The Joy of Creating: Why Some People Simply Love to Make Art – No Audience Required In a world full of pressure to perform, share, and perfect, there's something quietly revolutionary about sitting down with a gel pen and a colouring book page featuring a majestic dragon. No deadlines, no likes needed—just you, the page, and the slow, satisfying glide of ink across intricate scales and wings. Creating isn't always about producing something "valuable" in the eyes of others. For many, the deepest pull comes from the act itself. When you pick up those vibrant gel pens—perhaps layering shimmering blues over deep greens for iridescent dragon hide or adding white highlights to make flames pop—the mind quiets. The repetitive motion of colouring detailed lines, like the swirling mane or fierce eyes of a dragon, draws you into a meditative flow. Research on adult colouring, especially intricate designs like mandalas or fantasy creatures, shows it reduces anxiety, lowers stress, and promotes mindfulness by anchoring attention in the present moment. It's a gentle way to hush the inner critic and let the brain breathe. What makes it even more powerful is the freedom from perfection. Some folks chase flawless results, turning creation into a chore that drains rather than energizes. But when creating is viewed as pure expression—not a task to master—magic happens. The dragon doesn't have to be gallery-ready; its scales can shimmer unevenly, its flames might blend in unexpected ways. That's okay. In fact, that's the point. The satisfaction comes from the process: watching colours build, feeling the texture of gel ink dry glossy and bright, seeing the page transform under your hand. It pleases the one person who matters in that moment—you. This personal joy explains why so many return to colouring books, sketchpads, or any medium that lets them play without judgment. It's not about impressing an audience or proving skill; it's about reclaiming a simple, human need to make something beautiful (or fierce, or whimsical) just because it feels good. So next time you see a time-lapse of gel pens bringing a dragon to life, remember: behind every stroke is someone choosing joy over obligation. And that's a kind of art worth celebrating.
