Pentel Creator Collective Featured Creator: Jenny Lee of Meditative Doodles
If you’d looked over my shoulder in high school or college, you’d have found far more flowers doodled in my notebook margins than actual class notes. I’m pretty sure I burned through more ink doodling than studying!
Hi there! I’m Jenny from Meditative Doodles, and I’m so honored to be Pentel’s featured creator this month.
A little bit about me: I was born in Seoul, South Korea, grew up in Los Angeles, and now call Scottsdale, Arizona home. Back in my student days, my absolute go-to tool was the classic Pentel R.S.V.P. It was great for note-taking, when I actually took notes, and, just as importantly, had the perfect balance for spinning pen tricks during long lectures. If you also spent your school years perfecting a thumb spin in class, we would have been good friends!
Despite my love for pens, I never thought I’d pursue art. Both of my parents are full-time professional artists, and growing up, they actually discouraged me from following in their footsteps because the art world can be tough. So after college, between work and later raising my kids, drawing quietly slipped away for nearly twenty years. The turning point came when my youngest son started kindergarten and I finally had a little breathing room in my day. I started scrolling online looking for inspiration and stumbled across a community of line artists and doodlers. So I picked up a pen again and I was instantly hooked.
What surprised me most this time around was the meditative side of it. In high school, doodling was just a way to stay awake in class. As an adult now, running a busy household and a small business, it became my ultimate sanctuary...a way to quiet the mental chatter and step away from the endless to-do list. I wasn't conscious of that benefit at seventeen, but now, it’s the best part of the whole practice!
My Doodling Process & Favorite Tips
My drawing process is built around simple, repetitive patterns rather than complex, planned out sketches. I love starting in the center or corner of a blank page and building outwards, repeating one organic line or shape at a time.
If you're new to meditative drawing, here are a few simple techniques I always recommend:
Focus on Rhythm Over Perfection: Don't worry about drawing straight lines or perfect shapes.
Just keep your hand relaxed and repeat the same simple mark across the page.
Embrace Repetition: Pick one basic shape, like a petal, a loop, or a crescent, and repeat it across the page. The repetition is what relaxes the brain.
Let the Ink Do the Work: Use a smooth, free-flowing pen so you don't have to press down hard.
This is exactly why I doodle with my Pentel pens daily. My absolute favorites are the EnerGels for their quick-drying ink and huge variety of fun colors - perfect for smooth, uninterrupted line work. When I want pop and dimension, I love the Milky Pops and MatteHops because the ink coverage is so deliciously vibrant and opaque. I could draw with them for hours!
Which Brings Me to Now: Let’s Doodle Together!
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, facing creative block, or just need a mental break, I want to invite you to join my upcoming live doodling session (RSVP to get reminders)!
Everyone is invited, no matter your skill level. We’ll work step-by-step through several soothing patterns together in real-time, and my main goal is simply to show you how fun, accessible, and calming this kind of art can be. I’ll also be doodling with a variety of fun Pentel pens so you can see some of my favorites in action!
A Quick Note If Traditional Meditation Has Never Worked for You
If you've ever tried traditional meditation and felt frustrated by sitting still or trying to "clear your mind" on command, active doodling might be your side door in. When your hand is moving and your eyes are focused on simple lines, your brain naturally calms down. The process itself is where the magic happens.
I would love for you to join me. Bring your favorite pens and any questions you have. Let’s unwind together!
This looks so fun! Can’t to learn more.