To doodle or not to doodle?

How mindless scribbling may actually be making us smarter

Many of us, irrespective of what age we might be, are guilty of doodling during our free time or while waiting for something to be done. Some make plans and brainstorm ideas by making fuzzy charts and improper images on the paper. Others draw cartoons and random shapes to kill time. But all of us do. And did you know that scribbling absent-mindedly — or doodling, as it is commonly called — actually facilitates thinking?

We may be surrounded by computer-assisted technology that occupies most of our time but nothing can replace the pleasure of drawing away on blank pages. In fact, according to American graphic designer Milton Glaser, author of a 2008 monograph titled Drawing Is Thinking, when we draw an object our mind becomes deeply attentive, giving way to constructive thinking or perhaps, creativity. So whether you have made a simple doodle or a more deliberate free-hand drawing, the act is essential to expressing spontaneous concepts and emotions.

Moreover, according to a study published in the Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology, doodlers find it easier to recall dull information than non-doodlers, because the latter are more likely to daydream. Therefore, a shabby-looking picture that you drafted may still have served some significant purpose in your life.

Famous Doodlers

Some celebrities doodle so often that they have even drawn their doodles while giving out autographs! Following is a list of famous doodlers who have shared some of their masterpieces with the world:



Robin Williams: The late Robin Williams often used to utilise free time constructively by expressing his feelings in his doodles.



Steve Martin: The multitalented author, actor, banjo player and comedic genius, Steve Martin can put together a pretty good drawing!



Ellen DeGeneres: Queen of hilarity and talk show host, Ellen DeGeneres drew this crowd of people in one of her doodles. We can assume it to be a sampling of her audience watching her on the show.

SOURCE: PURPLECLOVER.COM

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, August 2^nd, 2015.