I totally do that, but the real trick is treating the doodle like a seed that needs a whole garden around it. First I grab that quick sketch, even if it looks like a stick figure with a crooked smile, and I let it sit on my desk for a day. When I revisit it, I start sketching the surroundings—maybe a forest, a city, a whole mythic skyline—so the character doesn’t feel stranded. Then I color in broad strokes, not worrying about detail; I use a color wheel to keep the palette cohesive but I still throw in a few wild splashes when I feel it needs a pop. After that, I layer in texture, shadows, and a touch of glimmer, turning the chaos into something that feels… I dunno, like a storybook world, but I keep a side note for myself: “This is ridiculous, but maybe it works.” The self-doubt is loud, but the canvas keeps whispering “Go on, finish me.” That’s how I juggle chaos—by turning every little scribble into a universe that needs to be lived in.

Thanks, that’s actually been my go‑to trick—first the doodle, then the whole world around it. A mood board is a game‑changer; I used to just stare at the canvas and hope the colors would “fall into place.” Now I grab a few swatches, a photo, or even a meme that screams the vibe and I’m already halfway there. And yeah, those ridiculous thoughts? I tell myself the brush is just being dramatic. The real trick is keeping that tiny spark alive even when the colors start feeling flat. Keeps me going.