking
to expand their ideas.

The Top of the Page:

Doodling along the top of the page is usually the domain of an energetic, free-thinking, spiritual
person. If occupying the zone of a page usually reserved for headings, they might not be expecting to
have anything worthwhile to write, so have taken over that space, or perhaps feel that their ideas are
more important than those currently under discussion.

The Left Side of the Page:

Some analysts suggest that this is the domain of the past, nostalgia or regret. It may indicate
apprehensiveness for the future. However, this section of the page - separated by a margin, or with
punched holes waiting to be decorated - is also prime doodling real estate.

The Right Side of the Page:

People rarely doodle down the right side of the page, which is usually reserved for the purpose of
writing. Taking up this space with a doodle might suggest a strong need to communicate inner
feelings.

The Bottom of the Page:

Some analysts suggest that doodling along the bottom of the page suggests a practical nature.
Doodles along the bottom are unobtrusive and might indicate self-doubt and even depression.

Mark Making and Scribbling:

Mark making is a general term artists use to talk about all sorts of lines and the quality of line in a
drawing. Mark making is important in doodle analysis, as it can tell a great deal about a person's state
of mind. This can be put together with the content of the doodle.

Line weight Pressure:

Light or faint lines could variously be interpreted as tentative or sensitive. Is the artist afraid of
making a mistake? Medium weight lines suggest a balanced, confident personality. Heavy marks can
indicate resolve, strength, and energy. Aggression produces overly heavy lines, and the paper may be
impressed or torn. Varied lines can indicate instability. But remember that line weight is often used
quite deliberately, particularly in pencil drawing, to create shading effects, which may have meaning in
the context of the image, but not in themselves.

Repeated Lines and Patterns:

Repetition is a common feature of doodles that suggests a methodical, patient approach to tasks.
Repetition also increases the significance of a particular motif.

Energetic Marks:

Random, energetic scribbles can indicate a disordered mind, or may be simple space-filling as a
product of boredom. Small vigorous scribbles made into a variegated pattern combine energy and
impatience with a desire for structure.

Extensive Space-Filling:

Large, complex doodles that have grown almost organically across the page suggest a persistent
nature, a love of design and a desire to express ideas. These doodles can sometimes indicate
frustrated artistic ability, especially if ornate forms are embedded within them.

Zig Zags:

Some sources suggest that zigzag lines indicate an experience of harsh reality and a need for comfort.
Angular lines are also a feature of many styles of 'tag' graffiti and Manga cartooning, so may be
present in the doodles of young people who are interested in these art forms.

Waves:

Water-waves can be highly symbolic depending on the context, representing the water of life, a river,
the ocean. The ocean is said to indicate an idle dreamer, though may of course be drawn by lovers of
water sports. A curvy sine-wave pattern suggests musicality and natural rhythm. Wavy lines are
sometimes drawn to represent long hair, meaning a desire for beauty and femininity (in one’s self or a
significant other).

Faces:

Interpretation partly depends on whether the face represents the self or someone else. The simple
'circle' face is a motif from early childhood, with a genuine 'smiley' suggesting a happy-go-lucky
nature. Beautiful faces are often drawn by girls, some analysts suggesting that these are idealized
self-portraits. A beautiful face can also indicate a sociable 'people person'. Conversely, ugly faces can
might indicate dislike of people and a bad temper, but can also reflect experiences with cruel or
threatening people, or of media featuring archetypal ugly characters such as witches or trolls. The
notion of beauty is of course highly subjective, and dependent upon artistic skill. Doodles are often
abstracted, although some keen artists are able to draw quite realistic faces with the lack of focused
attention that a doodle usually implies. Cartoons are artworks rather than doodles.

Eyes:

Eyes are a favorite doodle. As "the window to the soul" they carry a great deal of expression and
meaning. As a creative challenge, they may also suggest a frustrated artistic talent. They are
sometimes regarded as showing a wish to be desirable. A feeling of being watched might be shown by
a staring eyes, or especially an eye through a keyhole - you feel your privacy is being invaded. In
traditional symbolism we find the eye of Horus with a modern interpretation of protection, and the eye of
Providence representing the all-seeing eye of God.

