A lot of people with dyslexia find themselves drawn to art. It makes sense: for many of us, being creative and indulging in the things we’re interested in is a comfortable way to express ourselves. But does that relationship go further—as well as helping us press pause on our 9-to-5, can engaging in art and creativity actually help us be more mindful, and support some of the stressors that come with living with dyslexia? 

In this blog, we’ll look at why it is art and dyslexia often go together, how making art can help with a more mindful you, and some practical ways to get started.  

Why do we tend to think of dyslexic brains as good at art? 

There’s a long-standing idea that people with dyslexia are naturally gifted in the arts. Is there actually any truth behind it? 

Some. Research has shown that individuals with dyslexia can excel in areas of ‘divergent thinking’—things like originality, flexibility, and the ability to generate out-of-the-box ideas. And many people with dyslexia do report seeming to have a knack for visual-spatial processing, which means they can imagine, manipulate, and create images in their minds with ease. This might explain why art and dyslexia seem to go together so well: it might be that the dyslexic brain is just kind of… built for it. 

...But it’s not just about innate ability.  

Sometimes, the challenges of navigating a world built for non-dyslexic brains mean that dyslexic people develop a set of creative problem-solving skills out of necessity. When reading or writing feels like an uphill battle, self-expression through drawing, painting or sculpting can become a natural outlet for frustrations and negative emotions—a place where the rules aren’t quite as set in stone, and mistakes get made in a more malleable environment. There are multiple ways to make a drawing of a face look good… but only one way to spell something correctly.  

So there is a solid foundation for the idea that art and dyslexia make a powerful pair. But is that the only reason we’ve forged that mental link?  

Famous dyslexic artists who changed the world 

When we talk about art and dyslexia, it’s impossible not to mention some of the trailblazers who’ve shaped our creative landscape. 

• Robert Rauschenberg: Known for his innovative “Combines,” Rauschenberg’s dyslexia influenced his approach to art, encouraging him to experiment and break boundaries. 

• Leonardo da Vinci: While never formally diagnosed (dyslexia as a concept didn’t exist in his time), historians believe da Vinci’s mirror writing and unconventional thinking may have been linked to dyslexia. 

• Pablo Picasso: Like da Vinci, Picasso reportedly struggled with reading in school but found his voice through painting and sculpture. 

But what if I’m not good at art? 

Blame da Vinci— he’s set the standard ridiculously high for all of us. Cheers, Leo.  

But in all seriousness, that’s a really good point. Not everyone who’s dyslexic is going to be good at art, and not everybody good at art is going to have dyslexia. It’s actually a fairly toxic mindset to assume that because somebody’s neurodivergent that they’ll be good at x, y and z-traits that some other people who have that same neurodiversity are good at. Everybody’s dyslexia experience is different, and the way those skills are practised and honed can have a huge impact on how good we feel at the task.  

So don’t feel bad if you’re a dyslexic person and your mum had to ask ‘oh… what is it?’ before she put one of your drawings on the fridge. Art and dyslexia may go hand in hand for some, but there’s nothing to say that you’re doing dyslexia wrong if you’re not great at the creative side of things, or haven’t had the opportunities to hone those skills in your life.  

Art and dyslexia, identity, and the neurodivergent sense of self 

For many neurodivergent people, including those with dyslexia, developing a strong sense of self can be tricky. Even in the 2020s, the world often sends messages—sometimes subtle ones, sometimes incredibly, obnoxiously loud ones—that being different is a glitch that needs a fix. And this kind of mindset can make it tough to feel confident or even to know who you are outside of labels and assessments and diagnoses, especially when you’re constantly fighting against the idea that there’s something inherently wrong with you. 

(There isn’t). 

But here’s where art and dyslexia can collectively work a little magic. Creative expression can give dyslexic people a way to explore, define, and celebrate their identities on their own terms. And through it, you can engage with ideas that might be hard to put into words: as cheesy as it sounds, art can become your mirror, and help you work out what it is that’s important to you. 

