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Some lines go nowhere. Some shapes don’t look like anything at all — they’re simply a child’s doodles. But to a child, a doodle can tell a story, express a feeling, or simply bring joy. At Tiny Land, we believe children’s first art experience isn’t about perfect technique — it’s about freedom: letting them scribble and express themselves however they want.
That’s why we invited children’s book illustrator Thea Lu to share her childhood memories and insights on why letting kids draw freely is one of the greatest gifts parents can give.
Meet the Illustrator – Thea Lu
For children’s book illustrator Thea Lu, drawing was never about being perfect — it was about the joy of exploration.
“I think the first thing I ever ‘officially’ drew was my dad,” she recalls. “But honestly, kids don’t need the idea of ‘official.’ We just liked to draw.”
Growing up in a small seaside city, Thea spent her childhood playing in the sand and sketching for fun. She had a kind teacher who didn’t grade her drawings — just played alongside her, sometimes drawing together.
Today, Thea is an award-winning picture book creator. Her books include Here & There (named one of the New York Times / New York Public Library’s Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2024), I Like to Be Little, Dive, Dive into the Night Sea (longlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Illustration 2025), and others.
She holds a Master’s degree in Children’s Book Illustration from the Cambridge School of Art, and her work has been featured in prestigious exhibitions like the Bologna Children's Book Fair.
Reflecting on her career, Thea says, “I didn’t draw to impress. I drew because I had space to.”
What Actually Helps a Child Draw Freely?
What truly helped Thea develop her artistic spirit? The simple answer: freedom without pressure. She didn’t grow up with strict lessons or expectations — just art supplies always within reach whenever she wanted them.
“My parents didn’t organize anything or tell me what to draw. They just left paper, markers, and crayons where I could grab them. That was enough.”
To help children draw freely at home, try creating a relaxed, no-pressure art space:
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Keep materials accessible, not locked away.
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Create a personal, cozy art corner that feels safe and inviting.
Some days it’s a big easel, other days it’s just a small board — and both can spark amazing creativity.
That’s exactly why we designed the Tiny Land Easel — to be a welcoming space for little hands to explore without rules or lessons.
It’s not a classroom; it’s a place to be free.
“The best art corner isn’t about lessons — it’s about freedom.”
Two Simple Activities That Let Kids Enjoy Drawing Their Way
When we asked illustrator Thea Lu for fun, family-friendly art ideas, she shared two of her favorite go-to kids drawing activities — simple, silly, and filled with creative freedom. These aren’t about perfection — they’re about joy, surprise, and letting kids take the lead.
Mix-a-Monster Game
Turn drawing into a game of surprises!- Divide a sheet of paper into four sections: head, body, arms, and legs.
- Each family member draws one part — without looking at what others have done.
- Unfold the paper to reveal your silly, unexpected “monster”!
Veggie Stamp Painting
Let your fridge become your art box!- Grab veggies like celery, sweet potatoes, or carrot, and slice them into fun shapes — circles, triangles, spikes — whatever you like.
- Dip them into different paint colors, then stamp onto paper to explore textures, patterns, and color mixing.
Why These Work
These kinds of low-pressure creative moments give kids ownership. They learn that art doesn’t need to be perfect — it just needs to be theirs.
“These activities aren’t about the final product,” Thea says. “They’re about joy, discovery, and the freedom to create something we didn’t expect.”
What Comes After the Drawing?
Keep the Play Going “A drawing isn’t the end,” Thea says. “It’s just the beginning of more stories to tell.”
Once the silly monster is complete, don’t stop there — turn your child’s artwork into something special. You can host a mini art show at home, hang the drawings on the Tiny Land easel like a gallery wall, or turn them into cards and gifts for friends. Kids love seeing their work shared and celebrated.
In Thea’s video, she pieces together the monster on her easel — then keeps going, using chalk to add more drawings, more stories, more fun.
That’s the fun of a creative corner. Always have a space that belongs just to them. Whether it’s a playroom nook or a quiet spot by the window, the Tiny Land Easel transforms any corner into their art corner — ready for whatever comes next.
Final Thoughts – It’s About Freedom, Not Perfection
Not every child will grow up to be an artist — and that’s perfectly okay. What matters is giving children the space to explore, express, and simply enjoy making marks — without being told how it should look.
“If your child is ‘just scribbling,’ that’s perfectly fine. Scribbling is the start of everything.”
We don’t need to correct or judge. Sometimes, the best gift is simply allowing kids to draw freely. Because the freedom they feel today might stay with them for life.
When we asked Thea if she had anything she’d like to share with Tiny Land families, her answer was heartfelt:
“I hope every Tiny Lander has a joyful childhood. And I hope parents can keep encouraging their little ones, giving them space to grow, to explore, and to do what they love — freely.”
Ready to create a special space where your child’s imagination can grow? Discover the Tiny Land kids art easel and set up your own at-home art space for kids today. Let them doodle, explore, and create freely!
