If you’re often stuck in a creative rut, why not try something new? A themed doodle session can be a great way to get your creative juices flowing and add some ocean-inspired flair to your bullet journal. And don’t worry if you’re new to doodling – most of the designs we’ll cover have step-by-step tutorials to help guide you along the way. The rest are simple enough that you should be able to pick them up quickly.
If you need any materials, I recommend picking up some skinny markers, chiseled-tip pens for larger-scale work, a good notebook, some pencils, and an eraser – these will cover all your doodling bases. With that said, let’s dive into the ocean-themed doodles. There are twenty-five options to get you started, plus a few extra examples to give you some inspiration. No matter what level of artist you consider yourself, there’s something here for everyone.
Riptide Waves
The essence of ocean-inspired designs lies in their undulating waves. To kick off this list, let’s start with some riptide waves that can be seamlessly integrated into bullet journals or even served as a stunning print for your walls. Feel free to keep the waves monochromatic or add a splash of color to give it an extra oomph. To achieve a circular frame, you have a few options: You can employ the aid of a compass or use a cup or bowl to trace the circumference and create a precise circle.
Don’t forget to explore more ocean-inspired bullet journal ideas.
Killer Whale Step-by-Step
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are often misunderstood creatures that evoke a sense of wonder in many people. However, for some, their association with aquatic entertainment may not be entirely positive despite this, orcas are undeniably captivating, and in the context of illustration, they can be depicted in a way that is both beautiful and non-threatening to other marine animals like seals. The steps outlined above provide a guide on how to draw an orca that is sure to impress.
As you follow along, notice how each blue line represents a new addition to your whale’s design by the end of the process, you’ll have created a stunning illustration that showcases the majesty of these ocean dwellers.
Goldfish Step-by-Step
While goldfish may not be the most obvious ocean dwellers, they remain a beloved aquatic staple – and a great subject for doodling. To bring your goldfish design to life, start by sketching out simple shapes that gradually build towards the finished product. As you add more detail, you can use pencil to create a stunning, intricate illustration.
Message in a Bottle Step-by-Step
The notion of a message in a bottle is often romanticized as a Hollywood trope, conjuring up images of vast oceans and sun-kissed beaches. The idea of stumbling upon one or creating one yourself can be thrillingly mysterious when it comes to bringing this concept to life through art, attention to detail is key. Notice how the third and fourth images showcase the precise technique required to craft a message in a bottle’s design.
If you’re feeling adventurous and eager to put your skills to the test, consider experimenting on a scrap piece of paper before committing to your final drawing. And if you’re looking for inspiration to keep your creative juices flowing, these bullet journal divider ideas offer valuable insights into organizing your artistic endeavors.
Seahorse Step-by-Step
As we venture further into the ocean’s depths, our attention turns to the enigmatic seahorse. Childhood fascination often lies in the peculiar phenomenon of male seahorses carrying their young, a sight that captivates and inspires. To bring these creatures to life, follow this straightforward process: start by drawing an entire family or a solitary seahorse at the scale you prefer.
As the strokes of your pencil come together, you’ll have successfully introduced your newest deep-sea addition to the page.
Surfing Fish Step-by-Step
For those seeking a dash of whimsy in their drawing adventures, this surfing fish is an excellent starting point. To take it to the next level, simply expand the image by adding more surfers and their boards to create a lively scene. As with many tutorials, we’ll begin by focusing on the innermost details before working our way outward.
And as always, don’t hesitate to practice your skills a few times over on a separate sheet of paper or in pencil to ensure you’ve got the detailing and spacing just right.
Six Types of Seaweed
The ocean’s plant life is often overlooked, but it plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Seaweed, in particular, is an essential component that adds depth and complexity to underwater scenes. This versatile sample allows you to incorporate seaweed into any nautical setting, giving it a more lifelike and textured appearance.
Step-by-Step Coral Variations
When exploring the world of seaweed, it’s natural to find yourself drawn to the fascinating realm of coral formations as well. While there are countless possibilities for these underwater wonders, some basic techniques can help you get started with creating your own unique coral designs. Each step-by-step tutorial included here is designed to guide you through the process, allowing you to experiment and add your own personal touches – from swapping colors to adding vibrancy.
Octopus Step-by-Step
Envisioning the ocean’s vast array of creatures, one species that effortlessly spans multiple levels is the octopus. To humanize this remarkable creature, consider adding a playful cartoon face – The creative possibilities are endless when it comes to detailing its body parts: from geometric shapes like triangles and squares to whimsical designs such as hearts.
Bring the octopus to life by incorporating it into a scene or showcasing it in a larger print, allowing its unique features to captivate your audience.
Beach Scene
Imagine framing this serene beach scene within a circular boundary, reminiscent of the ocean’s riptide. This design would be ideally suited for incorporation into a bullet journal, card, or print piece. To bring the composition to life, feel free to experiment with colors and add visual interest through elements like a beach chair or even a fish surfing on the waves.
As you begin to create this coastal scene, lightly draw the initial circle in pencil, taking care to leave it open-ended for the birds and sun to extend beyond the confines of the composition, creating a sense of movement and freedom.
How to Draw a Jellyfish
As a child, my understanding of marine life was limited to lumping jellyfish and octopuses together in my mind. The revelation that they were distinct species led me to assume they coexisted peacefully, while this assumption remains speculative, I’ve found that drawing inspiration from both creatures can result in striking similarities. Incorporating a facial feature at the end or omitting it altogether creates a unique jellyfish design.