Mouths:

Doodles of voluptuous lips might indicate frustrated desire. Frustrated artists also draw features of the
face in isolation, as they are often pleasing to draw individually though difficult to fit together correctly
- see this lesson on drawing the mouth.

People - Figures and Stick Figures:

Stick figures tend to indicate artistic development being stalled very early. Interpretation depends on
the amount of detail, who the figures are, and what they are doing. More complex figure drawings
require a lot of thought, and begin to leave the realm of doodling and become artwork (conscious
drawings, rather than absent-minded doodles).

The Basic House Motif:

Houses are another early motif that are often drawn because of familiarity. The most basic house
motif, as drawn by children is based on simple square or rectangular shapes, a front wall with two crossed
windows and a door. This is a learned symbol seen in storybooks, so individuals may vary depending
on their experience and culture. so it Houses are regarded as representing the home life.

The Meaning of House and Home:

A nice, neat house says you are happy at home, while untidy lines, asymmetrical shapes or an
absence of windows suggests an unhappy home life, possibly a feeling of being trapped. Smoke from
the chimney represents a welcoming fire, though again these are all influenced by actual home
architecture, culture and experience through books and media. Because houses are often drawn by
children, the caveat that is included throughout these pages bears repeating here - that doodles don't
exist in isolation and their interpretation is not scientific, so while they may indicate possible concerns,
they should not be used as a substitute for proper psychological evaluation.
A Popular Motif:

Simple looped flowers occur early in the development of a child's visual vocabulary, so are popular
motives. They are common in adult doodling because they are such a natural and familiar motif.
Flowers are often drawn by women, but should not be interpreted as effeminate if drawn by men. In
some faiths the Lotus flower, with its roots in the mud, stem through the water and bloom in the sun,
represents enlightenment. Looking for more doodle meanings?Go to the Doodle Index

What Flowers Say about Personality:

Doodles of flowers indicate a gentle nature, a love of the natural environment and gardens, sometimes
childlike innocence or wistfulness. In some symbolic systems they represent the feminine, passive
aspect of the universe, while in come flowers, particularly those with a star like structure, represent
the sun/son deity. Roses with sharp thorns can indicate betrayal of love.

Environmental and Social Influences:

Flower patterns abound in our environment and go in and out of fashion. Flower doodles might be
inspired by flower motifs on clothing and furnishings, or by enjoyment of flowers in springtime. When
interpreting floral designs, it should also be noted that the complex Mediaeval 'language of flowers' is
no longer part of general knowledge, so must be pointed out to the recipient if the message is to be
communicated.

Geometric Shapes:

Regular patterns from geometric shapes are thought to indicate an organized and efficient mind.
These shapes are also familiar from elementary mathematics, so are easily drawn and a natural
extension of simple mark-making, which could be considered contrary to that interpretation. They can
also be very symbolic, so should always be interpreted in context.

The Circle:

The circle appears in every culture as an archetypal form representative of the eternal whole. With no
ending or beginning, it revolves in an eternal cycle and is linked to the sun-disk and the attendant
concepts of the yearly cycle, the moon, and the wheel, so it's often used to represent the sun
(especially with rays) or the full moon. In some symbol systems it also represents the universe.

The Square:

The square represents the formal, mathematical, scientific order of the universe. The square
represents earthbound matter, and correspondingly, with its two sides delineating a two-dimensional
surface, may symbolize the earth or ground, or a field, especially in eastern pictograms. In Buddhist
symbolism the relationship the square within the circle represents the relationship of the human and
the divine.
The Triangle:

In religious symbolism the triangle represents the trinity. In pagan symbolism the upward-pointing triangle
can represent the blade or sword and is masculine in quality, and also the astrological fire signs, while
the downward pointing triangle represents the chalice or cup, feminine in quality, and the astrological
water signs. The three sides of the triangle make it very stable, particularly with its base immovable
on the ground. Its geometrical stability suggests purpose. It's also used in many modern symbol
systems including warning signs, and the inverted pink triangle of Gay Pride.

