Painting & Drawing: Why Your Brain Needs Messy Hobbies

Did you know 37.4% of Brits craft? Here's what that means for you

That’s the figure from a 2024 Anglia Ruskin University study of 7,182 UK participants (Anglia Ruskin University / Frontiers). And what did those crafters report? Higher happiness and life satisfaction than non-crafters. As someone who’s smeared paint on canvas and doodled in margins for decades, I’m not surprised. But the number that really floored me? The same study found that crafting boosted people’s sense that life is worthwhile about 1.6 times more than being in employment. Let that sink in. Your nine-to-five might pay the bills, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the existential payoff of a watercolor sunset. That’s the kind of statistic that makes me want to throw a paintbrush at anyone who calls art a “frivolous” hobby.

Isn’t painting and drawing just for “talented” people?

This is the biggest myth I want to bust, and I’ll say it loud: you do not need talent to benefit from making art. The study didn’t measure artistic skill—it measured participation. People who doodled, sketched, or painted reaped the rewards. The mechanism? Creative activities release dopamine and serotonin while lowering the stress hormone cortisol (Anglia Ruskin University / Frontiers). That’s not something reserved for the gifted; it’s a biological response to the act of creating. So if you’ve been telling yourself “I can’t draw a straight line,” you’re missing the point. I can’t either, and I’ve sold pieces. The joy is in the process, not the product.

Do I need fancy supplies to start?

No, and here’s where I get opinionated: skip the $200 starter kit. A basic set of pencils, a sketchbook, and a few tubes of acrylic paint will do. The fact base doesn’t cover pricing, so I’ll speak from experience—you can start for under $30. The point is to create, not to impress anyone with your equipment. I’ve seen people use coffee as watercolor and cardboard as canvas. What matters is that you show up. The Anglia Ruskin study didn’t measure the cost of supplies; it measured the frequency of engagement. So stop procrastinating on the “right” materials and grab whatever you’ve got.

Is crafting social or solitary? (It can be both)

Another misconception: art is a lonely pursuit. Actually, crafting communities grow through in-person groups such as knitting circles and scrapbooking ‘crop nights’ as well as online forums (Crafts history (Wikipedia)). And while that fact is about knitting and scrapbooking, I’ve seen the same for painting—think paint-and-sip nights or urban sketching meetups. The social aspect can amplify the benefits. But don’t feel pressured to join a group if you’re an introvert like me. Solitary sketching in a café works too. The key is consistency, not company. The study’s participants did their crafting solo or in groups, and the wellbeing boost held. So whether you’re a loner or a social butterfly, there’s a place for you in the art world.

What’s the best craft for a beginner? (Comparing painting, drawing, and more)

The table above is my quick guide, but I’ll zoom in on painting and drawing. Both are accessible, but painting is messier—emotionally and physically. You can’t hide a bad painting; it stares at you. Drawing is more forgiving. But don’t let mess deter you; it’s part of the fun. If you’re unsure, start with drawing. It’s cheaper, less intimidating, and you can do it anywhere. Then graduate to painting when you crave color.

What I’d actually do

Here’s my concrete advice: carve out 20 minutes, three times a week, and just make marks. Set a timer, put on music, and let your hand wander. Don’t judge the outcome. The study’s participants did a variety of crafts, from fiber arts to paper crafts (Crafts history (Wikipedia)), but the principle is universal: engagement is key. I’d also recommend trying a craft with a social component, like a knitting circle or a paint-and-sip class, because the community can keep you accountable. But if that’s not your jam, that’s fine. The science is clear: making things makes life feel more worthwhile, and it’s a better mood booster than your job. So pick up a pencil, a brush, or a ball of yarn, and start. Your brain will thank you.

Sources

• Anglia Ruskin University / Frontiers - https://www.frontiersin.org/news/2024/08/16/arts-and-crafts-improves-mental-health-frontiers-public-health
• Crafts history (Wikipedia) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handicraft