1. Start with Simple Shapes:
* Dogs: Begin with a circle for the head, then add an oval for the body.
* Cats: Two triangles for the ears, a circle for the head, and a long oval for the body.
* Birds: An oval for the body, a small circle for the head, and a triangle for the beak.
* Rabbits: A circle for the head, an oval for the body, and two rounded triangles for the ears.
2. Add Details:
* Eyes: Use dots, circles, or almond shapes. For extra cuteness, make the eyes large and add pupils.
* Nose: A small triangle, a circle, or a squiggly line.
* Mouth: A simple line for a closed mouth, a curved line for a smile, or a "V" shape for an open mouth.
* Ears: Add floppy or perky ears depending on the animal.
* Legs/Tail: For four-legged animals, use simple lines for legs. Tails can be a curly line, a straight line, or a fluffy puff.
3. Use Lines to Show Texture and Movement:
* Fur: Use short, wavy lines for fluffy animals.
* Feathers: Add small, overlapping lines or hatches to create the texture of feathers.
* Whiskers: For cats and some dogs, draw a few short lines around the nose and mouth.
4. Get Creative with Expressions:
* Happy: Wide eyes, smiling mouth, wagging tail.
* Sad: Droopy ears, small eyes, a frown.
* Sleepy: Closed eyes, a small yawn.
* Surprised: Wide eyes, open mouth.
5. Don't Be Afraid to Experiment:
* Add accessories: Draw a collar, a leash, a hat, or a bowtie.
* Play with colors: Use different colors to add personality and fun.
* Change the pose: Try drawing your animal sitting, standing, jumping, or sleeping.
Here's a step-by-step example of doodling a dog:
1. Start with a circle for the head and an oval for the body.
2. Draw two triangles for the ears and a small circle for the nose.
3. Add two big circles for the eyes and a curved line for a smile.
4. Draw four small lines for the legs and a curly line for the tail.
5. Use short, wavy lines to show the dog's fur.
Remember: The best doodles are the ones you enjoy creating! Relax, have fun, and let your creativity shine through.