Starting My Zentangle Journey

     My first encounter with Zentangle was about a year ago when I was surfing the web. Stumbling across these very intricate and detailed line designs I thought to myself that it would be really cool if I could do that, but it seemed out of my reach. I had no idea how to start it and with my busy schedule had no time to invest in trying. I went to the Zentangle website and found that there was a certified teacher in my area, but never contacted her about taking a class.
     Months later I was hearing so much about Zentangle that my curiosity was peaked again. One of my friends encouraged me to take the class so I contacted Marta, the CZT in Port Hueneme and signed up. One of the main reasons for taking the class was to see if Zentangle would be something I would want to invest in and eventually teach my own classes. The morning of the class I was so excited I could hardly wait to leave my house. There were 6 of us in a tiny room and Marta at the front with a large Newsprint Pad of paper. The supplies were nicely arranged in front of each seat and after we all introduced ourselves we got started.
     As an artist who draws regularly I found that I was doing something that I had never done before. This type of drawing was only something I did in the corners of my notebook papers. I was starting from level one, just like those in the class that had very little drawing experience. I had 2 main struggles during the class. First was drawing with ink and not being allowed to draw my lines in pencil first. Second was adding pencil shading to my ink drawing. I was able to overcome the first but still had a hard time with the second.
    By the end of the class I was sold on Zentangle and knew I wanted to become a Certified Zentangle Teacher. Now that the decision was made I had to figure out the logistics. The only place of Certification is in Providence, Rhode Island. With more encouragement from my friends and family I put together a GoFundMe page and asked for donations to send me to Rhode Island to become a CZT. Within a month the money I need to go had been raised! I couldn't believe how much support I was given. I love being apart of the community I am in.
     On June 19th I left for Rhode Island and started CZT Seminar 20 a few days later. By taking the seminar I understood why you need to take the seminar if you want to be a certified teacher. I learned more about the Zentangle Method in 4 days then I ever could have from any other source. Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, the founders of Zentangle, have spent years developing this method, researching the best materials to use and certifying others to teach Zentangle the way it is meant to be taught. I met amazing people at the seminar, made life long friends and am now apart of a CZT community that spans across the world. Here are some photos from my trip.

   

     The whole week became an experience. From the accommodating hotel staff to the wonderful meals and the love and attention to detail that was given to the workshops made for an experience, not just a class. Rick and Maria lead by example and provided a week that I will never forget.