Mind Map Inspiration » Drawing Tips

Paintbrush mindmapping

Paul — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 07:53:53 +0000

Mindmapping offers a wonderful opportunity for personal expression and exploration; for developing a style of your own. One way to explore your creative side which is original and therapeutic is to create mind maps using paintbrushes.

Using a paintbrush slows your pace down; you can create in a relaxed manner, with deliberate action and contemplation. Whether you experiment by sticking to paintbrushes only or incorporate other media, you can encourage your artistic finesse and flair by creating original and personal mind maps; unique to you.

You can try many mediums; acrylic inks, acrylic paints, watercolours, coloured pencils and ink pens, to name only a few. Lettering offers another opportunity for expression; block letters, fancy fonts, even calligraphy; using brushwork or ink pens. Illustrations can also be created by brush as well as ink.

For examples of artistic mindmapping from around the world pay a visit to Mind Map Art where you can explore galleries, check blog posts (and subscribe), even rate mind maps and vote for your favourites.

In the above mind map I have endeavoured not to dictate a style; it is created as a summary of some of the many possibilities open to you when you move into mediums other than standard pens and pencils. (See also: Ideal Mindmapping Pens and Mind Map Tools of the Trade)

If you wish to learn more about drawing and how I create my mind maps check out the following E-Books:

Drawing Tips for Mind Mapping – the beginners guide to creating simple cartoons and illustrations

How I Drew my Mind Maps – the follow up; learn how to take your drawing to the next level

I hope you enjoy viewing my Mind Maps – there are hundreds more planned here at the Mind Map Inspiration Blog plus ongoing creativity and drawing tips. If you are not already subscribed, why not do so now via RSS or Email

Also available: E-Books designed to help you create stylish and artistic mind maps of your own.

If you know someone who would enjoy this post and others here at the Mind Map Inspiration Blog please share with them.

Follow me on Twitter @mindmapdrawer

Eric Gill

Paul — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 07:53:49 +0000

This mind map explores and recommends one of the best wood-engravers of the 1920’s and 1930’s. Arthur Eric Rowton Gill was born in Brighton in 1882 and died in 1940. He illustrated books, was a stone mason and typographer creating lettering for companies such as Golden Cockerel Press and Monotype Corporation. In addition to lettering and illustrations he created decorative borders, book-plates, ephemera, greeting cards and portraits.

Eric Gill used fine line work often with intricate detail. He made excellent use of light and dark and depth and perspective in his illustrations. The characters he drew were often gangly and he was deeply inspired by nature, creating many floral designs and leaf based patterns.

Eric Gill’s illustrations show exquisite line work, delicate, sensitive and accurate. He created striking compositions through the use of overlap, depth and perspective and clever use of space and he occasionally used silhouette to great effect. Many of his designs suggest movement and action; snapshots of scenes and life in motion. His flowing designs ranged from bold and expressive through to fine and intricate.

Sculptor, engraver, typographer, writer, artist, illustrator, Eric Gill was a master of his craft. I recommend the following book should you wish to explore the fascinating style of Eric Gill: “The Engraved Work of Eric Gill” (1963) ISBN 0112902715

Links of interest:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Gill

http://www.ericgill.com/

Also available: E-Books designed to help you create stylish and artistic mind maps of your own.

If you know someone who would enjoy this post and others here at the Mind Map Inspiration Blog please share with them.

Follow me on Twitter @mindmapdrawer

Opposite hands

Paul — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 06:45:58 +0000

If you fancy a challenge try creating a mind map with the opposite hand. Unless you are ambidextrous this is quite a test for mind, eye and hand co-ordination!

You can alternate which hand you start with.

The test is a great indication of how brilliant ours brains are, how we learn and how we perfect skills.

No need to stop at drawing; try other tasks such as stirring your drink or brushing your teeth.

Try discovering the most complex task that you can undertake using your opposite hand to the one you would normally use.

Also available: E-Books designed to help you create stylish and artistic mind maps of your own.

If you know someone who could benefit from this post and others here at the Mind Map Inspiration Blog please share with them.

Follow me on Twitter @mindmapdrawer

Using stencils for mind maps

Paul — Mon, 24 May 2010 07:02:02 +0000

Stencils are handy for creating symbols and cross reference images within your mind maps.

You can also use stencils to invent unique designs and illustrations and incorporate depth by using overlap.

Many stencils are available including mathematics symbols, scientific symbols, shapes and lettering.

You can also use plastic lids or cut out your own shapes from card to create templates for illustrations and borders for central images.

Try combining the use of stencil shapes with your hand-drawn images.

If you need help with your drawing skills check out my E-Books:

“Drawing Tips for Mind Mapping” and the follow-up “How I Drew my Mind Maps”

Also available: E-Books designed to help you create stylish and artistic mind maps of your own.

If you know someone who could benefit from this post and others here at the Mind Map Inspiration Blog please share with them.

Follow me on Twitter @mindmapdrawer

The Beauty of Line

Paul — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 06:42:56 +0000

Here is a mind map with a difference.

I find the combination of words and images works wonderfully when creating mind maps; sometimes the words spark new ideas, sometimes the images do. Occasionally however, it is nice to explore in line and patterns only. Simple lines and curves can express depth and dimension. Design does not have to specifically represent known objects or images; your artistic flow can still evolve as you create your mind map.

All of us are artists with varying degrees of ability. All of us can make lines and curves. Instead of trying to be original, try being you and the originality follows because we each have different tastes and influences. How can you do this? Simple! Create your mind map without reference – just you and the mind map. Allow the words and lines to flow from within.

Drawing can be extremely relaxing and therapeutic which also helps stimulate your thoughts and uncover ideas. Creating without a fixed goal can be very exciting and help your freedom of expression to flourish.

If you start in the middle and simply allow lines and curves to develop as you explore your subject you can tap your creativity and create original mind maps; each one unique.

You might like to create a mind map, explore the words and branches then add decoration. Leave plenty of space because as you begin adding design new words and associations will come and you can expand the written element of the mind map. You could use pencil first yet in this instance I prefer to use ink from the start.

Practice and experimentation are needed to develop your own style so have patience and go for it! Create a mind map with a difference.

Also available: E-Books designed to help you create stylish and artistic mind maps of your own.

If you know someone who could benefit from this post and others here at the Mind Map Inspiration Blog please share with them.

Follow me on Twitter @mindmapdrawer

Mind Map Inspiration » Drawing Tips

Paintbrush mindmapping

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Eric Gill

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Opposite hands

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Using stencils for mind maps

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The Beauty of Line

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