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How to Make Digital Mandala Art for Beginners

This article will cover how to make, share, and sell Digital Mandala Art for Beginners

The fastest art form to learn as a beginner digital artist is Mandala Art. Mandalas are mesmerizing, symmetrical patterns that captivate the eye and calm the mind. Not only are they beautiful to create, but they also offer endless possibilities for experimentation and creativity. Using Procreate, my #1 recommended digital art app for beginners, you can make this stunning piece of art in 5 minutes!

In this article, we’ll explore what mandala art is, the different types of mandalas, and how you can start creating your own digital mandala art. We’ll also touch on how to share and even sell your art with friends, family and customers.

What is Mandala Art?

Mandalas are intricate, symmetrical designs that have been used for centuries in spiritual and religious contexts. The word “mandala” comes from the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit, meaning “circle.” Traditionally, mandalas are geometric patterns and they’re often used in meditation practices, as the repetitive patterns can help focus the mind and promote a sense of inner peace.

In the world of digital art, mandalas have found a new expression. With digital tools, you can create stunning mandalas with perfect symmetry, vibrant colors, and intricate details that might be difficult to achieve by hand. The beauty of digital mandalas is that they’re incredibly versatile – they can be simple or complex, monochrome or bursting with color, and the possibilities are endless.

3 types of mandala

When you delve into the world of mandalas, you’ll discover a variety of styles, each with its unique charm. Here are three popular types of mandalas that you might enjoy creating:

Geometric Mandalas: Geometric mandalas are the most traditional and widely recognized form of mandala art. These designs feature precise, symmetrical patterns made up of circles, triangles, squares, and other geometric shapes, all radiating out from a central point. The repetition and symmetry in geometric mandalas create a sense of harmony and balance, making them both visually appealing and meditative to create. For beginners, geometric mandalas are a great starting point, as the structured patterns provide a solid foundation while still offering room for creativity.

Dot Mandala Art: Dot mandala art is a unique and visually striking style that uses dots of various sizes and colors to form intricate patterns. Instead of continuous lines, dot mandalas are created by carefully placing individual dots in symmetrical arrangements, building up layers of color and texture. This type of mandala art is often done using tools like dotting pens or brushes, but in the digital realm, it can be easily achieved with the right brush settings. Dot mandalas are perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile approach to art and appreciate the soothing, repetitive nature of dot painting.

Flower Mandalas: Flower mandalas draw inspiration from the natural beauty of flowers, incorporating petal-like shapes and floral motifs into the design. These mandalas often have a softer, more organic feel compared to the sharp lines of geometric mandalas. Flower mandalas can range from simple, minimalist designs to elaborate, detailed patterns that mimic the complexity of real flowers. They’re an excellent choice if you’re looking to create something that feels vibrant and alive, and they’re especially popular in henna art and other decorative applications.

Each type of mandala offers a different experience and aesthetic, so don’t hesitate to experiment with all three to find the style that resonates with you the most. My favorite mandalas are Flower Mandalas. I often use flourishes from Henna-inspired designs to create my unique patterns.

Draw Mandala Art With Me!

Henna art in mandalas

If you’ve ever admired the intricate designs of henna art, you’ll find that it translates beautifully into mandalas. Henna-inspired mandalas often feature floral motifs, delicate lines, and detailed patterns. To incorporate henna elements into your digital mandalas, focus on using thin, precise lines and organic shapes. You might want to look at traditional henna designs for inspiration, but feel free to add your personal twist. The fusion of henna art and mandalas can result in stunning, culturally rich designs.

How to make digital mandala art

Creating digital mandalas might sound complex, but with the right tools and a bit of practice, it’s quite accessible. One of the best tools for creating digital mandalas is Procreate – a powerful digital illustration app available on the iPad.

procreate symmetry

Procreate has a built-in symmetry tool that makes drawing mandalas a breeze. To get started, open a new canvas and go to the “Actions” menu (the wrench icon). Under the “Canvas” tab, enable “Drawing Guide” and then tap “Edit Drawing Guide.” Here, you’ll find the “Symmetry” option. Select “Radial Symmetry” to start creating a mandala where every stroke you make is mirrored around the center point.

Start with a simple design and gradually build up the complexity by adding layers and experimenting with different brushes and colors. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – digital art allows you to easily undo or modify your work. The more you practice, the more your unique style will emerge.

Sell your Digital Mandala Art

Once you’ve honed your skills, you might consider selling your digital mandala art. The great thing about digital art is that it’s easy to reproduce in various forms, making it highly marketable. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Mandala Coloring Pages

Mandala coloring pages are hugely popular, especially in the adult coloring book market. You can create your own set of mandala designs and sell them as printable PDFs or physical coloring books. This is a fantastic way to monetize your art, as coloring books continue to be in high demand for their stress-relieving benefits.

Mandala Stickers

If you like coloring you mandalas yourself, why not sell the completed piece as a sticker? Stickers are another fun and profitable way to sell your mandala art. Platforms like Etsy or Society6 make it easy to upload your designs and turn them into stickers that people can buy. Whether it’s for decorating laptops, water bottles, or journals, mandala stickers are a hit with those who love bohemian or spiritual aesthetics.

Mandala Wall Art

If you’re feeling ambitious, consider creating mandala designs for wall tapestries. These large, fabric prints are popular in home decor, especially among those who enjoy a zen or bohemian vibe. You can work with print-on-demand companies to produce and sell your designs without worrying about inventory or shipping.

Share Your Mandala Art with Others!

Creating art is fulfilling, but sharing it with others takes that joy to the next level. Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with fellow artists and potential buyers. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are ideal for showcasing your mandala art. Don’t just post your final pieces – share your process, the story behind each design, and any tips you have for other artists.

Art Markets

Beyond the digital realm, consider participating in local art markets or craft fairs. These events are great opportunities to sell your mandala art in person and connect with your community. You might find that people are even more interested in purchasing your work after hearing the story behind it.

Henna Painting

Remember how I mentioned that henna designs make great mandalas? Well if you enjoy working with your hands, you could also explore henna painting at local events. Offering temporary henna tattoos with mandala designs can be a unique way to engage with people and introduce them to your digital art. Plus, it’s a fun, hands-on experience that lets you share your love for mandalas in a different medium.

I’ve seen henna artist give tattoos at Baby showers! Imagine going to a party and doing some tattoos, then handing out cards for people to shop on your website. You’ve just made some money as an artist and introduced new customers to your art.

Art Blog

Don’t underestimate the power of the internet. Consider starting a blog or YouTube channel where you share tutorials, time-lapse videos, and behind-the-scenes content. The more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities will come your way and larger your audience can build.

How to Make Digital Mandala Art for Beginners