Abstract and Random Shapes:

These are not the regular zigzag, patterned form of abstraction, but free-form and order less shapes,
which may be closed or open. A wandering line indicates aimlessness and distraction. Rhythmical
arabesques might suggest a willful, coquettish distraction, while more purposeful lines might indicate
unease.

Is it Really Random?:

Random is, by definition, the absence of order or pattern. Human minds are 'wired' to look for
patterns (seeing a pattern where there is none - such as mistaking a shadow for a spider - is far less
disastrous than not seeing a pattern where there is one - not seeing that tiger in the trees). So very
often when doodling we will naturally fall into making patterns. We have to work at making a pattern
random. Interestingly, this leads to a kind of 'artificial' randomness - we avoid putting two dots too close
together, for instance, but a truly random set of dots will often have some close together; they are not
necessarily evenly spread.

Squiggles:

Squiggly lines can call to mind the tilde often used in math to indicate approximation, and sometimes
in text (although informally) to suggest continuation, somewhat like a hyphen or dash. A seemingly
random path might suggest exploration, a 'road less traveled', a meandering river or branch. There's
an organic quality to an irregular line. But they can also imply uncertainty and lack of direction.

Doodles of Boxes and Perspective Forms:

Perspective drawing is quite an advanced stage in artistic development, and is a very satisfying creative
outlet – simple 3-D boxes often hark back to our last experience of artistic training (technical drawing
in high school). But the creation of a simple three-dimensional illusion indicates a progression of
thinking from flat symbolic outline to representational form.
Interpretation:

3-D boxes indicate an ordered mind and love of routine. These are often drawn by people with a good
sense of spatial relationships, as not everyone can easily visualize a three-dimensional form from a
few lines. A stack of balanced boxes might indicate stress - especially if the stack is at risk of toppling!

Outside Influences:

Artists, designers, and others who use technical drawing or geometry are often interested in three-
dimensional drawing and enjoy experimenting with its forms. Drawing these shapes may be motivated
by a requirement to experiment with design, or an experience of interesting three-dimensional
illusions, such as in an Escher drawing or video clip.

Traditional Spiritual Symbolism:

The rungs on a ladder represent levels in a hierarchy, and so can symbolize levels of spiritual
awareness. A ladder may indicate communication between levels, or ascension to a higher spiritual
plane. The symbolism of the ladder used in a metaphysical or 'spiritual' context is linked with the Great
Chain of Being, reflecting levels of order in the world and the universe, from the lowest orders of nature
to the heavens and God. The ladder can refer to the Κλίμαξ, Climax Paradisi or Scala, "The Ladder of
Divine Ascent" upon which ordered steps the faithful achieve perfection.

'Psychological' Interpretation:

Some think that drawing doodles of ladders may indicate ambition and a desire to succeed, whether it
is the corporate ladder you are climbing, or some other personal or professional goal. A firmly-drawn
and regular ladder might suggest a firm resolve, while a shaky and uncertain ladder may indicate
uncertainty. Got your ladder set against a wall? Perhaps you see obstacles in your way – but you also
have the means to surmount them.

External Influences:

Renovating? Ladder doodles might be inspired by their use somewhere in your environment, or
possibly an experience with them in your past. Perhaps you own a ladder-back chair, or have played
snakes-and-ladders lately?

Interpretation:

Arrows represent direction and ambition. Drawn aggressively, they represent a desire for action.
Drawn in careful outline, they indicate a desire for progression or advancement, especially if pointing
upwards. Arrows traditionally have masculine associations. Drawn with a heart, it becomes cupid's
arrow. They do tend to be commonly drawn, being a familiar symbol and a simple combination of line
and triangle. (Here's a lesson on how to draw an arrow through a heart.)
Outside Influences:

Arrows might be inspired by motifs in Western or fantasy movies such as Robin Hood. The archer is a
popular figure in much contemporary culture, notably 'Hawkeye' from Marvel's 'Avengers'. Arrows also
appear everywhere as a modern symbol, used in computer interfaces as a mouse pointer and as
navigation indicators, and throughout the physical world to mark direction and draw attention.

