How many of us recall our very first artistic endeavor, that initial foray into drawing or doodling?
I vividly remember mine. It was the number 8, cleverly transformed into the infinity symbol, and then, with a child’s imaginative touch, embellished to become a cat! Even as a child, the simple act of picking up a pencil and drawing a basic shape, using it as a foundation to let my imagination soar and sculpt it into something recognizable, brought immense joy. It was pure magic to witness a simple pen stroke morph into a tangible object within moments. This early experience highlights the innate human connection to visual expression, a connection that can be surprisingly relevant even in fields as seemingly disparate as law – perhaps even leading to the concept of “Lawyer Drawing,” though we’ll explore that connection further.
Simple beginnings
Over time, like many childhood passions, the spontaneous act of doodling faded into the background as life’s demands took precedence. Responsibilities and routines often push aside the simple joys of creative expression.
Fast forward to 2020: Living in the confines of isolation, grappling with worry and stress, I unexpectedly rediscovered my black pen and white notepad. It was as if I was seeing them anew after years of neglect. Seeking a mindful escape, I picked up a round bowl, traced circles onto the paper, and began to randomly draw shapes and patterns within them. The result of this no-pressure scribbling was the image you see below. The sheer enjoyment of this mindless yet focused activity sparked a renewed interest and a series of subsequent drawings. This re-engagement with art was a powerful reminder of the accessibility of creative outlets, even for those in demanding professions, perhaps even offering a unique form of “lawyer drawing” – a way for legal minds to unwind and refocus.
The (re)start – A black pen, white paper and a bowl
As I continued to draw, I noticed a gradual improvement. My ability to generate original patterns, refine shapes, and enhance my overall skill steadily grew. However, I also felt a limitation in my range and encountered frustrating blocks. Recognizing the need for structured learning, I enrolled in online classes focused on mandala drawing and the Zentangle method. This decision proved transformative, opening my mind to a wider spectrum of shapes, colors, patterns, modifications, and even the nuances of lighting, shading, and 3-D effects. These techniques broadened my artistic vocabulary and allowed me to experiment more freely. I also began to integrate Zentangle concepts into my mandala drawings, moving beyond purely traditional approaches. The evolution of this process is illustrated below. Just as continuous learning is crucial in the legal field, constantly seeking new skills is vital for creative growth, whether you are a seasoned artist or even exploring “lawyer drawing” as a new hobby.
Slowly ideas flow
When you hit the wall, learn new things
Weekends would often melt away as I became engrossed in completing a drawing, sometimes losing track of time and basic needs like eating or sleeping. The surge of exhilaration upon finishing a drawing to my satisfaction, followed by a profound sense of peaceful sleep, made every moment worthwhile. This immersive experience highlights the power of focused creative work, a state of flow that can be beneficial to anyone, including professionals in demanding fields like law, who might find solace and mental clarity in activities like “lawyer drawing”.
When I picked up my pen, I rarely had a pre-conceived design in mind. Instead, I allowed the patterns to emerge organically, letting my subconscious guide the expression of my daily emotions. Over time, subtle patterns began to emerge in my work that mirrored my emotional state. For instance, on days filled with happiness, my drawings tended to feature more circles, curves, and floral motifs. In contrast, when feeling less positive or creatively stifled, geometric figures like lines, squares, and triangles became more dominant. Interestingly, I noticed that even when starting in a negative mood, characterized by rigid squares and triangles, simply persisting with the rhythmic motions of drawing would often lead to a shift towards softer forms like flower petals and flowing lines. This simple act of hand movement seemed to have a tangible uplifting effect on my spirits! This observation underscores the therapeutic potential of art, even in simple forms like doodling, and might explain why even someone in a high-pressure profession like a lawyer could find value in “lawyer drawing” as a stress-management technique.
Reflections
These artistic reflections yielded surprising insights that have profoundly influenced my approach to various aspects of my life, extending beyond just drawing and potentially resonating even with “lawyer drawing” in a metaphorical sense, where attention to detail and process are paramount.
- Details matter. I came to appreciate the significant impact of seemingly minor details on the overall completeness of a drawing, or indeed, any “project.” Whether consciously noticed by others or not, their absence creates a palpable void, leaving the project feeling incomplete, like a mere skeleton. This is a crucial lesson applicable to law, where meticulous attention to detail is paramount.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Errors are an inherent part of any creative process. However, mistakes are not dead ends but rather opportunities for creative problem-solving and course correction. Learning to pivot and adapt when faced with setbacks is a valuable skill, both in art and in the legal profession.
- There is no right time to start anything. It’s perfectly acceptable to pause when facing creative blocks. Stepping back to learn new techniques or perspectives can be more productive than forcing through resistance. While consistency is important for progress, perfectionism can be a significant impediment. We often become overly fixated on flaws that are largely imperceptible to others, who primarily appreciate the overall aesthetic. Learning to quiet the inner critic is crucial for creative flow and productivity.
- Practice discomfort. Sharing your creative work, making yourself vulnerable to external judgment, can be daunting. However, vulnerability is a source of strength. People connect with authentic expression. There’s no need to measure oneself against unattainable, self-imposed standards that are often irrelevant to others’ appreciation. This resonates with the courage it takes to present a legal argument or face cross-examination.
- Know the importance of finishing well. The final touches – adding golden highlights, subtle shading, and a final review to ensure everything possible has been done to elevate the work – significantly enhance the impact of all prior effort. This mindset, when applied to projects beyond art, is equally valuable in ensuring that one’s impact is fully realized, a principle undoubtedly applicable to legal work where thoroughness in conclusion is vital.
Everyone is creative—just unleash your natural expression and have fun
The creative process may initially appear challenging and intimidating. Self-doubt and a tendency to downplay one’s efforts while overemphasizing perceived shortcomings are common hurdles. However, by taking a deep breath, embracing the flow, and adopting a mindset of enjoyment and exploration of authentic creative expression, the journey can become liberating. And often, the starting point is simply picking up a pen and paper – perhaps even for a lawyer seeking a moment of creative respite through “lawyer drawing.”
