The Zentangle Method® has been life-changing for Kat, personally. “I feel very strongly about the benefits of drawing tangles (the term used for Zentangle patterns) on a regular basis. In fact, I draw at least one tile (3.5″ square paper) per day, and more if I’m anxious about something.”

The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It is not doodling, as much as people may think. The difference, says Kat, is that doodling is mindless– usually done while on the phone, listening in a class or meeting, or while doing something else. Zentangle is mindful – deliberate strokes of your pen, one after the other to create beautiful works of art. 

Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images, from children to the elderly. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic and creative satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being. The Zentangle Method is enjoyed all over the world across a wide range of skills, interests and ages. If you can write your name, you can tangle!

Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas established Zentangle in 2005, and have personally trained nearly 2,000 Certified Zentangle Teachers (CZT) – including Kat- in about 30 countries. We believe that life is an art form and that our Zentangle Method is an elegant metaphor for deliberate artistry in life.
It is easy to learn and easy to do. And even though it is a specified series of steps, it results in a creative expression that transcends its own rules. There are five elemental strokes: . |C S and °. A dot, a straight line, a curved “c” shape, an “s” shape, and a circle. That’s it! 

Characteristics of Zentangle Art

Fun and Relaxing

Creating Zentangle art provides a fun and lighthearted way to relax and intentionally facilitate a shift in focus and perspective. No matter how upset or anxious you might feel, tangling takes you “out of your head” and allows your heart and mind to become untangled.

Unexpected Results
It is fun to watch your art unfold before you. Even if two people do the same patterns, the tiles will look different.  

Ceremonial
Repetitive, simple steps are part of the Zentangle Method. These steps support relaxation, focus and inspiration. It can be a wonderful daily ritual.
Timeless

Creating designs, manipulating symbols and putting pen to paper is part of our human heritage. In a time of keyboards, computer mice, and cell phones, the simple strokes that are part of the Zentangle Method automatically engage you in a comfort and familiarity of timeless, basic creativity.
Portable

Everything you need to create beautiful Zentangle art can fit in your pocket. This easy to learn method of relaxed focus can be done almost anywhere, alone or in groups, without any special abilities or costly equipment. It’s a wonderful way to make your time in a waiting room fly by!

Quality
The Zentangle Kit is elegantly designed, crafted and presented. If you are going to do something, then do it with the finest tools and materials available. Zentangle.com use the best paper and pens available to ensure your Zentangle creations will be a respected and treasured work of art. Unlike other methods of relaxation and focus, you not only feel good, you get a side effect of beautiful art to be appreciated, collected, chronicled and reflected upon for years to come.
Non Technical

Zentangle tools and method are not limited by technology. Your creativity is not directed by how someone else wrote a particular program, nor does it need batteries or electricity. The Zentangle approach provides a counterbalance to our increasing use of computers, mice, screens and keyboards. It returns us to that fundamentally human behavior of manipulating symbols and putting marks on paper. Nothing is pre-programmed. Your creativity is your only limit and this Zentangle method has a way of increasing and inspiring expression of your personal creativity.
Empowering

It is an empowering and uplifting experience to learn that you can deliberately relax and intentionally direct your attention while creating beautiful works of art .

* Go to Zentangle.com to learn more about all things Zentangle. Much of this page was lifted from the “what is it?” page at the site.