Doodles Come Alive

Evan Hollis

Hello and welcome back to the doodle podcast. I'm Evan Hollis, and as always, I'm joined by Jill. Today, we're diving into something that's been popping up everywhere—interactive doodle art installations. Jill, have you noticed how these things are just, well, kind of taking over public spaces lately?

732ebba7

Absolutely, Evan. It's wild. I mean, it used to be that doodling was this private, almost absent-minded thing you did in the margins of your notebook. Now, it's like—boom—giant doodle walls at festivals, train stations, even airports. And people are lining up to add their own little squiggle or character.

Evan Hollis

Yeah, and it's not just markers and paper anymore. I stumbled on this spontaneous doodle wall at a London train station a few months back. It started as a blank panel, and by the end of the day, it was this riot of color and stories. There were digital screens, too—people could draw with their fingers, and the images would get projected up on the wall. It was, honestly, a bit mesmerizing. I almost missed my train, which, uh, is saying something for me.

732ebba7

That sounds amazing. And it really shows how artists are blending traditional doodling with tech—like projection mapping, interactive tablets, even AR sometimes. It's not just about the drawing anymore, it's about the experience, right?

Evan Hollis

Exactly. It's like the line between artist and audience is getting blurrier every year. And I think that's part of why these installations are so popular—they invite you in, make you part of the process. It's art in everyday life, not just something you look at from a distance.

732ebba7

And that brings us to something I find really fascinating—the way these installations turn viewers into co-creators. Like, you’re not just watching, you’re actually shaping the artwork. I remember seeing photos from 'The Doodle Room' at Art Basel. It was this massive, colorful space where people could just grab a marker and go wild on the walls. By the end, it was this living, breathing piece of collective creativity.

Evan Hollis

Yeah, and it’s not just about the final product, is it? It’s about the process, the playfulness. There’s something a bit childlike about it, in the best way. You see people who probably haven’t drawn anything since school just jumping in, laughing, collaborating with strangers. It’s infectious.

732ebba7

Totally. It actually reminds me of collaborative design sprints in tech. You get a bunch of people in a room, throw out the rules, and just start sketching ideas together. Sometimes the best stuff comes from that spontaneous, slightly chaotic energy. I think interactive doodle art taps into that same spirit—creativity without pressure, just for the joy of it.

Evan Hollis

That’s a great point. And, you know, building on what we talked about in our episode on AI and the Doodle Challenge, there’s this sense of play and experimentation that’s really at the heart of both. Whether it’s tech or art, when you invite people to participate, you get these unexpected, delightful results.

732ebba7

And I think that’s what makes these installations so powerful for community engagement. They break down barriers—suddenly, everyone’s an artist, and you’re connecting with people you might never have spoken to otherwise. Plus, the mediums are getting more innovative all the time. I’ve seen augmented reality doodles where you scan a wall with your phone and see animations pop up, or tactile surfaces that invite you to draw by touch.

Evan Hollis

Yeah, and it’s funny, I was restoring this old radio the other week—one of those big wooden ones from, I think, the 1940s? Anyway, someone had covered the back in doodles. Little faces, musical notes, all sorts. It made me think—people have always wanted to leave their mark, to make something ordinary a bit more personal. Now, with all this new tech, the possibilities are just exploding. I mean, who knows what the next wave will look like?

732ebba7

Right? Maybe we’ll see interactive doodle sculptures, or even spaces where your doodles trigger sounds or lights. The future’s wide open. And honestly, I love that these projects keep reminding us that creativity isn’t just for the so-called “artists”—it’s for everyone.

Evan Hollis

Couldn’t agree more. And I think that’s a perfect note to end on for today. Thanks for joining us as we explored the world of interactive doodle art. We’ll be back soon with more stories, more noodles, and probably a few more poodles. Jill, always a pleasure.

732ebba7

Always great chatting, Evan. And thanks to everyone listening—go find a wall to doodle on, with permission, of course. See you next time!