Brick wall-Internal:

A box divided into a brick pattern might suggest an obstacle in your path. Remember it can be scaled
with a leg-up or a ladder. Brick walls can suggest a sense of restriction or limitation, or of being
figuratively jailed for some imagined or real misdemeanor. There might be unresolved guilt that needs
to be addressed.

External:

Bricks are everywhere, especially if you have a brick home or are planning to build one. Even if a brick
wall is not part of your present environment, you may well have past experiences, even pleasant
ones, associated with walls. Sitting on a garden wall, for instance, or throwing a ball against one.

The heart is a popular symbol in art, doodling and drawing. Most simply, of course, it just means 'love'.
But of course, such an important symbol carries many more subtleties of meaning, and has many
symbolic variants. Find out what some heart symbols mean and find inspiration for using heart shapes
in your own art and doodles.

1. The Classic Heart

The modern heart shape is a pictogram - an abstract symbol rather than a realistic drawing; while
having some origin in the real form, it has lost much of its relationship to the object it represents -
much as the 'smiley face' bears little relation to the human face, with simplified elements arranged in
a meaningful pattern. Early representations of the heart were more rounded and reminiscent of the
biological heart. Egyptian images of the heart were somewhat like a vase, with protruding handles
somewhat suggestive of the large veins.

The forms that led to the modern heart shape are thought to have their origins in stylized ivy leaf shapes, which became visually
cognate with the heart shape. But it's a complicated history - so much so that entire books have been written on the topic. The
earliest known representation of the heart as a symbol of romantic love appears in a 13th century miniature, with a suitor offering
his heart to a lady.

2. The Sacred Heart

The Sacred Heart, or Sacred Heart of Jesus, is a symbolic representation of the physical heart of
Jesus, the Son of God in Christian tradition. and is usually encircled by an interwoven circle of thorny
branches, representing the "Crown of Thorns" that was placed on Jesus' head, and may be
surmounted with a symbolic cross (representing the Crucifixion), or a flame. The Sacred Heart may
also be depicted as surrounded by beams of light or flames or both, suggesting the "transformative
power" and "divine light" of love. It is frequently depicted in isolation, as part of a more elaborate
design, or within a portrait of the Christ figure. If surrounded by flowers or pierced by seven swords,
the heart may instead represent the Sacred Heart of Mary, the mother of Jesus in Christian
mythology.
More about the meaning of the Sacred Heart

3. The Wounded Heart

The heart pierced with an arrow variously represents the pain of love (be it simple longing or
unrequited love) and sometimes a broken heart, although in modern usage a zigzag shatter line is
more usual for the latter. The arrow is usually thought to be representative of Cupid's arrow - Cupid
being the mischievous Roman god of love and desire. One could also see a connection in the Christian
story of the spear piercing the side of Jesus, and the sorrows of Mary which are represented by
piercing arrows. (The arrow appears in much Christian symbolism; not also the historical story of the
martyr Sebastian, shot by arrows).

4. Cross, Heart and Anchor

The combined Cross, Heart and Anchor is another religious symbol, representing for Christians
the three theological virtues of 'faith, hope and charity'. For a traditional maritime culture, the Anchor had
the important meaning of safety, and symbolically suggests a fixed and certain knowledge that offers
security through the troubled waters of life.

5. The Heart in Other Cultures

While some argue that Chinese is not an ideographic langauge, many of its characters nonetheless retain links
to graphical representation. The Chinese word for 'heart', 'hsin' in the modern reading, evolved from a
pictogram that reads beautifully as a drawing of the human heart as a connected, curved vessel. more
on Radical 61, Heart and here.