To give these ethereal beings their characteristic glow, I prefer using light neon markers or watercolor techniques.
How to Draw a Whale
The ocean’s largest inhabitant, the whale, is undoubtedly an essential addition to this list. To bring its majesty to life, simply add a charming cartoon face to complete the illustration. When constructing the animal, try sketching with pencil first to make it easier to add the tail. Use a small circular object like a cap or rounded item to create a smooth circle, leaving a dotted area for the tail’s attachment point.
Stingray Step-by-Step
Stingrays offer a delightful and accessible doodling experience. Bring your imagination to life by creating an entire school of these cute creatures, or opt for a single large stingray with playful faces that exude emotions like joy, surprise, or even sadness. To add visual interest, experiment with different colors for each stingray or vary their sizes to create a sense of depth and complexity.
Various Ocean Doodles
To elevate the charm of a doodle list, it’s only natural that we incorporate the serene settings of beachside and ocean scenes. Here, I’ve curated a selection of whimsical moments to spark your creativity when illustrating these coastal landscapes. Feel free to interpret these visual prompts as you see fit, taking all the creative liberties you desire. If this inspires you to create something amazing, please share it with me in the comments below.
Continuation of Ocean Scenes Doodle
While the initial ocean doodle may have sparked a sense of calmness and creativity, there’s no limit to how far you can take this art form. In fact, considering various scenarios and elements that can be incorporated into your work is where the real fun begins. From depicting different marine life forms to capturing the vast expanse of the ocean itself, the possibilities are truly endless.
As you continue to let your imagination run wild, don’t be afraid to experiment with new ideas and techniques. And as always, we’d love to see what you come up with – feel free to share your own ocean doodle creations below.
Sea Creature Step-by-Step
The diversity of sea creatures is akin to the endless possibilities of details that can be added to photographs. Just as different species within a type of creature offer a multitude of options, so too do the various types of jellyfish, octopuses, and crabs. Building upon the foundation established by including jellyfish and octopuses on the list, the addition of these fun variations further enhances the plethora of choices.
Ocean Animals Step-by-Step
As we continue exploring the world of ocean creatures through doodling, let’s dive into a simple yet delightful representation of a whale, turtle, and starfish. Each of these tutorials is intentionally straightforward, focusing primarily on capturing the essence of each creature’s features. By mastering the basics at this scale, you’ll be well-equipped to resize them as your skills evolve and refine their characteristics.
With these endearing doodle face ideas, you’ll breathe life into these underwater friends.
Underwater Doodles
Building upon previous creative endeavors, this doodle concept incorporates elements from other brainstorming sessions. The added variety includes a range of creatures that can be introduced to bring vibrancy and energy to this underwater setting.
Waves Four Ways
When tackling a wave design, it’s no surprise that the inspiration often stems from this page. Before diving into a larger piece, I prefer to warm up with some brainstorming on a separate sheet. This approach allows me to experiment and refine my ideas before committing to the final product – unless, of course, I’m in the midst of a mindless doodling session. Alternatively, you may prefer to start from the bottom and build upwards.
Ultimately, the key is finding what works best for you – whether that’s a structured approach or a more free-form exploration.
Ocean Doodles Step-by-Step
Incorporating essential ocean accessories into your artistic endeavors can elevate the realism and depth of your work. These fundamental elements are crucial for capturing the essence of certain activities, such as beachcombing or surfing. By adding these details, you can create a sense of immersion in your drawings, making them feel more lifelike.
Furthermore, tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance on incorporating these accessories can be invaluable tools for any artist looking to add a touch of authenticity to their work.
Four Ways to Draw Cute Fish
While there’s an astonishing diversity of fish in the ocean, capturing their likenesses can quickly become a challenge. The four illustrations that follow may not perfectly depict real-life species, but they do offer a dash of whimsy and playfulness. Ultimately, the approach you take when drawing fish is up to your personal preference – opt for a realistic portrayal or unleash your creativity with vibrant colors and intricate details.
Whatever style you choose, don’t be hesitant to experiment and see where it takes you.
Treasure Chest Doodle
While many may fantasize about discovering hidden treasures at sea, drawing a treasure chest can be a delightful and achievable creative endeavor. This straightforward yet detail-rich project is an excellent way to start your ocean-themed adventure, as the time invested in its creation will be well rewarded with a stunning final product.
How to Draw a Shell
A classic symbol of the ocean, the clamshell design takes center stage in our collection of simple shells. The addition of a pearl elevates its charm, making it an ideal complement to our curated list of doodles. If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out our selection of flower doodle ideas that will add a touch of whimsy to your journal.
How to Draw a Seal Step-by-Step
One of the most charming and endearing doodles on this list is undoubtedly the seal. As we wrap up our exploration of sea creatures to draw, it only seems fitting that these adorable animals get some love too. The red lines in the following tutorial denote the key additions you’ll need to make when drawing your own adorable seal.
How to Draw Four Different Seashells
When it comes to beach activities, there’s nothing quite like scavenging for seashells with the kids. They get so excited searching for different shapes and colors that have washed up on the shore. Over the years, we’ve been lucky enough to find a few treasures ourselves, including four types of shells that really stand out.