@introvertdoodles
We were delighted to interview Marzi, the creative mind behind @introvertdoodles. With her doodles, she shares what it feels like to be an introvert, advocates for mental health, and takes a humorous approach on everyday embarrassing situations and challenges. Read on to get a glimpse into her wonderful mind and laugh out loud with us!
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I wanted to be a cheerleader for the Dallas Cowboys because they get to wear glittery outfits and cowboy hats.
What are some of the choices you’ve made that made you who you are?
Most of my choices were made for me earlier in life. Only in the past couple of years have I been proactive about creating a life I love. The biggest and most rewarding choice was to allow myself to be vulnerable with others.
What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?
Sleeping in late, reading, and cuddling my puppy.
What role does social media play in your life?
Instagram has become a community for me. It’s an outlet, a support network, and a source of inspiration. I’ve spent my life being quiet, so it’s lovely that I can share my voice in a way that’s comfortable for me.
If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?
I’d like to be wildly good at knitting so I could yarn bomb all the things. I would make cozies for every object in my home.
What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?
I’m very proud of the books I’ve published. Holding a copy of “Introvert Doodles” for the first time… that felt good.
Tell us about Introvert Doodles. How did you come up with the idea? Did anyone or an event, in particular, serve as inspiration for your doodles?
I took an online personality quiz a couple of years ago, and that was the first time I realized I was an introvert. I started doodling my thoughts about introversion as a way to process what I was discovering about myself.
I started doodling my thoughts about introversion as a way to process what I was discovering about myself.
What influences your artistic vision?
Most of my doodles stem from personal life experiences. I make a note on my phone whenever anything silly happens.
What’s your definition of mindfulness? What is the first step to becoming mindful in your day-to-day life?
Mindfulness is a state of internal acceptance. It’s letting go of the internal struggle and noise, and just being with yourself, in the moment. To reach that state, I first have to acknowledge whatever emotions I’m feeling. “Oh yes, hello, anger, I see you. It’s okay you’re here, but right now we are just going to breathe together.”
Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time?
From the inception of Introvert Doodles, I had the goal to figure out which of my behaviors were due to introversion, and which were due to my clinical anxiety. Introversion and anxiety are two different things, and I wanted to learn how to embrace the former while addressing the latter. I finally decided to compile a collection of doodles about anxiety, and they were published in a book now available. It’s called “Kind of Coping: An Illustrated Look At Life With Anxiety,” and it’s a project that’s close to my heart.
I had the goal to figure out which of my behaviors were due to introversion, and which were due to my clinical anxiety.
What is your no-fail go-to when you need inspiration or to get out of a creative rut?
I go out! I have a strong inclination to stay at home, but I usually get lots of new material when I force myself to go to a party. I’m the queen of awkward situations.
If you could invite anyone in the world to dinner, who would it be?
Do I have to? I’d much rather order pizza and eat it with my dog.
In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you build yourself back up?
I give myself pep talks, usually in doodle form. I’ll illustrate what I want for myself, and seeing it in full color somehow makes that hope seem possible.
A book or a film that transformed your life?
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, by Susan Cain. I recommend it to anyone who will listen.
What does the world need more of? Less of?
More listening. Truly hearing what another person has to say.
Check out Marzi’s Instagram for more and her shop, where you can get her books.
Edited by Ely Bakouche
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