About the Zentangle® Method

Created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, the Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. These patterns are called tangles. Tangles are created with combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, S-curves and orbs. The patterns are drawn on small pieces of paper called "tiles" because you can assemble them into mosaics.

Zentangle art is non-representational and unplanned so you can focus on each stroke and not worry about the result. There is no up or down to Zentangle art. In fact, you can most easily create Zentangle art by rotating your tile as you tangle, always keeping your hand in a relaxed position.

You do not need to know what a tangle is going to look like to draw it; you just need to know the steps. The result is a delightful surprise.

As you use the Zentangle Method to create beautiful images, you may enjoy increased focus, creativity, self-confidence and an increased sense well-being.

Learn more at Zentangle.com.

About Deb

I am a Certified Zentangle Teacher and User Experience Design Director living in San Francisco. Having fundraised for arts and enrichments at my children’s public schools for almost a decade, I am a strong proponent of equity and access to education. I believe that anyone can be an artist and everyone has a right to enjoy creativity. That’s why I love the Zentangle Method—it can be done anywhere without a big time commitment, specialized materials, or prior training. Through structured patterns and simple guidelines, anyone is free to create beautiful drawings.


I’ve been “tangling” since 2018, when I was doodling in my notebook and a coworker said that it looked like his friend’s Zentangle art. I looked it up and was immediately hooked! Since 2022, I've hosted 2-to-3-hour in-person and Zoom classes. To enhance my teaching technique, I completed the 39th Certified Zentangle Teacher course in 2022 and am looking forward to teaching more regularly to share the joy of Zentangle.


I personally turn to Zentangle regularly for self-care, both to enhance my creativity and reduce stress from work, school, and family obligations. In this era of always being connected, it's easy to lose yourself in responsibilities to others. I've found Zentangle to be a fulfilling way to reconnect with myself and a worldwide community of kind, supportive artists.


I can't wait to share the fun with you in local classes and meet-ups! Contact me and check out my Instagram @debtjoa to see what you could learn to create.