And doing art can actually help you build resilience, especially if you’re dealing with stress or tough emotions. When you create something—whether it’s a messy sketch or a canvas piece—you get a chance to work through those emotions that might be hard to talk about. Over time, this process can help you spot patterns in how you react to challenges and give you new ways to cope.  

Art and dyslexia: is that a pathway to mindfulness? 

…And that brings us quite neatly to another topic at the heart of the art and dyslexia conversation: mindfulness. 

Mindfulness is the practice of paying full attention to what’s happening in the moment, without judging or overthinking it. It’s about noticing where you are, what you’re doing, and how you’re feeling right now, rather than getting caught up in worries about the past or future. It’s all about being present—focusing on the here and now, rather than worrying about the past or future.  

And when you’re properly absorbed in drawing, painting, or sculpting, your brain often enters a flow state. This is a calm, focused mindset where stressors don’t command as much processing power from your brain, and creativity takes centre stage—meaning that you have the mental breathing space to process your emotions and mine deeper into what makes you tick. 

So art and dyslexia go pretty well together. How can I get started?

So we’ve established that doing art can do us a lot of good, especially if you’ve got a dyslexic brain. But whilst the connection between art and dyslexia is inspiring, it’s important to acknowledge the barriers that can stand in the way of somebody and getting started with a creative hobby, and make that link harder to forge.  

• Material costs: Art and dyslexia don’t always go hand-in-hand on a budget. For dyslexic individuals who may face employment challenges or lower incomes, buying paints, canvases, or digital tools can be tough. One decent tip is to check out the kids sections of supermarkets: here you can find pens, pencils and paints far cheaper than at art supply retailers, making them a great resource for folks who are watching their finances. 

• Internet access and joining groups: Online art communities and courses are fantastic resources, but they require reliable internet. And not everyone has the reading level to identify and navigate these spaces, and it can limit opportunities to connect, learn, and share, so make sure you’re using all the text-to-speech options that your devices have available.  

• Confidence challenges: The fear of “not being good enough” or “not fitting in” can make joining an art class or sharing their work feel daunting. If this is the case, you could practice sharing work with your family and friends first, and building your confidence from there.  

• Meeting new people: Social anxiety or past negative experiences can make it hard to reach out and join new groups, even when they’re supportive and inclusive. Try joining with a friend to start with, or kickstart something within your own friendship group? 

These barriers are real, but they’re not insurmountable. Recognising them is the first step to finding solutions and making art accessible for every dyslexic person who wants to explore their creative side. 

Ways dyslexic people can engage in art for mindfulness 

Here’s a practical checklist to help you get started—no matter your experience or resources: 

• Start small and use what you have: You don’t need fancy supplies. Use what’s cheap, what you have, or what you can borrow to start with. What matters is starting!  

• Try digital art apps: Many free or low-cost apps let you draw, paint, or collage on your phone or tablet—no mess, no pressure. 

• Find an art buddy: sometimes, sharing a hobby with a friend can keep you motivated and helps you find new inspiration along the way. 

• Use art as a journal: Try sketching your thoughts and feelings instead of writing them. This can be a powerful way to process emotions and build self-awareness. 

• Set aside “mindful art time”: Even ten minutes a day can help you unwind and focus. Treat it as a form of self-care, not a performance. 

• Share your work (if you want to!): Whether it’s with friends, family, or an online community, sharing your art can boost confidence and help you connect with others who understand the art and dyslexia journey. 

• Celebrate progress, not perfection: Remember, art is about expression, not getting it “right.” Every mark you make is a step forward. 

Art and dyslexia often work well together, and getting creative can be a genuinely helpful way to slow down and check in with yourself.  

If you feel like giving it a go, grab whatever materials you have and see where it takes you. You don’t need to be an expert—just making something for yourself can make a real difference!