5. Rule-Based Drawing -- A MicroGenesis Course

A structured path into surprising creativity.

Most people think rules limit creativity — but in truth, the right constraints unlock originality. This course shows you how to use small, intentional rules to bypass overthinking, reduce perfectionism, and jump straight into flow.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, rule-based drawing becomes a powerful tool for building focus, confidence, and play.

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What You’ll Learn

• How to create your own drawing rules

Simple prompts like “3 circles, 2 lines, 4 squares” become springboards for endless creativity.

• How to work inside limits without feeling restricted

Discover how boundaries actually free your imagination.

• How to start a drawing even when you have no idea what to draw

Rules give you instant structure so you never face a blank page with dread.

• How to transform a rule-based start into a personal, expressive drawing

No two students will ever produce the same result — that’s the magic.

• How to recognize patterns, rhythms, and compositions you never expected

Rules lead to discoveries you couldn’t have planned.

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Inside the Course (Modules 1–5)

Module 1 — What Rule-Based Drawing Is

Learn the purpose, mindset, and creative power behind drawing with deliberate constraints.

Module 2 — How to Build Your First Sets of Rules

Use circles, lines, shapes, and simple numeric structures to create endless prompts.

Includes guidance for working on larger paper (8.5×11 or 9×12) so you can later cut micro-drawings from the results.

Module 3 — Turning Rules Into Flow

Move from structure into intuition — discover how your drawings evolve once the rules are complete.

Module 4 — Building Complexity

Layer rules, change scale, overlap shapes, and experiment with rhythm and variation.

Module 5 — Breaking the Rules Intentionally

Learn how to push past your own boundaries.

Includes guidance for students who initially find rules “too restrictive” and want to blend structure with freedom.

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Who This Course Is For

• Anyone who feels blocked creatively

• Artists wanting fresh approaches

• Writers or makers who want a visual mindfulness practice

• People who get overwhelmed by perfectionism

• Anyone building a 10-minute-a-day creative ritual

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What You’ll Need

• Pen (recommended: Micron 05 or similar)

• Paper (8.5×11 or 9×12 Bristol works beautifully)

• Optional: scrap paper or sketchbook to test pattern ideas

• Optional: ruler, but not required

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Why It Works

Rule-based drawing cuts through hesitation and gives you instant momentum.

It’s not about making “perfect art.”

It’s about giving your attention somewhere restful, rhythmic, and alive.

These simple constraints open the door to bold, unexpected, expressive drawings — even if you’ve never drawn before.